Causes of sinusitis

Infectious pathogens are the cause of sinusitis in the majority of cases. Viruses make up the majority of potential pathogens, but bacteria can also cause inflammation with rhinitis. The viruses that are mainly responsible for rhinitis with inflammation are called “rhinoviruses”.

Bacteria that cause sinusitis are mainly streptococci and staphylococci. They are considered to account for less than 20% of colds.Important accompanying factors that favor a sinusitis are cold, smoking, allergies, polyps, a crooked nasal septum, large nasal conchae and an already existing cold. The latter problems of the nose are generally accompanied by a general obstruction of the outflow of mucous secretion. As a result, the mucus with the pathogen settles in the nose and can subsequently spread to the paranasal sinuses. In the case of an allergy, for example to house dust or pollen, there is an increased formation of mucus in the nose, which also promotes the establishment of a pathogen.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of a sinusitis are rhinitis with tough, discolored secretions, a feeling of pressure in the nose, forehead and cheeks, nasal speech, headaches and a stuffy nose. In addition, a larger inflammation can lead to fever, tiredness, pain in the limbs, cough, swelling and other symptoms of infection. The feeling of pressure above the affected paranasal sinuses is particularly typical, which is further aggravated if one bends forward or allows the head to hang down.

It is an important indicator in the medical history for a purulent, viscous mucus filling of the sinuses. In some cases, the type of rhinitis and mucus allow conclusions to be drawn about the cause of the inflammation. If the nose is congested on one side, bacterial inflammation is more likely, and if it is congested on both sides, viral inflammation is more likely. Similarly, if the disease lasts for more than a week and the nasal secretion is particularly yellowish and tough, a bacterial pathogen can be suspected.