More Than Just a Cold: How to Recognize Sinusitis

A sinusitis can be caused by a delayed cold. What helps against the unpleasant complaints, we will tell you here.

What is sinusitis?

In the case of an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (“sinusitis”) the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses is inflamed. These are air-filled cavities that are connected to the nose. A sinusitis can have both an acute and a chronic course. As a result of the inflammation, the mucous membranes of the sinuses swell and produce an excessive amount of secretion, which then continuously seeps out of the nose in the form of mucus and prevents nasal breathing.

Do I have an acute or a chronic sinusitis?

It depends on the duration of the complaints, which form of sinusitis is present. This is how they are distinguished:

• Acute sinusitis: The acute form can last two to four weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis: The chronic variant lasts up to twelve weeks. If the sinusitis occurs more often than four times a year, but always disappears completely in between, it is called a recurrent course.

What causes sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis often develops from a normal cold (rhinitis) after pathogens have attacked the nasal mucous membranes. The transition is usually fluid – and since the symptoms are similar, it is not always easy to distinguish between the two. In medicine, this is referred to as rhinosinusitis. Incidentally, sinusitis can affect any of the paranasal sinuses – from the so-called maxillary sinus, frontal sinus and sphenoidal sinus to the ethmoid bone, where the sensitive ethmoid cells are located.

Sinusitis symptoms

Besides severe rhinitis, sinusitis also manifests itself through the following symptoms:

• Pressure pains in the head and face
• Disturbed sense of smell
• Toothache
• Frequently strong feeling of illness

Treatment: What helps with sinusitis?

Although sinusitis is annoying due to the severe cold and the constantly running nose, it usually heals without consequences. To alleviate the symptoms, some home remedies for sinusitis are available:

• Inhalation with chamomile or Emser salt allows the pus to drain more quickly from the sinuses
• Drink plenty of fluids to make the viscous mucus more fluid
• Sleep at night with raised upper body
• Nasal ointment containing peppermint and thyme oil. This way the skin between nose and upper lip does not dry out so quickly.

In addition, remedies can also be taken to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes. Nasal sprays, for example, are suitable for this. Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor can also prescribe expectorant drugs. If the sinusitis was caused by bacteria (which is rare), antibiotics can also be prescribed.

When do I have to see a doctor for a sinusitis?

A visit to the doctor is advisable in case of complications. These include:

• Fever
• Strong feeling of pressure in forehead or upper jaw
• Yellow rhinitis, which is not clearly better after three days

Prevention of sinusitis

To prevent sinusitis from occurring in the first place, every cold should be treated in good time (drink a lot, use nasal drops with table salt or decongestant nasal spray). It is also sensible to take it easy on yourself.