Maxillary sinusitis is a usually viral, rarely bacterial, infection in the cavities of the jaw. It often follows in conjunction with the flu and causes pressure and pain in the face.
What is maxillary sinusitis?
Maxillary sinusitis, as the name suggests, is an inflammation within the small cavities in the jawbone. The cavities are located primarily in the cheek area and around the eyes. Maxillary sinusitis usually follows a cold and causes pain and uncomfortable pressure. The inflammation can be acute or chronic. In chronic maxillary sinusitis, symptoms persist for 8 weeks or longer. The inflammation may have a bacterial or a viral cause. In viral inflammation with severe swelling, fluid may not be able to escape from the cavities and the virus may continue to grow in them. Bacterial inflammation can be treated with antibiotics, whereas viral sinusitis only relieves the symptoms of the condition.
Causes
A viral infection is usually the trigger for maxillary sinusitis. The virus settles in the mucous membranes of the bone cavities and sparks the inflammation. As a result, the mucous membranes swell and prevent the drainage of fluid into the nose into the throat. Mucus and fluid concentrate in the cavities and cause uncomfortable pressure. The less a continuous outflow from the maxillary sinus is ensured, the more the risk of aggravation of the inflammation increases. Although it is mainly colds that trigger maxillary sinusitis, other reasons can also lead to inflammation. Some allergies that cause nasal inflammation or bone structure abnormalities can support chronic inflammation. In addition, the cause may be nasal polyps or foreign bodies (usually in children) that have become lodged in the nose.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Typical symptoms of acute sinusitis maxillaris are a constant feeling of pressure and heat, and dull or throbbing pain in the cheek region, which usually intensifies when bending over. Often, sinusitis maxillaris is accompanied by toothache, which mainly affects the molars in the upper jaw, since their roots usually extend into the maxillary sinus. In severe cases, however, the pain can also radiate into the lower jaw. The swelling of the affected mucous membranes in the maxillary sinus region also frequently leads to pressure headaches in the forehead area. It is not uncommon for unilateral or bilateral eye inflammation to occur in parallel with sinusitis; this is often accompanied by purulent eye discharge and eyelid swelling. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, it is not uncommon for the body temperature to rise, and mild to severe fever with chills is possible. In the course of this, many patients suffer from general malaise, fatigue, tiredness and irritability. The inflammation in the maxillary sinuses causes a purulent secretion to form, which drains through the nose and throat and can lead to further infections and coughing, especially in the throat area and bronchial tubes. Often the inflammation also spreads to the mouth area (gums). In the case of chronic sinusitis, those affected also suffer from odor disorders and restricted nasal breathing. In some cases, however, chronic sinusitis can also be completely symptom-free.
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis for sinusitis is mostly based on analysis of the specific medical history and a physical examination. A thorough knowledge of allergies or causes is often more effective than a physical examination. If symptoms and physical signs are typical of maxillary sinusitis, further testing is not necessary. However, additional procedures must be performed if …
- The diagnosis remains inconclusive
- The treatment with antibiotics remains unsuccessful
- An infection of the bone is also suspected
In these cases, the examination with X-rays or CT can be resorted to in order to get a more accurate picture of the condition. Furthermore, still exist the examinations with an endoscope or a direct laboratory analysis of the fluid located in the maxillary sinuses.
Complications
If maxillary sinusitis is recognized and treated quickly, complications usually do not occur. However, if the inflammation remains untreated or is not completely cured, it may spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes a chronic maxillary sinusitis develops. This results in severe pain, impaired ability to smell, and long-term damage to the maxillary sinuses. In addition, the inflammation can spread to the teeth and lead to severe diseases and inflammations in the oral cavity. For example, sinusitis is often accompanied by inflammation of the frontal sinus and paranasal sinuses, which can lead to further complications. If the sinusitis moves to the eye or ear region, it can lead to further complaints such as impaired vision or hearing, the development of cysts and, rarely, life-threatening sepsis. During the treatment of maxillary sinusitis, bleeding, wound healing disorders and nerve injuries may occur during surgery. The prescribed antibiotics, nasal sprays and painkillers can cause intolerances and allergic reactions in risk groups. If treatment is delayed or inadequate, there is a risk of permanent loss of olfactory function.
When should you see a doctor?
When olfactory disturbances, fever, and other typical symptoms of maxillary sinusitis are noticed, a physician should be consulted promptly. If symptoms persist and increasingly affect well-being, a visit to the family doctor is indicated. Unusual symptoms that cannot be attributed to any other cause (e.g., pressure-sensitive eyes or chronic rhinitis) should also be examined by a physician. If treatment is given early, there are usually no further complaints or serious complications. However, if the maxillary sinusitis remains untreated, the pathogens can spread to other parts of the body. Persons who experience pain in the eye or ear region or even in the bone area accompanying the odor disorder should consult a doctor immediately. If cysts develop or signs of sepsis are noticed, the sufferer must seek immediate hospitalization. Allergy sufferers and flu patients should inform the doctor at the first signs of a secondary illness and arrange for an examination. The right contact person is the general practitioner or an ENT specialist. With children, the pediatrician should be involved.
Treatment and therapy
A maxillary sinusitis is mostly treated with medical as well as home remedies. The latter often involve treating the swollen regions with heat. The primary goals of treatment are to restore drainage of fluid from the maxillary sinuses and thus relieve pressure, as well as to heal the infection and prevent further injury and scarring. Medication is used to treat maxillary sinusitis if it is a bacterial infection. The treatment periods here can range from a few days to several weeks or longer. The medicine used to cure maxillary sinusitis involves a combination of …
- Antibiotics to fight the bacteria
- Decongestant to reduce the swelling
- Analgesic such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain
- Mucolytics to loosen the mucus
- Corticosteroids to relieve the inflammation in the nose
Since most people suffer from acute viral sinusitis, two-thirds of all sinusitis are also cured without additional medication. However, a discussion with the doctor is advisable to be sure which type of treatment promises the greatest success.
Outlook and prognosis
Under normal circumstances, maxillary sinusitis has a good prognosis. If the affected person undergoes medical treatment, the administration of medications will attempt to combat the trigger of the disease. If this succeeds without further complications, the symptoms will already be alleviated during the therapy. After a few days or weeks, the patient can be discharged from the treatment free of symptoms. If intolerance to the active ingredients in the prescribed medication occurs, the preparations must be changed. There are delays within the healing process, but nevertheless freedom from symptoms is achieved within a short time.If doctors detect an additional infection of the bone, the prognosis worsens. The same applies if the inflammation has not been completely cured. Spread of the pathogens to other regions of the body is possible. This leads to an increase in complaints and a decrease in general well-being. In addition, functional disorders may occur and the risk of blood poisoning increases. If the course of the disease is unfavorable, the patient is threatened with chronic maxillary sinusitis. Long-term therapy is necessary in these cases. The more stable the body’s defense system is and the healthier the lifestyle of the affected person, the better the prospects of recovery. In the further course of life, a recurrence of maxillary sinusitis can occur at any time. The prognosis remains unchanged in the event of a recurrence.
Prevention
Sinusitis can be prevented by avoiding overcrowding (nasal mucus, blowing the nose) of the nose during a cold or allergy. Contact with people who have colds and thorough hand washing also reduces the risk. Cigarette smoke and dry indoor air promote infections, as well as, of course, the specific allergens in allergy sufferers.
Aftercare
Maxillary sinusitis is usually an acute event. It heals completely within two weeks. After that, there is no reason to have scheduled follow-up visits. This is because, unlike tumor disease, maxillary sinusitis is not a life-threatening event. The expense of diagnosing the early stage would be far too high and uneconomical. Also, there is no direct correlation between a first and any subsequent maxillary sinusitis. The focus of infection is always different in the acute form. The absence of symptoms allows a normal life. However, a new infection is possible at any time. The prevention of further infection is the sole responsibility of the patient. The patient must observe the usual precautionary measures in his or her life. In the case of chronic maxillary sinusitis, doctors help their patients within the framework of long-term treatment. The rhythm for remedying the symptoms is determined on an individual basis. Important clues about the health condition are provided by blood tests as well as X-ray, CT and ultrasound. The physical medical history is also important. In chronic maxillary sinusitis, the patient must take medication. Frequent appointments with the physician not only indicate complications; rather, it also raises the question of whether surgery is more likely to be necessary instead of conservative procedures.
Here’s what you can do yourself
In many cases, maxillary sinusitis can be treated well with simple home remedies. If the symptoms do not improve with self-treatment or if they worsen, a doctor should be consulted. Heat accelerates the healing process and relieves pain. This effect can be achieved by irradiation with a red light lamp or by warm moist compresses. Fresh air is good for the sinuses, and the head and face should be well protected by a hat and scarf, especially in the cold season. Dry room air irritates the affected mucous membranes, humidifiers and regular ventilation ensure a pleasant room climate. In addition, steam baths with the addition of thyme, chamomile flowers or essential oils help to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes. Nasal rinses with weak salt solutions, which are available in pharmacies as well as decongestant nasal sprays or drops, can also be helpful. As with any infection, increased hydration is very important for sinusitis. Herbal tea blends of anti-inflammatory and expectorant medicinal herbs such as chamomile, thyme, sage, cowslip flowers and ribwort are best sweetened with honey and drunk as warm as possible. Ginger, turmeric, horseradish and garlic have an anti-inflammatory effect, as does the time-honored chicken soup, and fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins to strengthen the body’s defenses. In order for the body to successfully fight the infection, physical rest is indicated for a few days.
