What Are the Symptoms of Advanced Sinusitis?
Sinusitis usually begins with common and often underestimated complaints such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, and headache. However, when an accurate diagnosis is not made and appropriate treatment is not provided, sinusitis can progress over time and turn into chronic sinusitis. In this case, the condition is no longer limited to the nose and sinuses and may lead to serious problems.
If sinusitis symptoms last longer than 10–14 days, recur several times a year, persist for more than 3 months, or do not show significant improvement despite treatment, sinusitis may no longer be a simple infection. At this stage, the inner lining of the sinuses thickens, the sinus openings become blocked, and inflammation becomes permanent.
Most Common Symptoms of Advanced Sinusitis
One of the most common complaints in advanced sinusitis is persistent nasal congestion. This congestion may continue throughout the day, may not be sufficiently relieved by nasal sprays, and can sometimes be felt predominantly on one side.
Patients frequently complain of pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. A feeling of pressure radiating to the upper back teeth and pain that increases when bending forward are typical of sinusitis. These pains can sometimes be mistaken for dental problems, leading to incorrect treatments.
Yellow-green or dark-colored nasal and postnasal discharge, bad taste and odor in the mouth, and a sensation of thick mucus in the throat in the mornings are important signs of advanced sinusitis. This condition is often accompanied by chronic sore throat, burning sensation in the throat, irritation, frequent need to clear the throat, and hoarseness.
Persistent headaches and a feeling of pressure inside the head that affect daily life, lack of relief despite painkillers, and pressure spreading to the temples or the back of the head are commonly observed. Headaches caused by sinusitis are often confused with migraine or tension-type headaches.
In addition, decreased or lost sense of smell, waking up tired in the morning, low energy during the day, and problems with attention and concentration are important signs suggesting that the body has been fighting an infection for a long time.
Warning Signs in Advanced Sinusitis
Symptoms such as swelling and redness around the eyes, severe and one-sided facial or head pain, high fever, blurred or double vision, and confusion may indicate that sinusitis is progressing to complications. These conditions may be signs of serious, urgent problems requiring immediate treatment, such as infections around the eyes, meningitis, or rarely, a brain abscess.
How Is Advanced Sinusitis Diagnosed?
For an accurate diagnosis, a detailed Ear, Nose, and Throat examination, endoscopic nasal examination, and, when necessary, sinus computed tomography (CT) are performed. Not every nasal discharge or headache is sinusitis; an accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary and ineffective treatments.
Conclusion
Advanced sinusitis is not just a simple nasal congestion. It significantly reduces quality of life and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. If nasal congestion, facial pain, postnasal drip, or loss of smell persist for weeks, an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist should definitely be consulted.
Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy
Specialist in Ear, Nose, Throat and Head & Neck Surgery
