Symptoms of sinusitis

A distinction is made between acute and chronic sinusitis. An acute inflammation of the maxillary sinus causes severe pain and discharge from the corresponding nasal cavity. The secretions are either mucous or purulent, depending on the cause and severity of the infection.

An increased body temperature must also be measured. In case of chronic sinusitis, the patient notices a feeling of pressure in addition to the nasal discharge. The cause is a thickened mucous membrane, which can close the exit to the nose. At night the secretions also reach the throat due to the horizontal position.

Diagnostics of sinus diseases

In addition to the patient’s complaints, the X-ray image shows a shadowing of the maxillary sinus. A light source in the closed oral cavity can also be used to detect a shadowing. In addition, there are secretions from the nose.

Therapy of maxillary sinus diseases

Through the connection to the nose, rinsing can be performed. Steam baths can also bring relief. However, the best therapy is the use of antibiotics.

By means of an antibioogram, the antibiotic which shows the best effect is determined. This is either applied directly into the maxillary sinus or by taking tablets. If a connection between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity is established after a tooth extraction, the defect must be closed by a mucous membrane flap.

If a tooth root has entered the maxillary sinus, surgical therapy is necessary. Tumors and polyps also require surgical intervention. In this procedure, the maxillary sinus is opened from the oral cavity, the foreign body is removed and the inflamed mucous membrane is cleared out. The opening to the nasal passage is widened to allow secretions to drain more easily. A tamponade is performed, which can be removed again after a few days.

Prophylaxis

In the case of a cold, excessive “blowing” should be avoided so that no germs can enter the maxillary sinus through the connecting passage. Purulent inflammations of the root tips must be removed, either by extraction of the tooth in question or by a root tip resection.