Odontogenic sinusitis: causes, symptoms and treatment. A review of current literature and concepts.

Abstract

Objective: Diagnosis of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) often is misdiagnosed as rhinosinusitis, the main symptoms of these diseases are the same: facial pain, postnasal discharge, and congestion. However, OMS and rhinogenic sinusitis require different treatments. Without addressing dental factors in odontogenic sinusitis, conventional rhinitis treatment will often fail, and symptoms will persist. This review aims to assess the most recent literature about OMS causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Material and methods: Literature analysis was carried out on the basis of PRISMA guidelines. Eligible articles no older than 5 years were included, with a few exeptions. An electronic search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), The Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases.

Results: More than one possible cause for the development of OMS has been identified. The literature indicates that anaerobic microorganisms are found in the case of sinusitis, but there is no consensus regarding the initial exact causative bacteria of this disease. Symptoms of OMS can be one-sided facial pain, purulent anterior rhinorrhoea, headache, cacosmia, pressure or nasal congestion, post-nasal drip. For better diagnostic of OMS imaging modalities are used. Management of OMS requires dual treatment. The treatment of the disease should begin with the need to remove the causative factor. Antibiotic therapy alone is not used for the treatment of odontogenic sinusitis, but can be used to relieve symptoms. It should be prescribed in accordance with the antibiogram after causative factor is removed. When the dental and medical treatment is not enough for sufficient management of OMS surgery is required.

Conclusion: It is evident that the etiology of OMS includes more than one etiological factor, just as the causative agents of this pathology are various bacteria. Therefore, one of the key elements in choosing the treatment of OMS should be a proper diagnosis.