What is a sinus infection?

If you have a sinus infection, the thin mucous membranes in the sinuses are inflamed. Medically, sinusitis is also called sinusitis. The paranasal sinuses are cavities in the human skull that are connected to the nose and vary in size. The sinuses of the nose are part of the upper airways. All cavities are lined with a mucous membrane on which the finest, flexible cilia are located. They catch dirt particles in the air and clean them. The mucous membrane produces a secretion that drains through the nose and throat. In addition, the air in the sinuses is warmed.

There are several sinuses (from top to bottom):

• Frontal sinuses: The paired sinuses are the largest sinuses and lie above the eyes.
• Sphenoid sinus: there is only one; it is smaller and located near the bridge of the nose between the eyes.
• Ethmoid cells: The two smaller ethmoid cells are located near the level of the sphenoid bone.
• Maxillary sinuses: They are located below the eyes and are one of the largest sinuses.

Sinusitis usually affects the maxillary sinuses and ethmoid cells, less often the frontal and sphenoid sinuses.

Sinus Inflammation - Acute or Chronic?

Doctors differentiate between two forms of sinusitis: acute sinusitis can occur several times a year, but disappears again within a few weeks (eight to 14 days). If the sinus infection is chronic (more than twelve weeks), the nasal mucous membranes are permanently inflamed. The symptoms can improve in between, but they do not subside completely. The chronic variant can develop if the acute sinusitis has not healed. But nasal polyps or a crooked nasal septum also promote chronic sinusitis.

Sinus infection: causes and risk factors

The cause of a sinus infection is in most cases a cold (flu-like infection) or flu (influenza), which is accompanied by a runny nose. The triggers are cold or flu viruses. Sometimes there is also an infection with bacteria. The germs that have penetrated inflame the mucous membranes and cause them to swell. As a result, the secretion cannot flow out of the paranasal sinuses, it accumulates there and the ventilation no longer works adequately. The secretion becomes tough and fills the sinuses more and more. Viruses and bacteria feel particularly comfortable in this moist, warm environment and can spread.

There are also some factors that promote chronic sinusitis, for example:

• Nasal polyps
• a curved nasal septum
• enlarged tonsils
• Allergies
• Inflammation of the teeth that spreads to the sinuses

 

Sinusitis: Symptoms affect the way you feel about life

A sinus infection causes unpleasant symptoms that can seriously affect your sense of wellbeing and everyday life. The main symptoms of acute sinusitis are:

• Nasal congestion caused by a runny nose: breathing becomes more difficult and those affected smell and taste worse, for example when eating; the runny nose can be purulent and the secretion is then green-yellow in color - this indicates that bacteria have settled. Sinusitis and runny nose are therefore closely linked. A sinus infection without a runny nose is therefore very rare.
• to cough
• high fever , it can rise to 40 ° C
• headache
• Sensation of pressure and pain in different parts of the head, for example pain in the eyes, temples, cheeks, teeth or ears (ear pressure); The sinus infection becomes particularly noticeable when you bend over, cough or jump around
• The face is sensitive to touch
• Tiredness, exhaustion

Some people experience unilateral pain or a feeling of pressure with a sinus infection. This suggests that the maxillary sinus is affected and that there is a root inflammation behind it. This can namely rise into the maxillary sinus.

With chronic sinusitis, the symptoms are often less pronounced. Many of them are not in pain, but have limited ability to breathe through their nose. If the nasal secretions turn yellowish to greenish in color, or even blood appears, you should always consult a doctor.

Sinus infection in the child

Infants very rarely get sinus infections because the sinuses have yet to develop. At birth, they initially only have the maxillary sinuses and ethmoid cells. In theory, however, sinusitis can develop there. Sinusitis in children usually only occurs when they reach school age. Often the sphenoid sinus and frontal sinuses are inflamed. The symptoms are similar to those in adults. 

Sinus Infection: Home Remedies and Homeopathy for Clear Noses

Sinus infections can be treated with medication: decongestant nasal sprays / nasal drops, medication that liquefy the mucus or antibiotics if bacteria are involved. There are also some home remedies for sinus infections. Although their effectiveness has usually not been scientifically proven in studies, many find such home remedies beneficial. So maybe they are worth a try.

Nasal douche as a home remedy

The nasal douche is a tried and tested home remedy for acute sinus infections, but also for the chronic form. However, it is important that the rinsing liquid can drain away again (if the nose is blocked, use a decongestant nasal spray beforehand). The nasal douche alleviates the symptoms and can also help preventive so that the sinusitis does not occur in the first place. The nasal douche is not advisable if the sinuses are severely inflamed and pus or if the nose is bleeding.

In drugstores, pharmacies and online mail order there are nasal showers in various designs. The salt for the rinse (isotonic saline solution) can already be bought in the right concentrations. However, you can also make the solution yourself.

Other home remedies for sinus infections

• Inhale: Heat water and inhale the hot vapors (38 to 42 ° C). Many find the addition of chamomile or peppermint (essential oils) to water as pleasant and beneficial. Warning: You must not treat sinus infections in children / babies with menthol and other essential oils (rub in or inhale).

• Sea salt nasal sprays keep the nose moist.
• Red light: The heat should liquefy the viscous secretion, let it flow off better and so alleviate the discomfort. However, the effect of infrared light has not been proven.
• A careful massage may help relieve pain and a feeling of pressure in the face.
• Drink a lot! Those who take in a lot of fluids also keep the mucous membranes in the nose moist and liquefy the nasal secretions. Water or unsweetened herbal teas are good.

• Hang damp cloths in the room or place them over the radiators to increase the humidity in the room. The mucous membranes also dry out less.
• The onion is a popular home remedy for ear pressure: chop one or two onions, wrap in kitchen paper and place on the ear. This home remedy is particular suitable for children with sinus infections.
• The classic disease: chicken soup. The protein cysteine ​​contained in the soup is said to have a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes.

Home remedies can increase well-being, but they are not a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Always see your GP if symptoms persist or worsen for more than a week or two.

Sinusitis and Homeopathy

When it comes to sinus infections, many rely on homeopathy. However, the effectiveness of the globules has not been scientifically proven. Which remedy homeopaths use depends on the type of accompanying complaints and the severity of the symptoms. Some examples:

• Camphora (camphor tree)
• Aconitum napellus (blue monkshood)
• Belladonna (deadly nightshade)
• Eupatorium perfoliatum (water feast)

Treating sinus infections - these therapies will help

There are various medications available for treating sinusitis. In most cases, viruses cause sinusitis. Therefore antibiotics do not help, because they only fight bacteria. Doctors only prescribe antibiotics if bacteria are also involved and the inflammation is purulent. However, you should never take antibiotics for more than five to seven days.

Sinus infection - what helps? The right medication

The following drugs help with sinusitis:

• Decongestant nasal spray / nasal drops: The mucus drains off and the sinuses are ventilated again. Do not use the nasal spray or nasal drops continuously for more than a week, otherwise the mucous membranes will no longer swell without the drug. Rhinitis medicamentosa is the technical term for it, ie “runny nose caused by medication”.

• Medicines that liquefy the thick mucus in the sinuses (secretolytics) - so the secretion can drain away better.
• Nasal sprays containing cortisone: They are supposed to dampen the inflammation and reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes in the sinuses. However, it take some time for the effects to set in. And: They don't help everyone either.
• Painkillers for the feeling of pressure and pain. Examples of frequently used active ingredients are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or paracetamol.

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