What is a common finding in patients suffering from acute sinusitis on examination?

In patients suffering from acute sinusitis, tenderness over the affected sinuses is a common finding during examination. This symptom arises due to inflammation and swelling in the sinuses, which leads to increased sensitivity in the surrounding areas. When the physician palpates the sinus regions (such as the frontal and maxillary sinuses), patients frequently report discomfort or pain, indicating the presence of inflammation.

The presence of tenderness is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and sometimes fever or facial pain, creating a clinical picture that supports the diagnosis of acute sinusitis.

Other findings, such as foul-smelling breath, may be present in chronic sinus conditions or specific types of infections, but they are not typical of acute sinusitis. Clear nasal discharge can occur in various conditions, including allergies, and does not specifically indicate sinusitis, where the discharge is often purulent. Asymmetrical sinus development is also not commonly associated with acute sinusitis, as it suggests a more chronic or developmental issue rather than an acute infectious process.