Apart from great discomfort, does it have any consequences on your health? What causes it and how do we treat this form of catarrh?
Learn key facts in the article below.
What is sinus catarrh?
A thick green or yellow nasal discharge, that is sinus catarrh, is the result of sinusitis. The illness occurs as a result of the body being invaded by viruses that cause the common cold. When rhinitis becomes acute, the sinus openings become blocked and bacteria reproduce inside.
What are the symptoms?
Sinus catarrh makes you feel very unwell: it is difficult to get rid of it because it runs down the throat, irritating the mucous membranes. This causes hoarseness, coughing and sometimes even nausea and vomiting.
The lingering discharge interferes with the perception of smell and taste and – above all – causes a burning sensation in the forehead and a headache, which gets worse when bending down and is more pronounced in the morning after waking up. Patients also complain of facial and ear pain; the mucous membrane of the nose is red and swollen as are the eyelids. A common symptom accompanying bacterial infections is high fever, even above 38°C.
Home remedies for sinus catarrh
To treat inflamed sinuses, start by ensuring optimal humidity in your surroundings. Special humidifiers or wet towels placed over radiators work well. The temperature in the house should not exceed 20°C.
To unblock a clogged nose, perform steam inhalations with essential oils (eucalyptus, thyme, clove) and rinse the nose with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (available at any pharmacy without prescription). Sea water spray is also a safe way to clear the nose.
Deteriorated mood and other symptoms of sinus catarrh can be relieved by drinking warm tea with lemon and warming spices, milk with antibacterial garlic and honey, lime or raspberry infusions. In addition, as with any illness, a balanced diet and rest are recommended.
Complications
Sinusitis and sinus catarrh is a condition which is non-life-threatening and can usually be managed by the patient with home remedies or over-the-counter medication. However, if the condition is severely neglected and not properly treated, it can spread and lead to complications such as:
– permanent smell impairment,
– orbital tissue inflammation,
– meningitis
and in rare cases even cavernous sinusitis.
When to see a doctor?
Sinus catarrh caused by sinusitis requires consultation with a primary healthcare doctor if after several days from the onset of the first symptoms and attempts at treatment with home remedies and over-the-counter medicines there are still no effects or the symptoms worsen.
The patient is likely to receive anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication as well as nasal mucosal decongestants (xylometazoline, oxymetazoline). For infections lasting longer than 2 weeks and a persistent high temperature, antibiotic therapy may be used. The doctor decides on the necessary treatment
