How long does an inflammation of the maxillary sinus last?
The duration of a sinusitis is very individual. The maxillary sinuses are different for each person and accordingly, their possibilities of fighting inflammation are also different. In general, the healing of sinusitis usually takes longer in immunocompromised people than in people with an average or strong immune system.
Usually, an uncomplicated, acute sinusitis takes about 2 weeks. After adequate treatment, however, the symptoms should disappear after a few days. In the case of sinusitis caused by an allergy, the symptoms should decrease as soon as the allergenic substances are avoided. If the sinusitis lasts longer than 2 weeks or returns repeatedly, it may be a chronic sinusitis. In this case, other treatment methods are required and the duration is long.
Why does sinusitis occur on one side?
Since the maxillary sinuses are paired, one can differentiate between unilateral and bilateral sinusitis, depending on the cause and entry port. A so-called odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, which occurs in the context of dental problems or tooth removal in the upper jaw, is usually unilateral. Usually the cause is a tooth in the upper jaw on one side.
This allows the bacteria to enter the maxillary sinus on one side via the maxillary region and enter the maxillary sinus on the corresponding side. Bacteria and viruses can also enter the maxillary sinus through the nose on one side, for example in the case of a cold. If the entry port of the pathogens is the nose, unilateral or bilateral sinusitis can develop.
In the case of unilateral sinusitis in children, foreign bodies should also be considered. In addition, a one-sided closure of one of the two rear entrances to the nasal cavity, the so-called choanes, could be the trigger for the unilateral complaints. This disorder, known as choane atresia, can cause unilateral sinusitis, among other things.
Furthermore, in case of unilateral chronic sinusitis, a tumor disease, a so-called malignoma, must always be considered. A unilateral sinusitis can be noticed by unilateral pressure pain in the cheek area and unilateral headache, tooth pain and sometimes ear pain. One possible measure to prevent sinusitis is regular rinsing of the nasal passages with water (for example with the help of a nasal shower).
From a medical point of view, there is no reason for patients suffering from acute sinusitis not to fly Nevertheless, those affected should be aware that at normal flying altitudes, a much higher pressure load is exerted on the body Since the sinusitis already causes high pressure in the maxillary sinus anyway, flying can increase the symptoms. Many patients describe above all a stronger perception of pain during flying. To counteract this phenomenon at least partially, it is recommended to apply nasal spray before flying and to equalize the pressure at regular intervals. This can be done during flying by moving the jaw joint or breathing against the closed nose.
