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 rhinitis or a cold, which have not been fully healed. But these are not all the reasons that can cause sinusitis. Today we will figure out the provocateurs of this disease and find out how to treat the disease with the most gentle methods.

In no case should it be possible to start the treatment of sinusitis, otherwise the initial stage will go to the next - purulent, which will entail other diseases with more severe consequences. For example, the acute course of the disease affects the bony walls of the maxillary sinuses, connective tissue and blood vessels, affecting them.

People of all ages, including children, are subject to this ailment, gender also does not matter. The peak of sinusitis genesis, according to statistics, falls on the season of autumn and winter. You also need to be careful in the early spring.

Causes of sinusitis

Basically, the underlying cause of sinusitis is an infection that has entered the nose by breathing or through the blood. Several conditions are noted that create breathing problems, which include: rhinitis, curvature of the nasal septum, if we talk about children, 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, not fully healed diseases associated with cold, rhinitis, acute respiratory infections - all this gives a complication in the form of sinusitis.

Most people are carriers of staphylococcus bacteria, but they do not even know about it, and this is 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 aforementioned ailment.

Modern medicine has analyzed and identified the reasons contributing to the occurrence of sinusitis:

• penetration of pathogenic and viral bacteria into the nasopharynx;
• injuries of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses;
• incomplete or improperly healed rhinitis;
• neglect of cold treatment;
• long stay in places where the air is too dry or high temperature;
• draft;
• chemical fumes entering the nasopharynx;
• aggressive effect of the environment on the mucous membrane;
• flu;
• hypothermia;
• a weakened immune system;
• pathology of the structure of the nasopharynx;
• polyps and adenoids;
• problems such as mucosal damage 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 morning, 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 spot and feel his head start to ache. If the process takes place on one side, then the pains will occur unilaterally.

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

The temperature rises and stays 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 disturbance.

Among the general symptoms of sinusitis, the following can be distinguished:

• loss of working capacity;
• temperature rise up to 40 ° С;
• chills;
• lethargy;
• persistent bouts of coughing;
• pain in the nose and adjacent areas (forehead, gums, eyes);
• difficulty breathing;
• memory problems;
• a stuffy nose;
• the exit of pus from the nose (yellow-green);
• headache(when turning the head, the pain may intensify);
• partial or complete loss of appetite;
• sleep problems, since a person does not have enough air;
• at the moment of tilting, a heaviness is felt in the head.

Regardless of the type of sinusitis flowing, pharmacotherapy is often prescribed, which is individually selected by the doctor. Sinus flushing is prescribed exclusively for severe pain and abundant discharge of pus, while a puncture is not performed. In order to enhance the effect of the treatment and relieve inflammation, laser therapy is prescribed, which lasts about two weeks.

Pain with sinusitis

As mentioned above, sinusitis pains 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. At the time of inclinations, the pain, as a rule, intensifies.

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

We will talk in more detail about the symptoms of various kinds 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 one. As an evil, it is at this time that the body is subject to the attacks of the environment. Rebuilding is taking place, because now the body needs to work not for one person, but for two. All this, combined with the surging hormones, creates a bald patch in the immune system.

Even if before that you have never felt from your own experience what sinusitis is, the first acquaintance may fall on pregnancy. The reasons that cause illness in an "interesting" position are similar to those that act as provocateurs in a normal state. But the treatment of the disease is somewhat problematic, because in a pregnant woman everything is arranged differently and it is generally undesirable to use antibiotics. That is why it is in no case possible to self-medicate.

Treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy

For the most productive elimination of sinusitis during pregnancy, doctors prescribe to their patients specialized drugs that have vasoconstrictor properties. Another more gentle treatment option 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 when it comes to 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 one.

But it is 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 even at the stage of their formation.

Sinusitis in children, symptoms and treatment

The basic reason for the onset of sinusitis in children is a primitive rhinitis. As a rule, children with weakened immunity are susceptible to it, so that development can begin due to past illnesses: measles, scarlet fever, flu, etc.

It is problematic to recognize the presence of sinusitis in a child, so parents should be extremely attentive to the state of the baby. Pay attention to:

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

If symptoms occur, you should immediately contact the ENT, who will conduct a complete examination and establish a diagnosis.

Treatment of childhood sinusitis is usually complex. Used drugs that have a beneficial effect on the immune system, medicines that relieve the symptoms of the disease. Surgical intervention is used only when absolutely necessary. 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 on your own, this can lead to sad consequences and complications.

Types of sinusitis

Modern medicine distinguishes the following types of sinusitis:

• Chronic.
• Allergic.
• Catalan.
• Sharp.
• Pestilent.
• Polypoid.
• Two-sided.
• Odontogenic.

Let's consider each separately.

Odontogenic type of sinusitis

It progresses against the background of inflammatory processes occurring in the maxillary sinuses. The main pathogens are staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli and mix infection. Neglect of oral hygiene, a disappointing condition of the teeth is a common cause 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

With the development of this type, patients often complain of a general feeling of malaise, chronic fatigue, weakness and loss of ability to work. In some cases, this type can pass without vivid symptoms, but it is often noted:

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

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

Treatment of acute sinusitis takes about two to three weeks and consists in the use of medication therapy.

Purulent type of sinusitis

It takes its development due to the transferred diseases of an infectious and viral nature, which were not healed properly. Often, it is diagnosed to people who mistook sinusitis for a common cold and did not attach any importance to its treatment, as they say, "it will go away by itself."

The provocateurs of purulent sinusitis are pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms, whose vital activity is actively progressing in the sinuses. The neglected stage is fraught with lesions of the bone tissue, which are located close to the focus of inflammation. In order to prevent the appearance and development of a purulent stage, even 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 stimuli that aggressively act on the mucous membrane. In a way, here sinusitis acts as a response of the body's protective reaction to contact with an allergen. It is accompanied by increased tearing, nasal discharge, and the appearance of edema. 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 weak;
• pain in the eyes;
• stuffy nose;
• heat.

Often, allergic sinusitis is accompanied by complications in the form of overgrowth of polyps that impede the normal passage of air, which makes it necessary to remove them surgically. With the appearance of polyps, neither physiotherapy nor medication give positive results.

The first thing a patient needs to do in this case is to determine the source of the allergen that could serve to develop the disease, and then stop and prevent contact with it. After that, it is recommended to undergo a full examination by specialists in order to identify a complete list of allergens. As soon as the course of anti-allergic therapy is completed, a person is prescribed drugs that help to increase immunity.

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

Chronic sinusitis

It is observed in people in whose maxillary sinuses there is an inflammatory process. This disease flows into another stage of exacerbation and leads to serious consequences in the form of complications. Inflammatory processes go over and give off 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 be carried out against the background of congenital and acquired problems with the nasal septum, dental problems. Even primitive caries can become the cause of the development of chronic sinusitis.

Polypoid type of sinusitis

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

It all starts with breathing problems, a person begins to breathe through the mouth, as the nose gets blocked. Sinusitis of the polyposis type is often accompanied by profuse purulent discharge, loss of taste sensitivity, decreased appetite, severe headache and distraction.

Treatment of polypous sinusitis is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting. Surgery removes the overgrown tissue that interferes with breathing.

Some specialists, if the polyps are small, make efforts to treat the disease with medication, with the use of antibiotics and other drugs. In fairness, it should be noted that in isolated cases, such treatment turns out to be a success.

Bilateral sinusitis

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

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

• intoxication;
• lethargic, state of sleep disturbance and apathy;
• severe tearing;
• high body temperature;
• swelling in the area where the maxillary sinuses are located;
• profuse nasal discharge.

In general, bilateral sinusitis is considered a very rare occurrence, and if it happens, it passes in a very severe form. The cause of its occurrence, as in other cases, can be pathogenic bacteria that are found in the nasopharynx and maxillary sinuses. Treatment is carried out in a medicamentous and physiotherapeutic way.

Catarrhal type of sinusitis

In the nasal cavity of a patient with catarrhal sinusitis, there is swelling, inflammation of the mucous membrane. This type of disease is more often diagnosed in young children: preschoolers and elementary school students.

Causes of catarrhal sinusitis:

• poorly or improperly cured flu;
• mechanical damage to the nasal cavity;
• allergic rhinitis;
• transferred viral infections "on their feet", ie without the organization of bed rest.

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

Sinusitis treatment

Productive treatment of an ailment implies an integrated approach, including both medication and physiotherapy. The duration and nature of the course is determined by the doctor, after the type of disease has been established. The sooner the ailment is discovered, the easier it will be to cure it.

Many are afraid to go to specialists for fear of 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 consider options for treating sinusitis by inhalation, heating, washing and other methods of traditional medicine.

Flushing with sinusitis

There are a large number of solutions for rinsing the nose, which can be purchased without any problems at your nearest pharmacy. That's just such an abundance leads to a stupor, which remedy is better? Here is a list of the most effective drugs that will help get rid of the disease as soon as possible.

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

These are the leaders who have shown the best results in the performance audit.

Rinsing the nose should 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 rinse

1. Lean over a bathtub or sink. Turn your head to one side so that the less clogged nostril is higher.
2. Begin flushing by placing the syringe tip in your less congested nostril. You can not insert it deeply in order to prevent mechanical damage to the mucous membrane.
3. Liquid under a slight pressure will flow into one nostril and exit from the other. At the moment of entering the liquid, you need to make sounds, for example, a long "and".
4. Then everything is repeated from the second nostril.
5. At the end, you need to thoroughly blow your eyes to eliminate pus and residues of the rinsing solution.

It is not recommended to immediately go out into the street, you can catch a cold. Better to go to bed and lie down for an hour.

Inhalation with sinusitis

Such procedures for sinusitis, like heating, must be done with caution and only after a complete 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 to it.

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

• A decoction of celandine, plantain, mint, in a proportion: 2: 2: 3.
• In a ratio of 3: 1: 1 - raspberries, calendula, eucalyptus.
• Pour 30 leaves of bay leaves with 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 devices nebulizers, which are pre-filled with medications. When choosing the latter, it is better to be guided by the recommendations of a doctor.

Is it possible to warm sinusitis

Warm up or not - you need to decide after the type of inflammation is known. So, for example, in the acute form, heating is strictly prohibited, otherwise the infection can spread very quickly and give complications.

Warming up is permissible only in cases where the pus is completely gone, and the patient himself is halfway to recovery. The same applies to the sauna. In general, be extremely careful when it comes to water treatments. 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 with 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 prescribed 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). High efficiency in both acute and chronic course.
• Dilute 50 g of dry clay with hot water to form a kind of plasticine. Moisten gauze in warmed sunflower oil, apply on nose and sinuses. Put clay on top. Keep the compress for at least an hour.
• Rub baby soap on a fine grater. Take honey, olive oil and milk in the same amount. 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. The duration of treatment is three weeks.
• Chop 4 grams of celandine herb and combine with honey and aloe juice in a 1: 1 ratio. Bury the composition in the nose five times a day.
• Add propolis alcohol tincture (two teaspoons) to 2 liters of water. Boil, remove from heat and breathe over the steam, covered with a towel. If there is an allergy to bee products, this method is not suitable!

Antibiotics for sinusitis

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that, especially if used improperly, can harm the kidneys and liver. Therefore, their selection and reception should take place exclusively under the supervision of a specialist.

Popular antibiotics in the treatment of sinusitis:

• Isofra.
• Bioparox.

Drops from sinusitis

The most popular drops that are used to treat sinusitis:

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