14 Jan Recurrent sinusitis: What could be the cause?

Posted at 14:30h in Allergy, ENT, ENT practice, Rhinoplasty, Nasal concha surgery, Nasal septum surgery, Snoring by Dr Thomas Fischer

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Recurrent sinusitis can have a significant impact on quality of life and is often associated with persistent symptoms such as a feeling of pressure in the centre of the face, headaches and aching. blocked nose associated. Many sufferers wonder why the inflammation keeps flaring up even though it appears to have healed successfully. The causes can be varied - from anatomical features to allergies. In this article, you will find out which factors can be behind recurrent sinusitis and which treatment options can help to achieve long-term improvement.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that are connected to the nasal cavity. Their main function is to humidify, warm and filter the air that is inhaled. When the Mucous membranes When these cavities become swollen or inflamed, sinusitis occurs.

Typical symptoms of the disease are

Feeling of pressure in the face (especially over the affected sinuses)
Clogged or Runny nose
Yellowish-green nasal discharge
Headaches and facial pain
Diminished or absent sense of smell
General feeling of illness

What are the causes of sinusitis?

There are many causes of sinusitis. The most common triggers include

Infections

Viruses
In most cases, acute sinusitis is caused by viruses, often in connection with a cold.
Bacteria
If the symptoms worsen after a cold or last longer than 10 days, bacteria may play a role.
Mushrooms
They are generally less common as triggers, but are possible in people with a weakened immune system or certain allergies.

Special anatomical features

Curved nasal septum
It can obstruct the drainage of secretions and block the sinuses.
Nasal polyps
Growths in the nasal mucosa that make it difficult to ventilate the sinuses can also be associated with sinusitis.
Constrictions in the paranasal sinus passages
These make drainage more difficult and favour infections.

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever leads to swelling of the nasal mucosa, which can block the drainage of sinus fluid.
House dust mites, animal hair, mould
These factors are common triggers of allergic sinusitis.

Irritants

Cigarette smoke
The "smoke" can damage the mucous membranes and promote inflammation.
Air pollution and chemicals
They can also irritate the mucous membranes and promote inflammation.

Teeth, foreign bodies or hormones

Inflamed teeth or root canal treatment
Damage to the teeth can spread to the maxillary sinus, particularly in the upper molars. This is referred to as dentogenic sinusitis.
Foreign body in the nose
These are common triggers in children.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy or hormonal shifts, swelling of the mucous membranes can occur, which increases the risk of sinusitis.

Chronic diseases

Cystic fibrosis
This is a genetic metabolic disease in which thick mucus appears in organs such as the lungs, pancreas and paranasal sinuses and impairs their function.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia
In this rare disease, the cilia in the airways and other organs do not work properly. This disrupts the transport of mucus, which can lead to respiratory infections and sinusitis.

Can recurrent sinusitis be harmful to your health?

Repeated sinusitis can have a negative impact on health in the long term:

Chronic sinusitis

If the inflammation flares up again and again, the mucous membranes can be permanently damaged, resulting in chronic sinusitis can lead to a severe condition. The symptoms persist for months or years. This can significantly impair quality of life.

Spread of the infection

In rare cases, bacteria or viruses from the sinuses can invade neighbouring areas. This can result in serious complications, such as

Eye inflammation (orbital phlegmon)
Infections can spread to the eye socket and cause swelling, visual impairment or even permanent damage.
Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges)
If the infection spreads to the meninges, this can be life-threatening.
Abscesses
Purulent inflammation can occur in bone or soft tissue.

Impairment of the respiratory tract

Repeated inflammation can permanently narrow the airways, making it difficult to breathe through the nose and causing sleep problems and Sleep apnoea can bring with it.

Worsening of other diseases

Recurrent sinusitis can also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, as inflammatory processes can be linked.

General stress on the immune system

Frequent inflammation also puts a strain on the immune system and can increase susceptibility to further infections.

Recurrent sinusitis: What to do?

If sinusitis occurs frequently, it is important to identify the underlying causes and treat them in a targeted manner. This is the only way to prevent future episodes.

Medical clarification in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt

Firstly, a thorough examination is necessary. With the help of ENT examinations such as ultrasound and the ENT endoscopy and Allergy tests we check what could be behind the recurring sinusitis.

Drug treatment

Nasal sprays
Decongestant sprays or sprays containing cortisone can help to soothe the mucous membranes.
Antibiotics
Targeted treatment may be necessary for bacterial infections.
Allergy medication
Antihistamines or nasal sprays for allergies can reduce inflammatory reactions.

Surgical measures

If anatomical problems such as nasal polyps or constrictions are the cause, a surgical procedure can improve ventilation and drainage. Find out more about the various surgical options at our Goethe10 ENT clinic in Frankfurt:

Home remedies and self-care

Nasal rinses
A saline solution can be used to flush mucus and allergens out of the nose.
Vapour inhalation
Inhalation helps to moisturise the mucous membranes and loosen mucus.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking enough helps to remove mucus.

Preventive measures

Allergy management
We recommend that you have allergies tested and treated.
Avoid irritants
Reduce your exposure to smoke, dust and chemicals.
Improve indoor air
Humidifiers can prevent the mucous membranes from drying out.

Recurrent sinusitis: Diagnosis and treatment at the ENT practice clinic Goethe10 in Frankfurt

Recurrent sinusitis is not only annoying, but can also affect your health in the long term. Without the right diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms can become chronic and significantly impair your quality of life.

We at the HNO-Praxisklinik Goethe10 in Frankfurt are your competent partner when it comes to the treatment of sinusitis & Co. With state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and an experienced team, we determine the individual causes of your symptoms.

If anatomical problems such as a crooked nasal septum or nasal polyps are the cause, we offer gentle surgical procedures. We also support you with innovative treatment approaches for chronic or particularly complex cases.

Simply contact us!

Do you have any questions on this topic or would you like to arrange a consultation?

Book an appointment now!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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