How do the symptoms of maxillary sinusitis differ from those of ethmoidal sinusitis?

The symptoms associated with maxillary sinusitis and ethmoidal sinusitis can be distinct, reflecting the anatomical location of the affected sinuses and the specific pathways they influence. In maxillary sinusitis, the symptoms typically include post-nasal discharge, headache, and toothache. The toothache arises because the roots of the maxillary teeth are often in close proximity to the maxillary sinus; inflammation of the sinus can lead to referred pain in the upper molars. Additionally, the headache is common as the inflamed sinus can cause pressure and discomfort in the surrounding areas.

In contrast, ethmoidal sinusitis is characterized more by a frontal headache and nasal obstruction. The ethmoid sinuses are located between the nose and the eyes, and inflammation there often leads to symptoms that affect nasal breathing and can cause discomfort around the forehead or between the eyes rather than in the upper jaw.

By closely examining these symptom profiles, it becomes clear how each type of sinusitis presents itself in unique ways, allowing for differential diagnosis in clinical practice.