Acute and Advanced Sinusitis Symptoms: Chronological Development and Treatment Methods
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a disease that occurs as a result of inflammation of the air-filled sinus cavities located within the facial bones. It can be seen in two main forms: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term). Acute sinusitis often develops following a cold or upper respiratory tract infections. If not treated in a timely and correct manner, it carries the risk of becoming chronic.
How Do Acute Sinusitis Symptoms Develop Chronologically?
1️⃣Nasal Congestion and Nasal Discharge
The first symptoms of acute sinusitis typically appear as nasal congestion and nasal discharge. These complaints usually begin a few days after a cold. The nasal discharge, which is initially clear, may turn yellow-green over time. Patients may have difficulty breathing, nighttime snoring may increase, and a reduction in sense of smell may be observed.
2️⃣Facial and Headache
As nasal congestion progresses, mucus accumulation and pressure increase in the sinus cavities begins. This leads to pain in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes. Headaches are felt more intensely when bending forward, making sudden movements, or upon waking up in the morning.
3️⃣Postnasal Drip and Sore Throat
When the inflamed discharge from inside the nose flows toward the throat, it creates a constant postnasal drip and a feeling of discomfort in the throat. This condition can cause chronic cough, throat irritation, and hoarseness. Patients frequently feel the need to clear their throats.
4️⃣Fever and General Malaise
As inflammation progresses, the body’s immune response is activated and mild to moderate fever (usually 37.5–38.5°C) develops. This is accompanied by fatigue, muscle aches, and general body soreness.
5️⃣Loss of Smell and Taste
The edema and inflammation that occur in the mucosa prevent the proper functioning of smell receptors. As a result, temporary losses in both smell and taste senses are experienced. Patients frequently express that they cannot taste the food they eat.
6️⃣Toothache and Facial Swelling
Involvement of the maxillary sinuses can sometimes cause pain in the upper teeth. In more advanced cases, swelling may be seen in the cheeks and under the eyes. These symptoms usually appear in advanced sinusitis cases that carry a risk of complications.
How Long Does Acute Sinusitis Last?
Untreated acute sinusitis cases can usually resolve within 10–14 days. However, in some patients, symptoms exceed four weeks and may progress to subacute or chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is not just a continuation of untreated acute sinusitis; underlying anatomical disorders, immune system problems, or allergies may also play a role.
Chronic Sinusitis: Transition from Acute to Chronic
In cases of untreated or frequently recurring acute sinusitis, permanent thickening and inflammation develop in the sinus mucosa. This permanently impairs the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses. Patients now experience nasal congestion, constant postnasal drip, loss of smell, and facial fullness complaints for most of the year.
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
Chronic Nasal Congestion
One of the most common complaints in patients with chronic sinusitis is nasal congestion. Patients express this as “my nose never opens” or “I can’t breathe.” It leads to problems such as nighttime snoring, daytime fatigue, and concentration difficulties.
Constant Postnasal Drip
The thick, inflamed mucus flowing toward the back of the nose creates a constant desire to clear the throat in patients. Sore throat and cough complaints are particularly prominent in the morning hours.
Facial Pressure and Fullness
In the chronic period, facial pain is not sharp and throbbing; rather, it is more like a dull and spreading pressure sensation. A feeling of fullness is particularly felt in the forehead, around the eyes, and in the cheekbones.
Loss of Smell and Taste
Approximately 70% of patients with chronic sinusitis have loss of smell. Taste disorder also develops secondary to loss of smell and negatively affects quality of life.
Fatigue and Malaise
Chronic inflammation constantly stimulates the immune system, creating general malaise and fatigue in patients. Patients generally complain of being “constantly exhausted” or “having no energy.”
Frequent Sore Throat and Cough
Postnasal drip irritates the throat mucosa, leading to chronic cough and frequent sore throat. This condition may trigger allergic asthma in some patients or worsen existing asthma.
Diagnosis and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Sinusitis
The first step in chronic sinusitis treatment is medical therapy (nasal corticosteroid spray, saline irrigation, antibiotics when necessary). However, endoscopic sinus surgery is an important treatment option for cases that are resistant to medications, frequently recurring, or seriously affecting quality of life.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive method performed through the nose. The natural openings of the sinuses are widened, inflamed tissues are cleaned, and ventilation of the sinuses is provided. Thus, significant and permanent improvement is achieved in complaints such as chronic nasal congestion, constant postnasal drip, and loss of smell.
Conclusion
Acute sinusitis begins with nasal congestion and progresses with symptoms such as facial pain, postnasal drip, fever, and loss of smell and taste. If not intervened in a timely manner, it can progress to chronic sinusitis and seriously affect quality of life in the long term.
One of the most effective and permanent treatment methods for patients with chronic sinusitis is endoscopic sinus surgery. If you have complaints of nasal congestion, postnasal drip, facial fullness, or loss of smell lasting longer than 12 weeks, it is recommended that you consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can both prevent complaints and significantly improve your quality of life.
