Sinusitis symptoms at first glance similar to flu symptoms, because they both cause a runny nose, stuffy nose, and headaches. Even though at first relatively light, Sinusitis symptoms can become severe and interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms of sinusitis are based on inflammation of the sinus walls. This inflammation can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Symptoms of sinusitis vary and can last from several weeks to months.
Sinusitis Symptoms
Sinusitis symptoms that appear will depend on the severity of the sinusitis suffered.
In cases of acute sinusitis, the symptoms that appear only last a short time, which is less than 4 weeks. Acute sinusitis is usually a mild complication, like the flu or other upper respiratory tract disease.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis can include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose with yellow or green color, and thick texture
- Sore throat
- Cough, which usually gets worse at night
- Headache
- The presence of mucus flowing from the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
- Pain behind the eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead
- Tooth and ear pain
- Bad breath
- Decreased sense of taste and smell
- Fever
- Fatigue
If the sinusitis you suffer from does not go away or has been experienced for 12 weeks, it means it has developed into chronic sinusitis.
In chronic sinusitis, the symptoms that appear are almost similar to the symptoms of acute sinusitis, but are usually not accompanied by fever. In addition, chronic sinusitis can make it more difficult for you to breathe through your nose, because the mucus that comes out of your nose can harden and block your airway.
How to overcome Symptom Sinusitis
You are advised to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of sinusitis. After asking your medical history, asking about your symptoms, and doing a physical examination, your doctor will usually carry out a follow-up examination if you suspect that you have sinusitis.
Examples of further examinations that may be recommended are X-rays, CT scans, or nasal endoscopy. Once it is confirmed that you have sinusitis, then the treatment will be carried out.
Treatment of sinusitis symptoms should be based on the cause of the sinusitis itself. Otherwise, symptoms can recur and even get worse. Examples of drugs that doctors give to relieve sinusitis symptoms and treat the cause are:
1. Decongestant spray
Spray decongestants can shrink the swollen lining of the nasal passages and improve the flow of mucus from the sinuses. However, this treatment is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
2. Antibiotics
If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You must take this medicine according to the doctor's advice, because improper use can actually make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This can worsen sinusitis in the future.
3. Antihistamines
If sinusitis is caused by allergies, the doctor will give you an antihistamine. This drug is able to relieve symptoms of allergies that cause swelling of the nasal passages and sinuses.
4. Nasal corticosteroids
Corticosteroids play a role in preventing and treating inflammation of the sinuses. This medicine can also be used to shrink nasal polyps that cause sinusitis.
In addition to these drugs, pain relievers will usually also be prescribed by a doctor, especially if sinusitis causes a fever. Meanwhile, in cases of sinusitis caused by a deformity of the nasal structure, such as nasal polyps or deviated septum, surgery may be recommended.
To help relieve sinusitis symptoms, you are advised to consume lots of water, get enough rest, inhale warm steam, exercise regularly, and use humidifier in the room.
Immediately see an ENT doctor if sinusitis symptoms do not go away for more than a week. Although generally get better without medication, sinusitis symptoms can interfere with your daily activities. So, there's nothing wrong with taking medication to relieve the symptoms, while preventing serious complications.