What is indicated by the absence of tenderness in the sinuses during examination?

The absence of tenderness during a sinus examination typically indicates healthy sinuses. When sinuses are free of inflammation or infection, there is usually no associated pain or discomfort upon palpation. Tenderness in the sinuses often suggests conditions such as sinusitis, where inflammation leads to swelling and tenderness. In contrast, healthy sinuses do not exhibit these symptoms, reflecting an absence of infection or allergic reactions that could cause discomfort.

Other conditions like allergic rhinitis may cause nasal congestion and other symptoms, but they do not necessarily lead to tenderness. Increased pressure is often perceived with sinus infections or during sinus congestions, which again would not correlate with the absence of tenderness. Therefore, the presence of no tenderness during a sinus examination is a strong indicator of sinus health.