Sinusitis: causes, symptoms, treatment

The process when inflammation of the paranasal sinuses occurs is called sinusitis. Often it appears due to the recurrence of a deep runny nose or a cold that was not fully healed. But these are not all the reasons that can cause sinusitis. Today we will look into the provocateurs of this disease and find out how to treat the disease using the most gentle methods possible.

Under no circumstances should treatment for sinusitis be started, otherwise the initial stage will progress to the next stage - purulent, which will lead to other diseases with more severe consequences. For example, acute courses of the disease affect the bone walls of the maxillary sinuses, connective tissue and blood vessels, affecting them.

This disease affects people of all age groups, including children; gender also does not matter. The peak incidence of sinusitis, according to statistics, occurs in the fall and winter seasons. You also need to be careful in early spring.

Causes of sinusitis

Basically, the main cause of sinusitis is an infection that has entered the nose through breathing or through the blood. There are several conditions that create breathing problems, which include: rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, if we talk about children, then these are adenoids, as well as diseases associated with allergic inflammation.

The impetus for the development of sinusitis can be a weakened immunity, due to which long-term chronic diseases develop, allergies and parasitosis. Unprofessional, untimely treatment, incompletely healed diseases associated with cold, rhinitis, acute respiratory infections - all this leads to complications in the form of sinusitis.

Most people are carriers of staphylococcus bacteria, but do not even suspect it, and all because it is mostly in a dormant state and does not cause any harm to the health of its “host”. But at the moment of the onset of a cold and the development of the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, it awakens and is expressed in the mentioned ailment.

Modern medicine has analyzed and identified the causes that contribute to the occurrence of sinusitis:

• entry of pathogenic and viral bacteria into the nasopharynx;
• injuries to the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses;
• incompletely or improperly healed runny nose;
• neglect of cold treatment;
• long stay in places where the air is too dry or high temperature;
• draft;
• entry into the nasopharynx of chemical fumes;
• aggressive environmental impact on the mucous membrane;
• flu;
• hypothermia;
• weakened immune system;
• pathologies of the structure of the nasopharynx;
• polyps and adenoids;
• problems such as mucosal lesions fungus, tuberculosis, the presence of tumors and radiation sickness.

Symptoms of sinusitis

The first sign of sinusitis is pain in the nose and the area near the nose on the sides. Unpleasant sensations increase over a short period of time. In the mornings, the pain is not so pronounced and may have a slight aching character; closer to night it intensifies. Then the patient begins to “lose” the painful area and feel a headache. If the process occurs on one side, then the pain will occur unilaterally.

The nose becomes completely blocked, the voice becomes nasal, and breathing is problematic. It is possible that congestion will move from one nostril to the other. There is a constant runny nose. The discharge has a mucous consistency from transparent to yellow-green (in the case of purulent sinusitis). However, there may be no discharge if the nose is completely blocked.

The temperature rises and remains around 38 and above. But, as a rule, high body temperature accompanies the acute course of the disease; with chronic inflammation of the sinuses, there may be no temperature at all. The patient feels a general malaise, which is expressed in increased fatigue, refusal to eat and sleep disturbances.

Among the general symptoms of sinusitis are the following:

• loss of performance;
• temperature increase up to 40°C;
• chills;
• lethargy;
• constant coughing attacks;
• pain in the nose and adjacent areas (forehead, gums, eyes);
• difficulty breathing;
• memory problems;
• stuffy nose;
• discharge of pus from the nose (yellow-green);
• headaches  (pain may intensify when turning the head);
• partial or complete loss of appetite;
• sleep problems, because the person does not have enough air;
• When you bend over, you feel a heaviness in your head.

Regardless of the type of sinusitis occurring, pharmacotherapy is often prescribed, which is selected individually by the doctor. Sinus lavage is prescribed exclusively for severe pain and copious discharge of pus, and no puncture is performed. In order to enhance the effect of the treatment and relieve inflammation, laser therapy is prescribed, which lasts about two weeks.

Pain due to sinusitis

As mentioned above, pain due to sinusitis can be of a different nature, but a clear sign of the mentioned disease is pain in the nose and forehead, which subsequently spreads throughout the head. When bending over, the pain usually intensifies.

It is almost impossible to confuse the pain that occurs due to the onset of sinusitis with pain of a different nature, so at the first symptom, seek help from a specialist. This will allow you to quickly and most effectively get rid of the disease, avoiding complications and sad consequences.

We will talk more about the symptoms of various types of sinusitis below.

Sinusitis during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not only one of the most pleasant periods in a woman’s life, but also the most responsible. Unfortunately, it is at this time that the body is subject to environmental attacks. Changes are taking place, because now the body needs to work not for one person, but for two. All this, combined with raging hormones, creates a “bald spot” in the immune system.

Even if you have never experienced first-hand what sinusitis is, your first acquaintance may come during pregnancy. The reasons that cause the disease in an “interesting” situation are similar to those that act as provocateurs in a normal state. But treating the disease is somewhat problematic, because everything works differently for a pregnant woman and it is generally undesirable to use antibiotics. That is why you should never self-medicate.

Treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy

To eliminate sinusitis during pregnancy as efficiently as possible, doctors prescribe specialized drugs that have vasoconstrictor properties to their patients. Another treatment option, more gentle, is simple rinsing with saline, antiseptic or soda solutions.

In extreme cases, when the patient’s condition requires it, the doctor selects antibiotics that will not harm either the mother or the baby. If drug treatment is not possible, especially if this concerns the first trimester, then the puncture method is used, i.e. puncture of the maxillary sinus in order to release stagnant pus. This is the fastest way to get rid of pain and sinusitis itself, although not the most pleasant.

But it’s even better to foresee the disease in advance and prevent it. To do this, you just need to train the immune system, which will kill pathogenic bacteria at the stage of their formation.

Sinusitis in children: symptoms and treatment

The main reason for the occurrence of sinusitis in children is a primitive runny nose. As a rule, children with weakened immune systems are susceptible to it, so development can begin due to past illnesses: measles, scarlet fever, influenza, etc.

Recognizing the presence of sinusitis in a child is problematic, so parents should be extremely attentive to the condition of the baby. Please note:

• elevated temperature (over 38°C);
• yellow-green nasal discharge;
• sleep problems;
• swelling of the cheeks and eyelids;
• decreased or complete lack of appetite;
• lethargy and weakness, decreased previous activity;
• child complaints of pain in the head and area near the nose;
• difficulty breathing.

If symptoms occur, you should immediately contact an ENT specialist, who will conduct a full examination and make a diagnosis.

Treatment of childhood sinusitis is usually complex. Drugs that have a beneficial effect on the immune system and medications that relieve the symptoms of the disease are used. Surgery is used only in cases of extreme necessity. Remember, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more gentle methods you can get rid of it. In any case, do not try to cure the child yourself, this can lead to dire consequences and complications.

Types of sinusitis

Modern medicine distinguishes the following types of sinusitis:

• Chronic.
• Allergic.
• Catarrhal.
• Spicy.
• Purulent.
• Polypous.
• Double-sided.
• Odontogenic.

Let's look at each one separately.

Odontogenic type of sinusitis

It progresses against the background of inflammatory processes occurring in the maxillary sinuses. The main pathogens are staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and mixed infection. Neglect of oral hygiene and poor dental condition are common causes of odontogenic sinusitis.

The progressive development of the disease is fraught with a decrease in the immune system, damage to bone tissue and increased pain. To treat the disease, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and other medications, but only after the exact focus and source of inflammation has been identified.

Acute type of sinusitis

When this type develops, patients often complain about a general feeling of malaise, chronic fatigue, weakness and loss of performance. In some cases, this type may occur without significant symptoms, but it is often noted:

• high temperature;
• difficulty breathing;
• sleep problems;
• pain in the nose and related areas;
• swelling;
• high temperature.

There are several reasons that can cause acute sinusitis. These are: congenital pathologies of the nasal septum, a tendency to allergies, previous viral diseases and mechanical damage to the mucous membrane.

Treatment of acute sinusitis takes about two to three weeks and involves the use of drug therapy.

Purulent type of sinusitis

It develops due to infectious and viral diseases that were not properly treated. Often, it is diagnosed to people who mistook sinusitis for a common runny nose and did not attach any importance to its treatment; as they say, “it will go away on its own.”

The provocateurs of purulent sinusitis are pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms, the vital activity of which actively progresses in the sinuses. The advanced stage is fraught with lesions of bone tissue, which are located close to the source of inflammation. In order to prevent the appearance and development of a purulent stage, at the first signs of sinusitis it is worth contacting a specialist who will prescribe quality treatment.

Allergic type of sinusitis

It develops due to the activation of external irritants that have an aggressive effect on the mucous membrane. In its own way, here sinusitis acts as a protective response of the body to contact with an allergen. Accompanied by increased lacrimation, nasal discharge, and swelling. As a rule, the risk of allergic sinusitis appears in the spring, when it is time for plants to bloom and pollen is in the air.

The following symptoms are noted:

• headache;
• feeling of weakness;
• pain in the eyes;
• stuffy nose;
• high temperature.

Often, allergic sinusitis is accompanied by complications in the form of the growth of polyps, which obstruct the normal passage of air, which makes it necessary to remove them surgically. When polyps appear, neither physiotherapy nor drug treatment gives positive results.

The first thing the patient needs to do in this case is to determine the source of the allergen that could have contributed to the development of the disease, and then stop and prevent contact with it. After this, it is recommended to undergo a full examination by specialists in order to identify a complete list of allergens. Once the course of anti-allergy therapy is completed, the person is prescribed medications that help boost immunity.

To normalize breathing, the doctor will prescribe appropriate exercises for the patient. A special diet may be prescribed based on proper nutrition, a recommendation to completely abandon bad habits that significantly reduce immunity. Long walks through pine forests will be beneficial.

Chronic sinusitis

It is observed in people whose maxillary sinuses have an inflammatory process. This disease progresses to another stage of exacerbation and leads to serious consequences in the form of complications. Inflammatory processes spread and cause problems in the organs that are located next to the maxillary sinuses.

The causative agents of the disease can be any bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Development can occur against the background of congenital and acquired problems with the nasal septum, problems with teeth. Even primitive caries may cause the development of chronic sinusitis.

Polypous type of sinusitis

This species is widespread among the population of absolutely all ages. Unfortunately, polypous sinusitis cannot be treated with medication; only surgery can be used to eliminate the problem. The development of this type of disease occurs due to allergic reactions, abnormalities of the nasal septum, and inflammatory processes.

It all starts with breathing problems; a person begins to breathe through his mouth, as his nose becomes blocked. Polypous sinusitis is often accompanied by profuse purulent discharge, loss of taste sensitivity, decreased appetite, severe headache and absent-mindedness.

Treatment of polypous sinusitis is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting. Through surgery, the patient has overgrown tissues that interfere with normal breathing removed.

Some specialists, if the polyps are small in size, make efforts to treat the disease with medication, using antibiotics and other medications. To be fair, it is worth noting that in isolated cases such treatment is successful.

Bilateral sinusitis

Bilateral sinusitis occurs, as a rule, as a complication after suffering inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses. Often the disease occurs in an acute form and if it is not cured in time, it transforms into a chronic stage.

In those who were diagnosed with bilateral sinusitis, the following symptoms were mainly observed:

• intoxication;
• lethargy, a state with sleep disturbance and apathy;
• severe tearing;
• high body temperature;
• swelling in the area of ​​the maxillary sinuses;
• copious nasal discharge.

In general, bilateral sinusitis is considered a very rare occurrence, and if it happens, it is very severe. The cause of its occurrence, as in other cases, can be pathogenic bacteria that are located in the nasopharynx and maxillary sinuses. Treatment is carried out with medication and physiotherapy.

Catarrhal type of sinusitis

In the nasal cavity of a patient with catarrhal sinusitis, swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane are noted. This type of disease is more often diagnosed in younger children: preschoolers and primary schoolchildren.

Causes of catarrhal sinusitis:

• poorly or incorrectly treated influenza;
• mechanical damage to the nasal cavity;
• allergic rhinitis;
• transferred viral infections “on the legs”, i.e. without bed rest.

Symptoms are accompanied by decreased appetite, deterioration of health, decreased performance, intoxication, high fever, etc.

Treatment of sinusitis

Productive treatment of the disease involves an integrated approach, including taking medications and conducting physical therapy. The duration and nature of the course is determined by the doctor after the type of disease has been determined. The sooner the disease is detected, the easier it will be to cure it.

Many people are afraid to go to specialists for fear of getting a puncture. We hasten to reassure you, such a harsh method is applicable only in the most extreme cases, when other methods have not shown a positive effect.

Below we will look at treatment options for sinusitis through inhalation, heating, rinsing and other traditional medicine methods.

Washing for sinusitis

There are a large number of solutions for rinsing the nose, which can be purchased without any problems at your nearest pharmacy. But such an abundance is confusing, which remedy is better? Here is a list of the most effective drugs that will help get rid of the disease in the shortest possible time.

• Humer.
• Aqualor.
• Dolphin.
• Cuckoo.

These are the leaders who showed the highest results during the performance review.

Rinsing the nose must be carried out strictly according to the instructions, otherwise you can damage the mucous membrane and even get a burn, which will seriously aggravate the situation. All items involved in washing must be sterile.

How to do rinsing

1. Lean over the bathtub or sink. Turn your head to the side so that the less clogged nostril is higher.
2. Begin rinsing by placing the tip of the syringe in the less blocked nostril. It should not be inserted very deeply in order to prevent mechanical damage to the mucous membrane.
3. Liquid under slight pressure will flow into one nostril and out of the other. At the moment of introducing the liquid, you need to make sounds, for example a long “i”.
4. Then everything is repeated from the second nostril.
5. At the end, you need to blow your nose thoroughly to remove the pus and remnants of the rinsing solution.

It is not recommended to go outside immediately, as you may catch a cold. It is better to go to bed and lie quietly for an hour.

Inhalations for sinusitis

Such procedures for sinusitis, like heating, should be done with caution and only after a full examination. This is due to the danger of spreading the infection to third-party organs. If the doctor did not express any concerns and gave the go-ahead for the procedure, you can safely proceed with it.

Here are some of the most effective inhalation options for sinusitis.

• A decoction of celandine, plantain, mint, in the ratio: 2:2:3.
• In a ratio of 3:1:1 - raspberry, calendula, eucalyptus.
• Pour 30 bay leaves into a liter of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Let it brew for about an hour, then inhale the vapors.

You can also use special nebulizers, which are pre-filled with medications. When choosing the latter, it is better to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Is it possible to heat sinusitis?

To warm it up or not - you need to decide after the type of inflammation is known. For example, in the acute form, heating is strictly prohibited, otherwise the infection can spread very quickly and cause complications.

Warming up is permissible only in cases where the pus has completely drained and the patient is halfway to recovery. The same applies to the bathhouse. In general, be extremely careful when it comes to water procedures. One thing is for sure - at a temperature such procedures are prohibited.

The most popular ways to warm up sinusitis:

• Hard boil a couple of eggs. Immediately after removing from hot water, wrap them in a towel and apply to the maxillary sinuses until they cool completely.
• Heat a glass of salt in a dry frying pan and pour it into a rag bag (you can take a clean sock). Apply the salt pad to the sore spot for 15 minutes.
• If possible, you can purchase a special blue lamp. Warming up with it shows good results. The amount and time of warming up are specified in the instructions for the device.

Effective treatment of sinusitis with folk remedies

• Five times a day, inject rosehip oil into your nose (you can take sea buckthorn). Highly effective in both acute and chronic conditions.
• Dilute 50 g of dry clay with hot water to form something like plasticine. Soak gauze in heated sunflower oil and apply to the nose and sinuses. Place clay on top. Keep the compress for at least an hour.
• Grate baby soap on a fine grater. In the same quantity, take honey, olive oil and milk. Combine all ingredients and melt in a water bath. Add a spoonful of alcohol, remove from heat and cool. Soak cotton swabs in the ointment and lubricate the nasal passages. Duration of treatment is three weeks.
• Grind 4 grams of celandine herb and combine with honey and aloe juice in a 1:1 ratio. Place the mixture in your nose five times a day.
• Add alcohol tincture of propolis (two teaspoons) to 2 liters of water. Boil, remove from the stove and breathe over the steam, covered with a towel. If you have an allergy to bee products, this method is not suitable!

Antibiotics for sinusitis

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that, especially if used incorrectly, can harm the kidneys and liver. Therefore, their selection and administration should occur exclusively under the supervision of a specialist.

Popular antibiotics for the treatment of sinusitis:

• Isofra.
• Bioparox.

Drops for sinusitis

The most popular drops used to treat sinusitis:

• Sinuforte.
• Rinofluimucil.
• Afrin.
• Nazol.
• Nazivin.
• Miramistin.
• Aquamaris.