The doctor told how to distinguish acute and chronic sinusitis by symptoms

0

Are you suffering from an acute headache, runny nose, or nasal congestion? You may be suffering from a sinus infection. This article provides information about a wide variety of different, often non-specific symptoms.

What is a sinus infection (sinusitis)?

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, occurs when the lining of the sinuses, the air-filled cavities in the skull behind the forehead and jaw, becomes inflamed. Acute inflammation is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

Acute and chronic sinusitis: symptoms in detail

Depending on the duration and frequency of symptoms, sinusitis is divided into acute and chronic forms.

Acute sinusitis

“Symptoms of acute sinusitis are often similar to those of a cold and usually last up to a week,” says the general practitioner.

They include:

• Pain and a feeling of pressure in the face.
• A stuffy or runny nose with thick, yellowish or green mucus from the nose.
• Sudden loss of smell and taste.
• Headache.
• An increase in body temperature (fever).
• Fatigue.
• Bad breath.

Chronic sinusitis

“Chronic sinusitis usually lasts longer and symptoms may recur despite treatment.”

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis, according to the general practitioner, are often less pronounced and may include:

• Constant discharge of mucus from the nose or throat.
• Constant headache -chronic fatigue.
• Constant feeling of pain or pressure in the face.
• Loss of smell and taste.
• Bad breath, often associated with a bitter taste in the mouth.

“It is important to know that the symptoms of both acute and chronic sinusitis can vary and differ from person to person. If you suspect you have a sinus infection, see a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment.”

Rare and Nonspecific Symptoms of Sinusitis

In some cases, the symptoms of sinusitis may be nonspecific or less common. These include:

• Sore throat or cough that gets worse at night.
• Sore throat with mucus.
• Voice changes, especially in children.
• Pain or pressure in the ear.
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in children.

“Some people may also be asymptomatic or have only very mild symptoms. Symptoms may also be less severe in older people and people with weakened immune systems.”

Therefore, it is important to take any changes in general well-being seriously and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Very rarely, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses can also take a dangerous course: due to the close location to the eyes and brain, the inflammation can spread there and lead to serious diseases (meningitis, brain abscess, purulent inflammation of the eye sockets).

If the following symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• Persistent high fever
• Very severe facial pain and headache.
• Vision problems
• Swelling or redness around the eyes
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiffness of the neck muscles

How is the diagnosis made?

In most cases, acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses sinusitis resolves on its own within one to two weeks without treatment. If symptoms persist for longer or suddenly become significantly worse, you should first consult your general practitioner. You may also need to see an otolaryngologist or dentist.