Maxillary sinus infection

Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.

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An inflammation of the mucous membrane in one or both maxillary sinuses is referred to as maxillary sinusitis. These are the largest sinuses. They lie next to the nose and are shaped like an upside-down pyramid. The maxillary sinus infection can be acute or chronic.In most cases it is the result of a cold (viral infection). Fungi, allergies or inflamed tooth roots, for example, are less common triggers for this form of sinusitis. Read more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of antritis.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. J01J34

Maxillary Sinus Inflammation: Causes & Risk Factors

Maxillary sinusitis, like other forms of sinusitis, can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or allergies. In most cases, it is preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection (especially a cold). Bacteria can also spread on the swollen mucous membrane caused by the infection. This eventually leads to antritis of the maxillary sinus (or some other form of sinus infection).

Acute maxillary sinus inflammation can also develop if the lining of the maxillary sinus is injured. This can happen, for example, with tooth extractions in the upper jaw or with broken bones in the area of ​​the middle facial skull.

More rarely, maxillary sinusitis starts from the roots of the maxillary teeth (for example with inflammation of the tip of the tooth). Doctors then speak of odontogenic (dentogenic) maxillary sinus inflammation (or maxillary sinus dilatation).

Risk factors of antritis of the maxillary sinus

Various factors favor the occurrence of maxillary sinusitis. In children, for example, tonsils that are enlarged due to chronic inflammation (adenoid vegetation). A chronic purulent runny nose, anatomical constrictions in the nose (such as a crooked nasal septum), cystic fibrosis and swimming pool visits can pave the way for an maxillary sinus infection.

Important risk factors in adults are, for example, a curvature of the nasal septum, nasal polyps, allergies, fungal infections, infections in the area of ​​the teeth, opportunistic infections (such as AIDS), intolerance to painkillers (analgesic tolerance) and diving.

Sinusitis: symptoms

Acute maxillary sinus inflammation is accompanied by dull to throbbing pain and a feeling of pressure in the area of ​​the cheeks (maxillary sinuses). The symptoms increase when bending or hopping on one leg. In addition, toothache (in the upper jaw), headache, purulent nasal discharge, lower eyelid swelling, increased body temperature and general fatigue may occur with an inflammation of the maxillary sinus.

Chronic maxillary sinusitis is accompanied by the formation of bad-smelling secretions in the nose and throat. In addition, pain and a feeling of pressure often occur in the area of ​​the upper teeth of the affected maxillary sinus. However, chronic maxillary sinus infection can also be painless. Other possible symptoms are pressure headaches, cough (caused by secretions that drain into the throat), odor disorders and an obstruction to nasal breathing. In children, chronic maxillary sinusitis also triggers irritability, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes.

Maxillary sinusitis: diagnosis

First, the doctor asks about the symptoms and any existing underlying illnesses in order to collect the medical history (anamnesis). This is followed by a physical exam: If you have antritis, palpating your cheeks causes tenderness. Tapping the front molars (premolars) triggers pain or intensifies existing pain. Pain in the cheek area also occurs when the head is bent over quickly in the case of an inflammation of the maxillary sinus.

As part of an ENT examination, the doctor will examine the nose and throat using an endoscope. With maxillary sinusitis, pus is often found in the middle nasal passage or on the back of the pharynx.

Sometimes a smear is taken during the examination to determine the causative agent of the inflammation and any resistance to drugs (antibiotics).

If necessary, imaging procedures can also be used to clarify an inflammation of the maxillary sinus. These include x-rays, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT).

A blood test (differential blood count, blood cell sedimentation rate, etc.) and an allergy test can also be carried out. They can provide clues as to the exact cause of the maxillary sinus infection.

Sinusitis: treatment

Maxillary sinusitis is primarily treated conservatively (non-surgically). Surgery is rarely necessary.

Sinusitis: Conservative Therapy

For acute maxillary sinus inflammation and acute flare-ups of chronic maxillary sinus infection, decongestant nasal sprays can be used several times a day. Additionally, the doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory agent such as diclofenac or ibuprofen. These active ingredients can also relieve pain. A herbal remedy (such as myrtol or cineole) may also be used.

In the event of an allergic sinusitis, the doctor will prescribe a topical cortisone preparation (such as fluticasone). One by the fungus Aspergillus An anti-fungal (antifungal) will help. If the cause of the maxillary sinus infection is in the area of ​​the teeth (such as tooth root inflammation), this must be repaired by the dentist.

The administration of antibiotics for an inflammation of the maxillary sinus is only indicated in certain cases. This applies, for example, to demonstrably purulent inflammation with severe symptoms, impending or existing complications, as well as to impaired immune defense (such as with AIDS).

All conservative measures can also provide relief from chronic maxillary sinus infection. However, the inflammation will always come back if the cause or existing risk factors (such as anatomical constrictions) are not eliminated. This may require an operation.

Maxillary sinus infection: surgery

In certain cases of maxillary sinusitis, surgery is necessary. This applies, for example, if an inflammation of the maxillary sinus cannot be brought under control with conservative measures or has led to serious complications. An operation is also performed for maxillary sinus polyps and for (odontogenic) purulent inflammation of the maxillary sinus originating from the maxillary teeth.

For example, the maxillary sinuses are punctured and rinsed out with an aqueous antibiotic solution. Existing constrictions (polyps, crooked nasal septum, etc.) can be surgically removed. This can end the recurrence of delivery sinusitis.

Sinusitis: Home Remedies & Alternative Medicine

Not only conventional medical measures help with a sinus infection. Home remedies can also aid the healing process. For example, inhalations (with thyme, chamomile, etc.) and heat packs are recommended.

Some patients also try homeopathy, Ayurveda and other methods of alternative / complementary medicine. The effectiveness of such methods has mostly not been scientifically proven. Nonetheless, many patients report its successful use in antritis and other forms of sinusitis.

You can read more about the supportive treatment of sinusitis using inhalations, homeopathy & Co. in the article "Sinusitis: home remedies".

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