What Is Acute Maxillary Sinusitis?
Acute maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation or infection primarily affecting the maxillary sinuses. These air-filled cavities are located within the cheekbones, just below the eyes and on either side of the nose. This common sinus infection occurs when these cavities become inflamed, often leading to a buildup of mucus.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Individuals with acute maxillary sinusitis often report facial pain or pressure, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. This discomfort can intensify when bending forward or lying down. Nasal congestion is common, often accompanied by discolored nasal discharge. Many also experience postnasal drip.
Headaches, sometimes localized to the forehead or behind the eyes, are a frequent symptom. Some people notice a toothache in the upper jaw, as the roots of upper teeth are close to the maxillary sinuses. A reduced sense of smell or taste can also occur. Unlike a common cold, these symptoms are often more severe, persist longer than 7-10 days, or worsen after initial improvement.
Common Causes
Acute maxillary sinusitis often begins with a viral infection, such as the common cold or influenza. These viral agents cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes lining the sinus cavities. This swelling can block the narrow openings that allow sinuses to drain effectively. When drainage is impaired, mucus accumulates, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
This bacterial overgrowth can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, often causing more severe and prolonged symptoms. Other factors also contribute to acute maxillary sinusitis. Allergies, which cause nasal and sinus inflammation, can predispose individuals by increasing swelling and mucus production. Nasal polyps or other structural abnormalities within the nasal passages can physically block sinus drainage. Dental infections affecting the upper teeth can also spread to the adjacent maxillary sinus, directly causing inflammation and infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis involves a healthcare professional reviewing a patient’s symptoms and medical history. A physical examination, including checking for tenderness over the sinuses, helps confirm the condition. Imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans are not usually necessary for routine acute cases. However, these might be used if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if there’s concern about complications or other underlying conditions.
Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause. For viral acute maxillary sinusitis, which accounts for most cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and promoting drainage. This often includes nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, saline nasal rinses to clear mucus, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Decongestants may be used cautiously for a few days to relieve congestion, but prolonged use can worsen symptoms.
If symptoms persist or worsen after about 10 days, or if they are severe from the outset, a bacterial infection may be suspected, and antibiotics might be prescribed. The goal of antibiotic treatment is to eliminate the bacterial infection, reduce inflammation, and restore normal sinus drainage. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the suspected bacteria and individual patient factors.
Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, such as high fever (over 102°F or 39°C), severe facial pain, or changes in vision. Persistent symptoms that do not improve after several days of self-care, or recurrent episodes of sinusitis, warrant a medical evaluation. Prompt assessment can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate management.