Sinusitis: Symptoms and What Can Help

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, often occurs in conjunction with a cold. The mucous membranes swell, making it harder for mucus to drain, and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure develops in the forehead, cheeks, or behind the eyes.

In most cases, both the nasal mucosa and the paranasal sinuses are affected at the same time. Medical professionals refer to this as rhinosinusitis.

What are the sinuses?

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull. They are lined with mucous membrane and connected to the nasal cavity through small openings.

These include:

Frontal sinuses
Sinuses
Seven-legged cells
Cavities in the sphenoid bone

The mucous membrane produces mucus, which normally drains through the nose. If it swells significantly due to a cold, the passages can become blocked. The mucus builds up, and pressure in the sinuses increases.

Typical Symptoms

Acute sinusitis may present with the following symptoms:

stuffy or runny nose
Pressure or pain in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes
Headaches
increased pain when bending forward, sneezing, or coughing
thick nasal discharge
diminished sense of smell or taste
Pain in the upper jaw or teeth
A feeling of pressure in the ears
Fatigue and Exhaustion
occasional elevated temperature or fever

Symptoms may occur on one side or both sides.

A Cold or Sinusitis?

The main symptoms of a common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and irritated mucous membranes.

Sinusitis is often accompanied by additional symptoms:

Noticeable pressure in the face
Pain in the forehead or cheeks
Headaches When Bending Forward
a more severely impaired sense of smell
thick secretion
a more pronounced sense of illness

How does sinusitis develop?

Most cases of acute sinusitis develop as part of a viral respiratory infection. The mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses swell, preventing secretions from draining properly.

Contributing factors may include:

Cold or runny nose
Allergies
Nasal polyps
a narrowed nasal septum
close connections between the nose and the sinuses
irritated or dry mucous membranes
Smoking and Other Irritants
Diseases of the teeth or tooth roots

A bacterial infection may develop later on, but it is much less common than a viral infection.

Acute or chronic sinusitis?

What helps with a sinus infection?

Drink enough fluids

Water and unsweetened teas help maintain hydration and keep the mouth and throat moist.

Keep your nose clear

Unobstructed nasal breathing facilitates the drainage of mucus. Blow your nose gently, using only one nostril at a time.

Keep the indoor air comfortable

Regular ventilation and indoor air that isn't too dry can provide relief for irritated mucous membranes.

Elevate the upper body

Keeping your upper body slightly elevated at night can feel comfortable and make it easier to breathe.

Peace and Relaxation

During a respiratory infection, the body needs adequate sleep and rest. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided if you feel significantly unwell or have a fever.

Nasal irrigation with saline solution

Nasal irrigation can loosen thick mucus, moisturize the nasal mucosa, and remove particles from the nose.

Important information for use:

Use an appropriate saline solution
Make sure the temperature is pleasant and lukewarm
Use only water that meets hygiene standards
Thoroughly clean the nasal irrigator after each use.
Prepare the solution fresh each time, or use a suitable ready-made product
Stop using this product if you experience pain or a nosebleed

If you have a completely blocked nose, frequent nosebleeds, or conditions affecting the nose and ears, you should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Inhalation

Moist steam can moisturize dry mucous membranes and be soothing. A suitable inhaler is safer than an open bowl of hot water.

The water must not be too hot. Otherwise, there is a risk of scalding, especially for children.

Essential oils are not suitable for everyone. If you have young children, asthma, sensitive airways, or allergies, you should seek professional advice before use.

Warmth when feeling pressure

Heat can be soothing when you feel pressure in the forehead or cheeks. Possible options include, for example:

a warm washcloth
a heating pad
a warm foot bath
warm compresses

The treatment should be comfortable and must not cause burns. If you have a fever, severe swelling, or a noticeable worsening of symptoms, it is more important to seek medical evaluation than to continue self-treatment.

Do antibiotics help with sinusitis?

Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by viruses and resolve on their own without antibiotics.

Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. They may be considered if a bacterial infection is likely, if symptoms are particularly severe, or if there is an increased risk of complications. The decision is made by a doctor.

The color of nasal discharge alone is not a reliable indicator of a bacterial infection.

Sinusitis in Children

In children, the sinuses are not yet fully developed. Which sinuses may be affected therefore depends on the child's age.

Possible clues include:

a persistent stuffy nose
Coughing, especially at night
Fever
Mouth Breathing
Irritability
decreased appetite
Pain or swelling in the face
excessive fatigue

If your child is very young, is experiencing severe symptoms, has a fever, or if you are unsure, you should seek medical advice.

When should you see a doctor?

A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:

Symptoms that persist for more than ten days without improvement
a renewed worsening following an initial improvement
severe or prolonged fever
severe one-sided facial pain or headache
recurrent sinus infections
Symptoms that have persisted for more than twelve weeks
foul-smelling or bloody nasal discharge
severe toothache
a weakened immune system
Symptoms in Young Children

Immediate medical attention is necessary in the following cases:

Swelling or redness around the eyes
Vision problems or double vision
restricted eye movement
severe swelling on the forehead
sudden, very severe headaches
Stiff neck
Confusion or impaired consciousness
Paralysis or other neurological symptoms

In-Depth Topics

Cold

Runny or Stuffy Nose and Tips for Nasal Care.

Cough

A dry, productive cough with a cold.

Sore throat