What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
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Symptoms of Sinusitis: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis, often following an upper respiratory tract infection, presents with a variety of symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms include nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, postnasal drip, and cough . Patients may also experience facial pain or pressure, particularly when bending forward, and pain in the teeth. Additionally, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and increased C-reactive protein levels can be indicative of acute purulent sinusitis.
Symptoms in Children
In children, sinusitis often manifests differently compared to adults. Persistent rhinorrhea and cough are the most common symptoms, while fever, headache, and facial pain are less frequently observed . Children may also exhibit symptoms such as nasal congestion, bad breath, and a reduction in the sense of smell. Notably, sinusitis in children can be associated with other conditions like otitis media and allergic rhinitis.
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
Chronic sinusitis, characterized by symptoms persisting for more than 12 weeks, includes nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip, often accompanied by intermittent facial pain . Patients may also experience a reduction or loss of smell, and in some cases, chronic sinusitis can lead to irreversible thickening of the nasal mucosa and the development of nasal polyps.
Less Common and Severe Symptoms
Less common symptoms of sinusitis include localized tenderness, periorbital swelling, and high fever . In severe cases, complications such as intraorbital and intracranial sepsis can occur, necessitating urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
Diagnostic Challenges
Diagnosing sinusitis can be challenging due to the overlap of its symptoms with other conditions like the common cold and perennial rhinitis. Physical examinations and adjunctive tests such as nasal cytology, ultrasound, and imaging studies are often required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of sinus involvement .
Conclusion
Sinusitis presents with a range of symptoms that can vary significantly between acute and chronic cases, as well as between adults and children. Common symptoms include nasal obstruction, purulent discharge, postnasal drip, and facial pain, while less common symptoms can include high fever and periorbital swelling. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests to differentiate sinusitis from other similar conditions.
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