Sinusitis is insidious in that it can manifest itself indirectly, and a person can simply attribute all symptoms to chronic nasal congestion, allergies or migraines. Because of this, sinusitis often remains untreated or is treated incorrectly, which leads to its chronic stage.

Sinusitis significantly reduces a person’s performance and quality of life; moreover, it poses a real threat to the life and health of the patient. Therefore, it is important to know what sinusitis is, what symptoms may indicate the disease and how to treat it.

The human sinuses are an extension of the nose that is invisible from the outside. The sinuses and the nose form a single system. With sinusitis, the sinuses are isolated from each other due to inflammation, their mucous membranes swell and become clogged with secretions.

Sinusitis and sinusitis are all the same diseases. Sinusitis is the same as sinusitis, but is named after the sinuses in which inflammation occurs.

Sinuses are sinuses located on the human face:

• near the nose on the left and on the right under the eyes - these are the maxillary sinuses;
• frontal sinuses;
• ethmoid sinuses - between the nose and eyes;
• sphenoid sinuses - located behind the ethmoid sinuses.

All sinuses are connected to the nose. If a person has a runny nose, the nasal mucosa often swells. The sinuses themselves are quite voluminous, but the passage connecting to the nose is narrow. At the time of swelling of the nasal mucosa, this hole becomes even smaller or completely closes. Fluid from the sinuses cannot be transported normally into the nasal cavity. Moreover, a bacterial infection can join it, the mucous membranes of the sinuses become inflamed, and pus forms in them.

This is the whole essence of sinusitis.

Classification and types of disease

According to the specific course of the disease, there are two main types of sinusitis:

• spicy;
• chronic.

Acute sinusitis occurs as a complication after colds, acute respiratory viral infections, and influenza; it has quite pronounced symptoms. The duration of the illness is up to 30 days.

Chronic sinusitis is the same inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, but the course of the disease occurs in stages: subsided - worsened - subsided - worsened. It is called chronic because it returns with every respiratory infection and flu episode.

A vicious circle is formed here: each episode of ARVI causes inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, and if a person suffers from sinusitis, then his susceptibility to infections increases, and as a result he often gets sick.

Chronic sinusitis usually does not occur out of the blue; there are always some predisposing factors - structural features of the nose, anomalies (polyps, adenoids) that lead to narrowing or complete blockage of the tubules between the sinuses and nose. As a result, air circulation in the sinuses is disrupted, and secretions secreted by the glands are collected. When an infection occurs, the secretion blocked in the sinuses begins to fester, having no way out.

Sinusitis can also be classified according to the location of the inflammation:

• frontal sinusitis - the frontal sinuses are affected;
• ethmoiditis - the ethmoid sinuses are affected;
• sphenoiditis - sphenoid sinuses;
• sinusitis - maxillary (maxillary) sinuses.

Allergists can diagnose allergic sinusitis. The course of the disease here is no different from usual, but the swelling of the nasal mucosa itself is a reaction to a specific allergen.

Sinusitis is a complication of a runny nose. A runny nose can be treated or not treated; in any case, it goes away in 5-7 days. Another question is under what conditions the runny nose occurred. If a person had the opportunity to get sick at home, without going out to public places with large crowds of people, then the runny nose goes away very quickly and without consequences. If a person is forced to work during a runny nose, becomes hypothermic due to it, and infections (viruses, bacteria, fungus) occur, then everything can end in acute sinusitis.

Another cause of sinusitis can be nasal polyposis, when polyps form in the nasal cavity. These formations prevent free air exchange and can completely block the nasal passages (in this case, the person begins to breathe mainly only through the mouth).

Possible causes of sinusitis may also include:

• deviated nasal septum;
• tumors;
• swelling of the nasal mucosa (may occur due to frequent or constant use of vasoconstrictor drops);
• dental diseases (the upper teeth border the maxillary sinuses);
• injuries.

Symptoms of sinusitis

If the runny nose becomes complicated and develops into sinusitis, the symptoms will be as follows:

• soreness;
• purulent viscous discharge from the nasopharynx;
• nasal congestion;
• localization of pain under the eyes, along the nerve above upper teeth- incisors;
• cough (usually dry, worsens if you lie down);
• sore throat (discharge drains down the back of the larynx, which can cause irritation);
• decreased sense of smell and dulled sense of taste;
• toothache;
• increased fatigue.

Sinusitis can be accompanied by simply hellish headaches. Knowing what symptoms are observed with sinusitis, you can identify the disease in time and begin timely treatment.

You can check whether you have sinusitis by lightly tapping your fingers on the areas of your face where the sinuses are located. If you feel pain, then this is a sign of sinusitis or sinusitis, and undoubtedly a reason to make an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

The modern method of diagnosing sinusitis is an endoscopic examination, which allows you to look into a person’s nose using a tiny television camera. The doctor can fully see the nasal mucosa and make the correct diagnosis.

It is also important to take an x-ray. An x-ray will allow the doctor to assess how dark there is, how clogged the sinus is, and what the level of inflammatory fluid is.

How to treat sinusitis?

To prevent sinusitis, when you have a runny nose, you need to correctly build a treatment regimen.

Vasoconstrictor drops will help reduce swelling, thereby allowing air to pass through. After all, inflammation in the sinuses occurs when the air flow is disrupted, the sinus space becomes closed, and if there is an infection there, then bacteria begin to multiply directly in the cavity. Vasoconstrictor medications restore patency, and inflammatory fluid flows from the sinuses into the nose.

Important! Naphthyzin drops are outdated and can cause the opposite effect, that is, increase the amount of fluid released from the nose. These drops should not be overused.

Rinsing your nose will also clear mucus. Washing should not be done under pressure or stream. This method can force the infection into the sinuses. It is better if you do this carefully, tilting your head and turning it slightly to one side, pouring liquid from a special teapot (or any other suitable container) into one nostril. Liquid will naturally flow out of the other nostril, mechanically clearing the nasal cavity of secretions.

Treatment of sinusitis will also not work without antibiotics.

In children, the paranasal sinuses begin to develop by age 6, and the development process ends by age 25. But in general, the treatment of sinusitis in adults and children is no different.

The prescription of general systemic antibiotics is an almost unconditional point in the treatment of sinusitis. Antibiotics are prescribed along with vasoconstrictor drops or sprays; more effective nasal corticosteroids can replace vasoconstrictors. That is, a special spray is prescribed, the task of which is to relieve swelling of the nose and allow the outflow of fluid from the sinuses and an antibiotic drug to destroy microbes in the sinuses.

Often this combination of medications is enough to relieve a person of acute sinusitis.

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Physiotherapy

• SMV therapy;
• laser therapy;
• ultrasound procedure;
• electrophoresis;
• FUF irradiation.

The prescribed physiotherapy is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and improving microcirculation in the sinuses.

Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed only after the outflow of pus and secretions as a whole has been established.

Sinus puncture

Sinus puncture can be considered an ancient treatment method. Now punctures are not used in the West, but in Russia they still offer them. This procedure involves mechanical release of the passage into the sinuses, done with a special needle. The disadvantage of the procedure is that the integrity of the mucous membrane is compromised. An alternative to puncture is modern balloon sinuplasty and the YAMIK procedure.

Surgery is a last resort and is necessary for chronic diseases of the nasal sinuses, when irreversible processes occur in them, and the inflammation remains incomplete. Even after the exacerbation of sinusitis subsides, persistent changes remain in the sinus in the form of polyps, cysts, fungi, foreign bodies (for example, filling material), which cannot be removed except by surgery. Now operations are performed endoscopically.

Balloon sinuplasty is a simple and modern operation that is very gentle on the patient’s nose. A balloon is inserted into the mouth of the sinus using a special syringe-catheter, and it is inflated at the opening (orifice) of the sinus. The sinus canal is mechanically opened and the inflammatory fluid is pumped out of the sinus.

The operation can be performed under local anesthesia or without.

The balloon sinuplasty method is excellent because:

• no punctures or cuts are required;
• work is carried out directly in the anastomosis;
• the anatomy and mucous membrane of the sinuses are not disturbed;
• nothing is damaged in the body;
• the operation occurs without blood loss.

Despite the fact that balloon sinuplasty is classified as surgery, in fact, it is more like a procedure than an operation, it is so quickly done and easily tolerated by patients. The only disadvantage of the balloon sinuplasty method is its high cost.

Another method of removing pus from the sinuses is the YAMIK procedure. A special latex catheter is inserted into the patient’s nasal cavity, the back wall of the nasopharynx is blocked with a balloon, and the passage in front is also blocked. Negative pressure is created, and the fluid is carefully replaced with air in the sinuses through a syringe. Purulent discharge flows into the nasal cavity, after which it is removed with a syringe. After cleaning the paranasal sinuses, irrigation is carried out with special preparations, usually antibiotics, to destroy pathogenic microbes that caused inflammation. YAMIK procedure is modern method treatment of sinusitis, invented by Russian otolaryngologist V.S. Kozlov. The procedure is painless, the mucosal surface is not disturbed, and the patient can go home after the procedure. Afterwards, the doctor prescribes only rinsing the nose.

Nasal rinsing

This is the safest procedure, and now doctors recommend doing it morning and evening along with brushing your teeth. You can take ready-made solutions (Aqua Maris, saline solution) or prepare such a solution yourself (1 liter of boiled water and 1 teaspoon of salt). The salt should dissolve well to prevent grains of salt from getting on the nasal mucosa during rinsing. Rinsing is safe for both adults and children.

Traditional medicine offers quite effective ways to overcome sinusitis; treatment consists of such techniques.

Multicomponent ointment

For preparation, each ingredient is taken in the amount of 2 teaspoons.

It is necessary to mix crushed laundry soap, onion juice, olive oil, alcohol, honey Heat the mixture to 50-70°C until the soap flakes dissolve.

The result is a mustard-colored ointment with a pronounced pharmaceutical aroma. It needs to be inserted into the nose with a cotton swab or bandage for 10-15 minutes.

Honey and aloe juice

Aloe and honey are also an excellent combination for treating sinusitis. You need to take equal parts of strained aloe juice and honey and mix. Place the resulting mixture in each nostril, 1-2 drops twice a day.

Onion juice

Prepare the juice of one half of an onion. Soak a cotton ball in onion juice and squeeze well. Insert such a tampon into the nostril and breathe through it. Carry out the procedure for 5 minutes twice a day. It is better to prepare the juice immediately before the procedure.

But I would still like to warn you that sinusitis is a rather complex disease, complications can be catastrophic for health and life. And although folk remedies help, they take time to achieve an effect. Therefore, it is better not to delay and visit an ENT doctor. And use traditional methods in parallel with the main treatment, of course, after consulting a doctor.

If a person already has an established clinical picture of sinusitis and sinusitis, then thermal procedures are contraindicated.

You should not breathe over a bowl of potato broth or soda while the sinus openings are clogged.

The ban also applies to everyone’s favorite bathhouse - you don’t need to think that the bathhouse will cure sinusitis. The bathhouse is good for the prevention of ARVI, sinusitis, sinusitis, but when the disease is already evident, then bath procedures It is better to postpone until recovery.

Antihistamines

Taking antihistamines makes sense if swelling of the nasal mucosa is caused by an allergic reaction. In this case, the swelling will subside, the ducts in the sinuses will open, and pus will flow into the nasal cavity.

One of the most important conditions for the prevention and prevention of sinusitis, if a person gets sick with ARVI, is to find an opportunity and get over it at home, in a warm room, so that the body uses all its capabilities and overcomes the runny nose without complications.

Rinsing the nasal cavity can be attributed not only to treatment, but also to the prevention of sinusitis.

Hardening the body will allow you to avoid the root cause of acute sinusitis - colds, ARVI.

Sinusitis must be treated, since the sinuses are very close to the eyes and brain. Complications of sinusitis are dangerous due to intracranial and eye diseases.

Acute sinusitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease that affects the mucous membrane of one or more paranasal sinuses.

In adults, sinusitis is recorded in approximately 0.02% of cases. In children, about 0.5% of the total respiratory diseases infectious etiology are complicated by the development of acute sinusitis. In the general structure of ENT pathologies in childhood, sinusitis accounts for approximately 32%.

There are 4 pairs of paranasal sinuses, which are associated with the nasal passages: maxillary (maxillary), frontal, sphenoid sinus and ethmoid labyrinth.

With the development of sinusitis, the inflammatory process spreads to the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses, the submucosal layer, and in severe cases affects the periosteum and bone walls.

Acute sinusitis is the general name for a group of inflammations of the paranasal sinuses.

Causes and risk factors

The main causes of acute sinusitis include:

• anatomical defects of the nasal cavity, ethmoidal labyrinth and/or turbinates;
• acute and chronic infectious processes in the body, especially in the upper respiratory tract;
• injuries of the nose and paranasal sinuses;
• surgical interventions requiring prolonged tamponade of the nasal passages.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the localization of the pathological process (damage to one or another sinus), acute sinusitis is divided into:

• sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary sinus;
• frontal sinusitis - inflammation of the frontal sinus;
• sphenoiditis – inflammation of the sphenoid sinus;
• ethmoiditis - inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth.

The development of intracranial complications of acute sinusitis can cause death.

The disease can be unilateral or bilateral, complicated or uncomplicated, one (monosinusitis), several (polysinusitis) or all (pansinusitis) paranasal sinuses can be affected.

Depending on the nature of the inflammation, acute sinusitis is classified into catarrhal (serous), purulent, hemorrhagic, necrotic.

Depending on the severity clinical manifestations the course of the disease can be mild, moderate or severe.

Acute sinusitis, regardless of the location of the inflammation, is characterized by the following symptoms:

• feeling of pressure in the face;
• disorders of taste and smell;
• bad breath;
• nasal voice;
• reflex cough caused by the flow of inflammatory exudate down the back wall of the pharynx.

In addition, the acute inflammatory process is manifested by general intoxication: weakness, decreased general well-being, increased body temperature, sleep disturbance.

Other symptoms of acute sinusitis depend on its form.

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis begins suddenly. The temperature rises to 38-39 ˚С (less often it can be subfebrile or remain within the normal range). Patients complain of pain in the affected sinus area, which sometimes spreads to the cheekbone, root of the nose, forehead, temple or the entire half of the face on the affected side. The pain increases with palpation and tilting the head. Nasal breathing from the side of the affected sinus is difficult or absent. Discharge from the nasal cavity is serous at the beginning of the disease, then becomes cloudy and becomes more viscous. If sinusitis is bilateral, patients are forced to breathe through their mouths. When the tear duct is blocked due to swelling, lacrimation occurs.

Acute ethmoiditis

The development of acute ethmoiditis is often preceded by sinusitis and frontal sinusitis. Inflammation, as a rule, begins in the posterior part of the ethmoid labyrinth. Signs of acute ethmoiditis are intense headaches, pressing pain in the bridge of the nose and root of the nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a sharply reduced sense of smell. Nasal discharge is initially serous, then becomes purulent. In some cases, the orbit may be involved in the pathological process, which leads to swelling of the eyelids and protrusion of the eyeball.

Acute sphenoiditis

Acute sphenoiditis is usually combined with ethmoiditis. In isolation, this form of the disease is extremely rare. Inflammation is manifested by pain localized in the area of ​​the orbit, crown and back of the head.

With the development of sinusitis, the inflammatory process spreads to the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses, the submucosal layer, and in severe cases affects the periosteum and bone walls.

Acute frontal sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is more severe than other forms of acute sinusitis. Against the background of high temperature, nasal breathing becomes difficult, nasal discharge appears on the affected side, and pain in the forehead area appears. These signs are more pronounced in the morning. In addition, there is pain in the eyes and photophobia. Often in patients with acute frontal sinusitis, the color of the skin of the forehead changes (hyperemia), swells upper eyelid and the superciliary region on the affected side. When the inflammatory process spreads to bone structures, their necrosis with the formation of fistulas is possible.

Features of the disease in children

The clinical picture of acute sinusitis in children varies depending on age, origin, location, and the presence of concomitant pathology.

IN childhood The ethmoid sinus is affected more often (about 80% of all sinusitis cases) than in adults. The second place in this age group is occupied by inflammation of the maxillary sinus. The presence of a common bone wall and the close location of the excretory ostia causes frequent combined lesions of these sinuses. Frontal sinusitis occurs less frequently in children over 6-7 years of age, which is associated with the formation of the frontal sinus. The sphenoid sinus is rarely affected in children.

In the general structure of ENT pathologies in childhood, sinusitis accounts for approximately 32%.

In newborns, as well as in infants and young children, acute sinusitis is more severe, and general symptoms prevail over local ones. In addition, in children of this age group, acute sinusitis can imitate the clinical picture of other pathologies (lower respiratory tract and even the gastrointestinal tract, due to the severity of intoxication).

In a mild form of the disease, the general condition is within normal limits, the temperature rises to low-grade levels or remains within normal limits. The headache is not too intense and not constant. Local signs of the inflammatory process are moderately expressed.

In the moderate form, signs of general intoxication of the body, as well as local inflammatory changes, are more pronounced.

A severe course is characteristic of poly- or pansinusitis, especially with the development of orbital and intracranial complications. The child’s general condition deteriorates sharply, with severe headache, pain in the affected sinus and orbit, photophobia and lacrimation. The temperature is usually high (38 °C and above).

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of acute sinusitis is established on the basis of data obtained from collecting complaints and anamnesis, conducting an objective examination, as well as a number of additional studies. An important role is played by anterior, middle and posterior rhinoscopy, performed sequentially. In addition, radiography of the paranasal sinuses is shown in two projections, ultrasonography, computed or magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses.

Rhinoscopy is the main method for diagnosing sinusitis

A general and biochemical blood test and a general urinalysis are prescribed (nonspecific signs of inflammation are detected). To identify the infectious agent, a microbiological study of the punctate is carried out to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. Cytological examination of imprints of the mucous membrane of the nasal turbinates makes it possible to determine the signs of an incipient inflammatory process in the early stages of the development of the disease.

Treatment of acute sinusitis

Treatment of acute sinusitis is usually conservative. The main goals are: elimination of the etiological factor, relief of pain, restoration of the outflow of the contents of the affected sinus. In severe and sometimes moderate forms of acute sinusitis, hospitalization of the patient in a hospital is required.

Vasoconstrictor drugs, antihistamines, and mucolytics are prescribed. For acute sinusitis of bacterial etiology, antibacterial therapy is indicated; for mild and moderate forms, antibiotics are prescribed orally; for severe forms of the disease, parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous) administration.

Since inflammatory edema often does not allow the nasal sinuses to clear in acute sinusitis, they resort to puncture of the affected sinus, followed by drainage and rinsing with antiseptic solutions, after which they are injected into the sinus medicinal product(antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic). Diagnostic and treatment punctures can be performed on children starting from 10 months.

In acute sinusitis, intracranial and orbital complications may develop: meningitis, epidural or subdural brain abscess, osteomyelitis, purulent inflammation of the soft tissues of the orbit (orbital phlegmon).

In severe cases of acute sinusitis, detoxification, hyposensitizing, dehydration, immune and symptomatic therapy is indicated. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required in conjunction with active antibacterial therapy.

Indications for surgical treatment (surgical interventions on the frontal, sphenoid and maxillary sinuses) are:

• severe course of the disease, poor response to therapy;
• progression of the pathological process during complex treatment;
• development of orbital and/or intracranial complications.

Surgical intervention in newborns and children of the first years of life is performed through endonasal access to avoid deformation of the facial bones and injury to the tooth buds.

Meningitis, epidural or subdural brain abscess, osteomyelitis, purulent inflammation of the soft tissues of the orbit (orbital phlegmon).

Forecast

With timely diagnosis and properly selected treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable. In the absence of adequate treatment, there is a high risk of the pathological process becoming chronic. With acute sinusitis in children in the first years of life, the prognosis worsens. The development of intracranial complications of acute sinusitis can cause death.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of acute sinusitis, it is recommended:

• timely treatment of acute respiratory diseases;
• correction of anatomical defects of the nasal cavity (hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates, curvature of the nasal septum, etc.);
• rejection of bad habits;
• avoiding hypothermia.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Acute sinusitis is an inflammatory process that affects one or more paranasal sinuses at once. The disease can manifest itself in childhood and adulthood, during pregnancy and feeding. In this case, the cause of development can be anything.

Nowadays, everyone has begun to diagnose acute and chronic sinusitis. There are several reasons for this. There are factors that lead to this disease. This includes.

• Weakened immune function.
• Work in industrial plants or with chemicals.
• The presence of a deviated nasal septum, congenital or acquired.
• Formation of polyps or enlargement of adenoids.
• Trauma to the nasal cavity.
• Presence of carious formations.
• Past viral infections.
• Penetration of bacteria.
• Presence of allergic rhinitis.
• Having bad habits.

Fifty percent of acute sinusitis cases are thought to be caused by bacteria. Much less commonly, the disease can occur as a result of a fungal infection.

The primary inflammatory process develops quite quickly. To stop the process, it is necessary to eliminate the cause as soon as possible.

Types of Acute Sinusitis

The paranasal sinuses are located in the cranial bones of any person. Only in children under three years of age are they not yet fully developed. Therefore, it is generally accepted that sinusitis cannot manifest itself in childhood.

As a result, acute sinusitis is usually divided into several types.

1. Sinusitis. The disease affects the maxillary sinuses. They are located in the skeletal system of the upper jaw and connect to the nasal cavity. This type of disease is considered the most common, since they are closest to the respiratory tract. This is why pain occurs in the jaw and cheekbones. Sinusitis can lead to complications such as otitis media or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve.
2. Frontit. The paranasal sinuses are located in the frontal region above the eye sockets. With frontal sinusitis, a painful sensation occurs, which radiates to the occipital region and the visual organ. Frontitis can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis, inflammation of the outer membrane of the optic organ, meningitis and inflammation of the meninges.
3. Ethmoiditis. The infection affects the sinuses, which are located in the ethmoid bone. Ethmoiditis is always accompanied by other inflammatory processes in the form of sinusitis or sinusitis. In case of defeat back wall skeletal system ethmoiditis is accompanied by sphenoiditis.
4. Sphenoiditis. The infection affects the sphenoid sinus. It is located at the back of the nasal cavity.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

The signs of acute sinusitis appear quite clearly, especially when the disease appears for the first time. Acute sinusitis is characterized by the following problems.

1. Copious discharge. In the first days, they may have a transparent or whitish color and a liquid consistency. After a few days, the mucus becomes thick and yellowish in color.
2. Congestion of the nasal passages.
3. Raising body temperature to 39-40 degrees.
4. Severe pain that radiates to the head or eye area. The sensations intensify when the head is tilted forward.
5. Severe intoxication of the body, which manifests itself in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
6. General weakness and malaise, which affects the patient’s performance.
7. The occurrence of a febrile state.
8. Increased drowsiness, lethargy and irritability.
9. Lack of appetite.
10. Impaired olfactory function.

With chronic sinusitis, the symptoms are a little blurred. The disease does not affect the patient's performance. Temperatures remain normal and do not rise above 37.5 degrees. But there is severe congestion in the nasal passages, which does not allow the patient to breathe fully. Often, vasoconstrictor drops do not help in solving the problem.

There is also a moderate pain in the head. There may be no discharge due to the formation of a plug in the sinuses. The patient develops a cough with sputum production. This process occurs due to the flow of mucus along the back wall. It appears in the morning after sleep.
The duration of acute sinusitis can be one month. With the development of a chronic form, the disease will manifest itself up to four times a year.

When diagnosing acute sinusitis, it is customary to distinguish three degrees of severity.

1. Light flow. Diagnosed in childhood. The patient experiences general weakness and a slight increase in temperature. The discharge has a thick consistency and a yellowish color. Upon examination, a thickening of the mucous membrane of up to six millimeters is detected.
2. Middle current. Characterized by intense pain in the head. When palpated, the skin in the area of ​​the inflamed sinus hurts. Temperatures rise to 38 degrees. In this case, the mucous membrane thickens up to eight millimeters.
3. Heavy current. It is characterized by a strong pain in the head, lack of breathing through the nose, and a rise in body temperature to 40 degrees. Severe weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur.

If a patient develops acute sinusitis, treatment should be started immediately. First you should consult a doctor. He will conduct an examination, listen to the patient’s complaints and palpate the paranasal sinuses. After this, he will order an examination to make an accurate diagnosis. It includes.

• X-ray examination.
• Rhinoscopy.
• Endoscopic examination.
• Therapeutic and diagnostic puncture.
• Taking blood for a general analysis.
• Taking a mask from the sinus to determine the pathogen.

It is also worth carrying out a differential diagnosis and distinguishing the disease from allergic rhinitis and viral infection.
After determining the severity of the disease and its type, therapeutic therapy is prescribed.

Treatment process for acute sinusitis

Many people wonder how to treat acute sinusitis. There are several methods to eliminate the disease. The main one is drug therapy. Treatment for acute sinusitis includes:

1. Taking antibiotics orally. Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Azithromycin, Sumame are prescribed.
2. The use of vasoconstrictor drops. These include Nazivin, Otrivin, Snoop.
3. Rinse the nasal passages. You can use Furacilin solution, saline solution or Dolphin.
4. Use of local antibacterial agents. Isofra or Polydexa are often prescribed.
5. Taking mucolytic drugs. They are able to liquefy and remove phlegm. These include Mukaltin, Ambrobene, ACC.
6. The use of plant-based immunostimulating agents in the form of Sinupret.

If such treatment does not bring the desired effect, the patient undergoes surgery. Also prescribed for severe disease. The procedure involves piercing the paranasal sinuses. After this, using a special apparatus, the purulent contents are suctioned.

Homeopathic medicines are prescribed to strengthen immune function. For acute sinusitis, the following medications are often prescribed.

• Belladona. A drug that helps to sweat during fever. When the temperature rises, the virus quickly dies.
• Silicea, Mercurius Solubilis. Prescribed for the chronic form of the disease.
• Mercury sulfide. The drug is recommended for use in cases of severe pain in the nasal passages.

This drug Sinuforte has proven itself to be excellent. It has a plant base, and therefore is prescribed for children over five years of age. Available in spray form. Duration treatment course ranges from ten to fourteen days.

Possible complications after acute sinusitis

Very often, people over fifty years of age, children under two years of age, women during pregnancy and patients whose immune function is severely weakened suffer from complications of sinusitis. The following adverse effects are observed in many situations.

1. Otitis. The nasal cavity is located next to the ear canal and is connected by the maxillary sinus. When sinusitis develops, the infection enters the middle ear. As a result, the patient's temperature may rise again. There is a strong pain in the ear and shooting pain. In this case, there is tinnitus and deterioration of auditory perception.
2. Conjunctivitis. Develops with frontal sinusitis. The patient experiences severe pain in the forehead and eye sockets. At the same time, yellowish mucus comes out of the eyes, and photophobia occurs. If the pathology is not noticed in time, then inflammation of the soft tissues in the visual organ and thrombosis of the ophthalmic veins develop.
3. Neuritis of the ternary nerve. This type of complication is considered quite dangerous and is accompanied by severe pain. This process is difficult to treat. The inflammatory process moves along the nerve endings, which has a bad effect on the patient’s quality of life.
4. Osteoperiostitis. The infection spreads into deep tissues, resulting in damage to the bone structures of the skull. This complication requires urgent hospitalization.
5. Meningitis. The brain connects to the sinuses. With the development of the inflammatory process, the infection can easily penetrate into meninges. If immune function is severely weakened, the disease can lead to death.
6. Sepsis. The infection enters the blood and spreads throughout the body. This process can lead to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, joints, kidneys and digestive system. Complications can only occur in the complete absence of medical care and treatment.

Acute sinusitis must be treated. It’s not worth carrying it on your feet, so you need to take sick leave. In order for the disease to be successful and not cause complications, you need to follow several important recommendations.

• Maintain bed rest for three to five days.
• Compliance with drinking regime. At the same time, children need to drink at least one liter of liquid, and adults at least two liters.
• Elimination of polyps and enlarged tonsils.
• Quitting bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Strengthening immune function. After recovery, you need to go in for sports, eat right and strengthen your body.
• Ventilate the room, humidify the air.

During sleep, you need to take a semi-recumbent position so that the patient can breathe while sleeping. This will ensure the outflow of mucus and will not clog the nasal passages.

When the first signs appear, you should immediately contact a specialist. If acute or chronic sinusitis occurs, surgery may be performed. The treatment process is prescribed on an individual basis.

This is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis: sinusitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary or maxillary sinus, frontal sinusitis - inflammation of the frontal sinus, sphenoiditis - inflammation of the sphenoid sinus and ethmoiditis - inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth. In terms of the frequency of diseases, the maxillary sinus is in first place, then the ethmoid labyrinth, frontal and sphenoid sinuses.

Most often, patients come to the doctor because of a runny nose, which long time doesn't stop. In this case, the discharge can be green, yellow and have a different consistency. If a doctor diagnoses sinusitis, then most likely the patient will have to undergo additional tests. After all, this is a broad concept that includes “sinusitis”, “frontitis”, “ethmoiditis” and “sphenoiditis”.

There are no fundamental differences in treatment between different forms of sinusitis; only the symptoms of the disease depend on the form. Sinusitis can also be acute or chronic. They become permanent if the treatment was incorrect and the main cause of the disease has not been eliminated.

Sinusitis code according to ICD-10

Acute sinusitis

• J01 Acute sinusitis;
• J01.0 Acute maxillary;
• J01.1 Acute frontal;
• J01.2 Acute ethmoid;
• J01.3 Acute sphenoidal;
• J01.8 Other acute.

Chronic sinusitis

• J32 Chronic sinusitis;
• J32.0 Chronic maxillary;
• J32.1 Chronic frontal;
• J32.2 Chronic ethmoid;
• J32.3 Chronic sphenoidal;
• J32.8 Other chronic sinusitis.

Causes of sinusitis

Chronic nasal congestion often becomes an insoluble problem. Insoluble, because a person tries to cope with such a “trifle” on his own and brings himself to a state that is difficult for a professional to cope with.

The paranasal sinuses are air cavities in the bones of the skull, lined with mucous membrane, communicating with the nasal cavity and being resonators of the voice. There are paired maxillary or maxillary sinuses, paired frontal sinuses, sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses.

The main causes of inflammation of the sinuses

In 93% of cases, acute inflammation is caused by viruses after a flu or cold. Increased mucus production during rhinitis leads to inflammation in the sinuses, which is why the disease is called rhinosinusitis.

With viral or respiratory infections, pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply, causing blockage of the nasal passages.

Bacterial sinusitis lasts longer than viral sinusitis and often leads to a chronic course of the disease.

Fungal infections - the cause chronic rhinosinusitis. Fungi affect people with weakened immune systems, sick diabetes mellitus, AIDS, leukemia.

Allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies with a severe runny nose often leads to chronic inflammation in the sinuses. Sometimes the cause of the disease is asthma.

The causes of the disease are pathologies in the development of the nasal passages, polyps or tumors.

Risk factors for sinusitis

• flu, colds;
• dental infections;
• allergic rhinitis;
• cystic fibrosis;
• bronchial asthma;
• sarcondosis;
• immunodeficiency;
• tumors of the respiratory system;
• pregnancy;
• smoking.

The mechanism of sinusitis development

Cause of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses viral infection. The virus, penetrating the mucous membrane, causes swelling, as well as an increase in the secretion production of the mucous glands and desquamation of the epithelium. As a result, the natural anastomosis of the paranasal sinuses is blocked by the edematous mucous membrane and pathological secretion.

In this case, the opposite edges of the anastomosis come into contact with each other, complicating the transport of secretions from the sinuses. Stagnation of secretions, impaired ventilation and associated hypoxia phenomena are the trigger for the activation of saprophytic flora in the sinus.

Blowing your nose causes the development of sinusitis due to a viral infection. Pus, penetrating from the nasal cavity into the sinuses when blowing the nose, increases the viscosity of the secretion, which further blocks the excretory anastomosis.

Viral inflammation turns into bacterial inflammation. A vicious circle arises: swelling of the mucous membrane leads to disruption of mucociliary transport and stagnation of secretions in the sinuses, and the proliferation of bacteria under hypoxic conditions aggravates inflammation, and the anastomosis is further blocked.

Classification of sinusitis

Sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the paranasal sinuses. Types of sinusitis:

90% of adults suffered from acute sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis

A common cause of acute sinusitis is acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), which are caused by influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, staphylococci and other pathogens. In acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, as a result of swelling of the mucous membrane of the sinuses, the sinus outlet closes and the infection accumulates in the sinus, without having a free exit, which leads to the development of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• headache,
• increased body temperature,
• nasal congestion,
• purulent nasal discharge,
• swelling of the soft tissues of the face in the area of ​​the affected sinus.

Chronic sinusitis

In chronic sinusitis, the causative agent of the disease is a mixed infection; a combination of bacterial and fungal infections occurs. Such an “explosive mixture” of infection appears against the background of irrational antibacterial therapy. The presence in the body of chronic foci of infection and decreased ventilation of the paranasal sinuses, which support the inflammatory process, causes the development of chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Outside of exacerbation, patients are concerned about the following symptoms:

• heaviness in the head
• nasal congestion,
• constant mucopurulent discharge,
• unpleasant smell from the nose.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Symptoms and signs of sinusitis occur against the background of cold symptoms: malaise, weakness, fever. The following symptoms are typical for acute and chronic sinusitis:

In children, sinusitis is suspected when there is purulent discharge and a dry night cough for more than 10 days in a row. Symptoms and signs of chronic sinusitis are less severe but last longer. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis go away for a while and then reappear.

Chronic sinusitis is characterized by the presence of periodic purulent nasal discharge, persistent nasal congestion, periodic headache or facial pain, susceptibility to colds and acute respiratory viral infections (frequent episodes of the disease).

Descriptions of sinusitis symptoms

Which doctors should I contact for sinusitis?

Diagnosis of sinusitis

Clinical manifestations of sinusitis are confirmed by laboratory (signs of inflammation in the blood, culture of nasal discharge in chronic processes) and radiological (x-ray signs of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses) studies.

Treatment of sinusitis

When treating acute sinusitis, drugs that strengthen the immune system are prescribed (for example, echinacea, vitamin and mineral complexes). Antibiotics are prescribed only for purulent process after microbiological examination. Anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, colloidal silver) are used locally, and the paranasal sinuses are washed with disinfectant solutions. In case of non-purulent processes, puncture of the maxillary sinuses is not performed.

After the acute phenomena subside, physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF, paraffin, ozokerite) are added to the treatment. For exacerbations of chronic sinusitis, treatment is carried out in the same way as for acute sinusitis, but punctures of the maxillary sinuses are performed more often. In addition, sanitation of the oral and nasal cavity is performed (removal of carious teeth, surgical treatment deviated nasal septum, treatment of chronic rhinitis). Productive (cystic polyposis) chronic sinusitis is treated with surgical methods (removal of growths).

Therapy for acute sinusitis is aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the cause of the inflammatory process and restoring drainage of the sinuses. To normalize the outflow, vasoconstrictor drugs are used to eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and sinus cavity:

• naphthyzin;
• nazol;
• sanorin;
• Galazolin.

Vacuum drainage is practically used for sinusitis. The procedure is performed as follows: catheters are inserted into both nasal passages. The antiseptic is fed into one catheter and aspirated through the other. Together with the antiseptic, pus and mucus are removed from the nasal cavity and sinus cavity.

For bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics are used. For viral sinusitis, antibiotic therapy is not indicated, since antibiotics aggravate the impaired immune status, disrupt the normal composition of the microflora in the ENT organs and cause the process to become chronic.

Patients with acute sinusitis are prescribed antihistamines and absorbable drugs (to prevent the formation of adhesions in the inflamed sinuses). Antiallergic therapy is indicated for patients with sinusitis of allergic etiology.

Treatment of exacerbation of chronic sinusitis is carried out according to principles similar to the treatment of acute inflammation. Physiotherapeutic procedures (diadynamic currents, UHF, etc.) are used in treatment.

The use of antibiotics often entails side effects and reduces immunity, which again leads to an exacerbation of the disease. As an alternative, doctors use Sinuforte, a medicine based on an extract of the cyclamen plant, which strengthens local immunity and stimulates the natural cleansing mechanisms of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses. For patients with chronic forms of sinusitis or sinusitis, it is important that Sinuforte is not addictive. Sinuforte is used once a day for 6-8 days, alone or in a complex treatment regimen.

Surgical treatment of sinusitis

If conservative therapy does not produce results, surgical treatment is recommended. Surgeries performed on patients with chronic sinusitis are aimed at eliminating obstacles to normal drainage of the paranasal sinuses.

Polyps are removed and the deformation of the nasal septum is corrected. Operations are carried out both using traditional methods and using endoscopic equipment.

The puncture is indicated in cases where it is not possible to achieve a lasting clinical result using conservative methods. Surgical treatment is performed under local anesthesia in a hospital setting.

The puncture helps relieve acute symptoms of the disease, as well as quickly evacuate pus from the affected sinuses. Moreover, puncture can also be performed as an additional diagnostic method. At the same time, biomaterial is collected for further laboratory research.

The puncture is indicated for inflammation of the maxillary sinuses (especially during pregnancy). In case of a pathology such as acute frontal sinusitis, a puncture is not performed. In this case, trephine puncture is indicated - a traditional surgical treatment for inflammation of the frontal sinuses.

However, today there is an alternative, more gentle intervention for sinusitis - endoscopic surgery on the paranasal sinuses. This treatment is minimally invasive and does not require long-term postoperative nasal tamponade.

Treating sinusitis at home

Treatment of sinusitis at home using folk remedies helps in many cases to avoid the use of antibiotics.

To treat sinusitis at home, horseradish was used in Russian folk medicine. Grate fresh horseradish root on a fine grater. Pour a third of a glass of fine shavings with the juice of three lemons and stir until smooth. This mass should be taken every day, one teaspoon half an hour before meals. Out of habit, this home remedy causes severe lacrimation, which gradually goes away. The course of treatment for sinusitis with horseradish is about three months, then a two-week break is taken and the course of treatment is repeated.

Other home recipes for treating sinusitis:

Place a few drops of raw celandine or radish juice into each nostril.

Boil the potatoes in their skins, mash them with a spoon, add a little hot broth and do steam inhalations.

Massage the sore sinuses with your fingers with a few drops of mustard oil.

Dilute three drops of potassium permanganate or the same amount of iodine tincture in warm water and rinse the sinuses with this solution.

Chop the head of a small onion, brew with boiling water and add a tablespoon of honey. Leave for six hours and use to rinse the sinuses.

Dissolve a tablespoon of salt and five drops of iodine tincture in a glass of boiling water. The solution must be sucked through the nose and gargled three times a day.

Washing

As soon as the first signs of the disease begin to show themselves, it is necessary to begin rinsing the nasal cavity in order to rid the nose of mucus and stubborn pus. You can feel the first signs immediately, as well as identify them. There will be discomfort in the nasal cavity, and brown mucous discharge will appear.

Rinsing should begin with a salt solution. This is done like this: take the proportions of 1 glass of warm water to 1-2 teaspoons of salt. This procedure can be alternated with washing with a herbal solution. This will give a more effective result than using only saline solution.

Cooking system herbal decoction different from preparing a saline solution. Here you need to add 1 tablespoon of your chosen herb to 1 glass of water, then add it to a water bath. After this, strain with a gauze cloth and adjust the volume by adding boiled water to the limit of one liter. Don’t forget to blow your nose thoroughly before rinsing so that the broth can completely clear your sinuses.

If there is an acute form of otitis and frequent nosebleeds are noticed, then rinsing is strictly prohibited. This can worsen the disease and it will no longer be possible to relieve the symptoms so easily.

When the rinsing procedure is carried out correctly, swelling is relieved, and breathing becomes easy and free. Remember, proper rinsing will only happen if you lean forward, turn your head slightly to the side (depending on which sinus you are rinsing) and hold your breath. Don't worry, the procedure is completely painless.

This procedure is carried out using a syringe or douche. You need to slowly inject the liquid into one nostril, without changing your position or breathing, until the solution begins to flow out of the opposite nostril. When finished, blow your nose to remove any remaining solution and mucopurulent discharge.

Inhalations

No treatment is complete without the use of inhalation, especially complex treatment. But don’t get carried away and mislead yourself, inhalation only alleviates symptoms and is not a basic cure for the disease. Effective inhalation includes chamomile, St. John's wort, sage, eucalyptus leaves and oregano flowers.

The inhalation solution is prepared using the following method: steam 1 tablespoon of herbs in 250 grams of water, bring to a boil, then remove. For a more effective effect, you can add pine essential oils. Covering your head with a thick blanket, breathe over the prepared liquid for 5 to 15 minutes.

It is recommended to use inhalation 2 times a day, an hour after meals. Correct breathing plays a major role here. Inhale and exhale through the nose, and under no circumstances talk during the procedure, as this will affect the effectiveness of the treatment. When carrying out inhalation, it is necessary that no one distracts.

Inhalations are contraindicated for people who suffer from serious diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Essential oils can replace inhalation in such cases. You need to install essential oil mixed with basil in the room where you are and inhale its vapors, like the aromas of a flower. This is beneficial if there is no individual intolerance to odors or allergies to herbs.

Warming up

Traditional medicine in the form of salt, boiled eggs and clay are used to warm the walls and sinuses of the nasal cavity. But such remedies should only be used at the initial stage of the disease; in the case of an acute form, this method will only worsen the condition, and acute suppuration of the sinuses will begin. Upon completion of the warming up procedure, it is better not to be exposed to cool air, that is, keep your nose warm so that the warming up is not in vain.

The important and most central purpose of warming is the removal of fluid and pus, and it requires compliance with certain rules of use. For chronic sinusitis, follow these steps:

Ointments

Traditional medicine methods help remove pus from the nose and destroy bacteria. Simple and affordable ointments at home are made from milk, honey, laundry soap and mumiyo. You need to make sure that the ingredients will not cause an allergic reaction in the body. Treatment with ointments is not always easy; you have to repeat the procedure over and over again.

Ointments based on aloe and Kalanchoe

Take 1 teaspoon of aloe and Kalanchoe juices, cyclamen root and Vishnevsky ointment. Everything gets mixed up. Pre-prepared tampons are moistened in the resulting mixture and inserted into the nasal passages for a maximum of 30 minutes. The course of treatment is 20 calendar days, followed by a break of 10 days. If urgently necessary, the procedure is resumed.

Wax ointment

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is poured into a small enamel bowl, then beeswax is added. The wax must be melted over low heat and mixed with boiled egg yolk. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, then strain. Before each use, the ointment is warmed up.

You must learn to perform the entire procedure quickly, since the wax hardens after 2 minutes. The ointment can be used in a liquid state by dripping 1 drop into each nostril using a pipette, at an interval of one hour. The course of application is the same as in the previous recipe.

Laundry soap ointment

Vegetable oil, alcohol, honey, onion juice, pre-crushed laundry soap are mixed in equal quantities and brought to a homogeneous state in a water bath. Once the ointment has cooled, you can apply it. Blot the swabs and place them in each separate nasal cavity for 15 minutes. The course of application is 20 days, 3 times a day.

Complications of sinusitis

Complications of sinusitis are a consequence of:

• lack of timely therapy,
• uncontrolled use of decongestants,
• self-treatment with folk remedies.

Therefore, it is so important to seek qualified help from a medical facility at the first signs of illness.

The most common severe consequences of sinusitis include diseases of the lower respiratory tract:

• asthma,
• bronchitis,
• tracheitis,
• pneumonia,
• orbital abscesses,
• meningitis,
• sevectors,
• fistulas,
• brain abscess.

Sinusitis can also cause complications at the systemic level - these are diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidney diseases and others. Systemic complications are difficult to treat conservatively, while local complications require invasive surgical operations. If complications occur and there is a long-term lack of proper therapeutic effect from treatment, the patient is recommended to undergo surgical intervention (puncture).

How to prevent sinusitis: prevention

It is impossible to completely prevent the development of sinusitis, but you can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent relapses. Try to avoid prolonged contact with dust and cigarette smoke, with chlorinated water in swimming pools, and with cold air.

If you have frequent colds, ventilate the room more often. Prevention of sinusitis should be aimed at correct treatment diseases such as flu, runny nose, other infectious diseases, caries.

The development of sinusitis is prevented by timely elimination of abnormalities in the development of the nose (for example, anomalies of the nasal septum). Another area of ​​prevention is systematic hardening of the body and strengthening the immune system.

Sinusitis in children

We are accustomed to calling discharge from a baby’s nose a runny nose and believing that it is caused by a cold. Very often you can observe a picture when, on a walk or in kindergarten, in the company of children there are one or two children with always stuffy noses, difficulty breathing or a runny nose.

All of the above symptoms may indicate chronic sinusitis. And this requires a special approach and treatment. That is why runny noses that recur at short intervals or last for two or more weeks should alert parents.

Sinusitis in children occurs as a result of a runny nose or as a complication of an acute respiratory viral infection. The nasal mucosa is inflamed at this time, and the infection easily penetrates the paranasal sinuses.

Usually, in children, several sinuses become inflamed at the same time, and this phenomenon is called polysinusitis. But monosinusitis in children, when one sinus becomes inflamed, is a rare phenomenon.

Treatment of sinusitis in children

Treatment of sinusitis is complex and is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor. You cannot treat a child on your own, relying on the advice of friends or using grandma’s recipes!

First of all, the doctor must determine the cause of sinusitis and prescribe treatment. As a rule, vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed for the treatment of sinusitis in children:

• naphthyzin,
• xymelin,
• Nazivin,
• sanorin,
• Galazolin.

They make breathing easier.

Frequent use of such medications for 5-7 days is addictive and no longer produces results. The instillation procedure should be carried out in a side lying position. When buying vasoconstrictors, it is better to take aerosol forms, since the spray is more evenly distributed over the nasal mucosa, which creates a more pronounced therapeutic effect.

Treatment of nasal congestion in children

After vasoconstrictor drugs are instilled medicinal substances. These can be a variety of antiseptics (protargol, collargol, oak bark decoction and others), which quite effectively cope with inflammation in the sinuses.

If the outflow from the paranasal sinuses is not restored, it is necessary to rinse the sinuses. This procedure is carried out only in the clinic. For this purpose, solutions of furacillin, potassium permanganate, and dioxidine are used.

For sinusitis, a method of moving liquids, popularly called “cuckoo,” is used for rinsing. Its essence is that a special disinfectant antiseptic solution is poured into the patient’s one nostril and sucked out from the other. At the same time, purulent discharge, which has become a source of infection, is washed away. The negative pressure that is created in the sinuses helps pump out the pus, and then the doctor administers the medicine.

In particularly severe cases or when other treatment is not effective, surgical methods are used. The most modern and safest of them is the use of endoscopic sinus surgery. The puncture is performed under local anesthesia. Thanks to this procedure, it becomes possible to pump out purulent contents from the sinus, rinse the sinus and introduce antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs there.

Given that sinusitis is caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotics are often used to treat it. Among them: amoxicillin, representatives of the group of cephalosporins or macrolides. In case of severe disease, second and third generation penicillins are prescribed. But antibiotics are effective when proven bacterial nature diseases. Antibiotics are prescribed only if necessary if time is lost and the inflammation of the sinuses has become purulent.

Effective for sinusitis antibacterial agents local action: bioparox, isofra, polydex. These drugs act directly in the nasopharynx.

When treating sinusitis in children, you should not get carried away with traditional medicine methods. Save carrot or beet juice in case of a common cold or slight runny nose. Herbal medicine methods are not effective for treating sinusitis. Herbal infusions, dripped into a child’s nose aggravates the situation, causing allergies.

Do not warm your sinuses yourself or rinse your nose. If washed incorrectly, the Eustachian tube can be injured. An exception may be instillation of solutions based on sea salt. In this case, it is quite possible to give the child inhalation. True, it can be carried out no earlier than 5-7 days of illness, if the runny nose does not stop.

The following composition is suitable for this procedure: sage leaves, chamomile and calendula flowers. They must be taken in equal quantities, pour boiling water over them, bring to a boil and remove from heat. The child must inhale the fumes. To do this, you can use an inhaler or a porcelain teapot. Steam inhalations can also be performed in a clinic; they often contain mucolytic agents (for example, mucaltin). This causes constriction of the nasal vessels and promotes drainage.

At the resorption stage and for the treatment of chronic sinusitis, special massage and breathing exercises are used.

Questions and answers on the topic "Sinusitis"

Question:In May, I had acute sinusitis for the first time; I was treated with augmentin for a week and cuckoo every other day. In April everything happened again - sumamed, cuckoos, physio. But in July I caught a runny nose and again acute sinusitis. Please give me advice on how to prevent this from happening again? This is 3 times in six months, perhaps I make mistakes in treatment?

Answer: Perhaps the cause of relapses lies in the anatomy of the nasal cavity, which affects the warming of air in the sinuses and the evacuation of contents from them (deviated nasal septum, polyps, hypertrophy). In this case, surgical correction of the intranasal structures will be required.

Question:A 3-year-old child has sinusitis. Treatment has not yet started. What do you advise?

Answer: Treatment of sinusitis depends on many factors, which are determined by the ENT doctor during direct examination. We do not recommend that you self-medicate.

Question:Hello! I go to the ENT doctor every other day. Here it was today. After washing today I felt dizzy. Nothing was washed out of the left nostril, the nurse suffered a lot. And the doctor says everything is fine. She is preparing to be discharged on Wednesday. Now the temperature is 37.5. There is no other ENT doctor in our city. So people, treat yourself however you want.

Answer: In the treatment of sinusitis, the condition of your immune system. Therefore, immunostimulating drugs should be present in the treatment complex. A balanced diet and adherence to work and rest regimes are necessary. Eliminate all factors that negatively affect the body's protective properties.

Question:I have had a cough for 1.5 years. I was checked by a pulmonologist and an allergist several times. There are no deviations. At the ENT center, the doctor diagnosed (if an X-ray was available) a diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. How to treat? Since naphthyzin does not help. There is no nasal congestion. The doctor explained that fluid accumulates and irritates the bronchi, hence the cough.

Answer: Rhinosinusitis is not a cause of cough, as it is an inflammatory pathology of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Cough occurs during exudative-inflammatory processes in the trachea and bronchial tree (when laryngeal receptors are irritated). Sinusitis is treated with immunocorrection, antibiotics, and rinsing the inflamed sinuses (done by a doctor). Rhinitis - depending on its origin, is treated with vasoconstrictors, antiallergic drugs (if allergic nature), immunocorrection, rinsing the nasal passages with antiseptics. This treatment prescribed by a doctor (ENT doctor) and carried out under his supervision.

Question:Hello, tell me what it is and how to treat it, I had the flu a couple of months ago, but now everything is fine, only after the illness I began to often have a stuffy nose, not snot, but something like that that I can’t even breathe, But it only gets stuffy in my sleep, to the point that I wake up several times at night, and when I tilt my head down, it immediately gets completely stuffy. I am 27 years old. Thanks in advance.

Answer: The symptoms you describe are a sign of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses - sinusitis. Consult an otolaryngologist for advice.

Question:My son is 16.5 years old. He goes in for sports - modern pentathlon, since the age of six he has been treating sinusitis, which worsens in the fall and spring. How to cure sinusitis without antibiotics? And most importantly, what medications to use for effective prevention sinusitis?

Answer: Frequent exacerbations of sinusitis are provoked by the irritating effect of chlorinated water in the pool and hypothermia in spring and autumn. To prevent sinusitis, you can use the herbal drug Sinupret, 2 tablets 3 times a day for 7-14 days. Before starting treatment, consult an otolaryngologist.

Question:Hello! A 7-year-old girl was discharged from the hospital 4 days ago, where she had been suffering from acute sinusitis. Last night I started having a barking cough, like laryngitis, it hurts to swallow, my throat is sore, there is no fever. Tell me what to treat.

Answer: A repeated consultation with an ENT doctor is necessary. At this point, you can begin local topical treatment for sore throat. Before treating laryngitis, consultation with a specialist is necessary; it is necessary to examine the larynx (laryngoscopy).

Question:Please tell me, my 16-year-old child has had a temperature of 37-37.5 for 2 weeks, weakness, nasal congestion, but not severe. There are no other symptoms. In a clinical blood test, hemoglobin is 93, erythrocytes 3.18, color index 0.87, leukocytes 6.8, segmented 56, eosinophils 1, lymphocytes 41, monocytes 2, ESR 8. What could be.

Answer: General analysis indicates a chronic infectious-inflammatory process. A consultation with an ENT doctor is necessary to rule out sinusitis.

Question:Hello, winter has come and, as always, I can’t breathe against the wind. No runny nose. But all people walk normally, but I can’t breathe, lack of air. Sometimes my head hurts. I want to buy the drug Sinusforte, do you think it will help?

Answer: First, you should clarify the diagnosis by contacting an otolaryngologist and take an X-ray of the nasal sinuses. Sinuforte - effective drug in the complex treatment and prevention of sinusitis.

Question:Good afternoon Doctors diagnosed my 3-year-old child with sinusitis. The antibiotic Cedex was prescribed. A week before this, Klacid was prescribed. The child has been taking Cedex for 3 days, and in my opinion there is no improvement. The temperature is about 37.5, before it was 39. Profuse discharge from the nose of a transparent consistency began (it just “pours” from the nose, before that there was congestion). Eyes swollen. Maybe it’s worth hospitalizing the child? What do you advise? Thank you.

Answer: The issue of hospitalization of the child is decided by the doctor on duty at the ENT department of the hospital. According to the clinical picture you describe, there is a positive trend. In order to determine the severity of the disease, a personal examination of the child by an ENT doctor is necessary.

Question:Hello! The child is 2 years 4 months old. A month ago I got sick with a sore throat and runny nose. At first the discharge was transparent, then had a greenish tint. There has been no discharge for two weeks now, but the child does not breathe through his nose, at night he breathes through his nose and snores. A week ago I had a sore throat again. They took a swab from the nose and throat - everything was clean. We took a photo. The radiologist wrote in his conclusion - catarrhal swelling of the sinuses (and that’s all, not a word about sinusitis, fluid accumulation, etc.). The pediatrician believes that we have sinusitis, and of an allergic nature (in infancy, the child suffered from atopic dermatitis; there is a long-haired cat at home; when examining the nose, the mucous membranes have a bluish tint). The ENT specialist diagnosed sinusitis and suggested going to the hospital. But as far as I know, sinusitis does not occur in children of this age. I was on antibiotics for the whole month: first there was Suprax, then Bioparox, then two weeks later Bioparox again. In the last week they started putting cromoglin on the braids - the child began to breathe at least at night. Please tell me, can children of this age have sinusitis? Who is right - ENT or pediatrician? What and how should we be treated? We live in the Magadan region, unfortunately with good ENT specialists and good examination we have a problem. Therefore, the option of consulting with another doctor is not ours. Please advise something.

Answer: There are no fundamental contradictions between the positions of the ENT specialist and the pediatrician, because sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (a collective concept), and sinusitis is inflammation of the maxillary sinuses. Sinusitis is a common pathology in young children, which is associated with the anatomical features of the structure. The nature of inflammation can be different - bacterial, viral, infectious-allergic. The child needs complex treatment in a hospital setting. If you delay, you risk inflammation of the auditory tube and middle ear.

Question:I have acute rhinosinusitis. Is it possible to avoid a puncture? They say if you do it once, you will do it all the time.

Answer:“Puncture” or puncture of the maxillary sinus is a procedure that has its own indications, that is, it is carried out in certain cases when conservative treatment (with the help of medications) is not effective. This procedure does have its drawbacks, but if necessary (if recommended by your ENT doctor), it should be performed.

Question:I am 24 years old, last year the doctor said that I have chronic rhinitis, I still have a deviated nasal septum, now I have pain under my eyes, a strong runny nose, no fever, my ears are shooting, my throat hurts, but it went away. I've been drinking Ciprolet for 3 days.

Answer: Contact your ENT doctor as soon as possible. Apparently, against the background of chronic rhinitis and a deviated nasal septum, you have developed chronic sinusitis. The treatment you are undergoing may not be effective enough.

What kind of pathology is this?

Sinusitis is an inflammation that affects one or more paranasal sinuses. Pathology can occur as an independent disease or in the form of a certain complication against the background of a particular infectious disease. Acute sinusitis is one of the most common pathologies encountered by otolaryngologists in their work. Depending on the duration of the disease, medicine divides the disease into acute and chronic forms.

Diagnosis of acute sinusitis determines bacterial or fungal infections. In this case, the formation of the disease occurs rapidly, which in turn significantly increases the likelihood of various complications. In our article, we will look at what acute sinusitis is, and also find out what symptoms usually accompany it and find out what the treatment for this disease should be.

Forms of the disease

There are several types of pathology:

• Acute form of sinusitis. Develops due to complications after a viral or bacterial infection. There is severe pain in the sinus area, which intensifies when turning and tilting the head. Painful sensations, provided adequate treatment, usually last no more than a week. A high temperature of 38-38.5 °C and fever are noted. The nose is stuffy, there is a change in the voice - nasality. With proper therapy, the mucous membrane is completely restored in about 1 month.

• Subacute form. In this case, we can note a milder clinical picture and the duration of the disease up to two months. The patient has had mild signs of sinusitis for a long time, similar to common cold. If no therapeutic measures are taken, the subacute form becomes chronic.
• Chronic form. It is difficult to treat and the disease lasts for several years. Develops due to improper therapy or its complete absence. We are talking about odontogenic, polypous and fungal sinusitis. Sparse symptoms are observed, with not much nasal discharge, but it is constantly present, the pain is unexpressed and dull, and there is usually no fever. Chronic sinusitis can periodically worsen and give acute symptoms.
• Hyperplastic (mixed) form of pathology. It combines different types- both purulent and Due to the allergic process, the mucous membrane grows, and polyps can also develop, blocking the anastomosis between the nasal cavity and the sinus.

Clinical manifestations of sinusitis are determined and divided according to the location of inflammation. So, the following types of this disease are distinguished:

• Development of sinusitis. The most common type of sinusitis is sinusitis. Unpleasant sensations along with pain appear in the upper jaw area, flowing into the teeth. Against this background, it is especially common to experience increased pain in the evening, which subsides during sleep.
• The appearance of frontal sinusitis. Pain due to the development of frontal sinusitis is localized, as a rule, in the forehead area and usually increases in the morning.
• Formation of ethmoiditis. Painful sensations in this form of the disease accumulate in the area of ​​the bridge of the nose and last throughout the day.
• Development of sphenoiditis. Painful sensations occur in the back of the head and intensify throughout the night.

Advanced acute sinusitis can cause serious complications, which can manifest as meningitis and retrobulbar abscesses.

Manifestations of pathology

One of the special cases of sinusitis is sinusitis. Each person has several paranasal sinuses: maxillary, frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid cavities. Each of them has a unique mucous structure from the inside, and all of them are united by the presence of a channel circuit.

What is dangerous about acute maxillary sinusitis?

If for one reason or another an inflammatory process begins to develop, swelling of the mucous membrane will occur, which, in turn, will block the channels that connect the sinuses to the nasal cavity. Such a phenomenon will lead to the development of stagnation, and at the same time the process of bacterial proliferation will also be activated along with the formation of pus. With such damage to the maxillary sinus, patients are diagnosed with “sinusitis,” and if there are problems in the frontal cavity, they will be diagnosed with “frontal sinusitis.” Let us consider further the main causes of this disease.

Main causes of the disease

One of the main reasons causing the development of acute sinusitis is poorly treated and neglected rhinitis. In addition, an acute respiratory viral infection can serve as a trigger mechanism contributing to the development of the disease. Diseases that develop as a result of respiratory infection of the upper respiratory tract are usually called community-acquired forms.

Acute sinusitis itself is not contagious, and it cannot be transmitted from person to person. This cannot be said about bacteria and viruses, because they can be picked up anywhere in cold weather. And if the immune system is weakened or there is a predisposition to diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such bacteria can gradually transform into sinusitis. In this regard, in order to avoid infection, you need to think about hardening and prevention in advance. The following reasons usually contribute to the formation of acute sinusitis:

• The presence of a severe runny nose, which is often a manifestation of chronic rhinitis.
• The presence of a diseased tooth in the oral cavity.
• The appearance of cavity polyps.
• Presence of adenoids.
• Receiving injuries of varying severity, due to which there is a violation of the outflow of mucous exudate.
• Congenital pathologies of the nasal septum.

Now let's find out what symptoms usually accompany the development of acute sinusitis in adults.

The first signs of the development of the disease

Sinusitis is typically characterized by obvious signs of the disease, which makes it possible to diagnose it independently, even without anyone’s help, in normal home conditions. The severity of symptoms in adults and children has some characteristics.

In an adult, the symptoms of acute sinusitis are manifested by the presence of very strong painful sensations. And the child may not notice the pathology for a long time and therefore not complain about it. This is due primarily to the fact that children’s sinuses fully develop only by the age of eighteen, and until this point they have a significantly smaller volume. Otherwise the symptoms are very similar. So, let’s highlight some symptoms of acute sinusitis in a child and an adult:

• Having a persistent runny nose that lasts for a long time. This symptom can cause a lot of inconvenience and anxiety to the patient and often occurs with yellow or green discharge mixed with pus, and sometimes you can even notice blood clots.
• Nasal congestion. The patient’s nose is constantly in a stuffy state, and only very rarely is it possible to pierce one nostril so that he can breathe more or less fully.
• Presence of cough. Microbes that enter the lungs with breathing soon cause a dry, and at the same time also painful cough, the strength of which, as a rule, increases at night. Symptoms and treatment of acute sinusitis in children are often interrelated.
• Presence of nasal discharge. In the morning, there may be a strong discharge of snot, which has a mucous structure, and, in addition, an unpleasant dryness of the nasopharynx may be felt.
• Temperature increase. Against the background of the disease, the patient’s body temperature may rise sharply, so his body will try to fight the infection.
• Problems with smell. Problems with the sense of smell may occur, causing a person to lose their ability to distinguish smells and tastes.
• The appearance of edema. The face may become swollen, which in turn will be especially pronounced in the area of ​​the affected maxillary or frontal sinus.
• Presence of headache. Periodically, severe headaches may occur, the localization of which, as a rule, is the temporofrontal part. During any tilting or turning of the head, patients may experience a significant increase in pain.

Treatment of acute sinusitis

Treatment is carried out in three main areas:

• Fighting infection and eliminating inflammatory processes.
• Relieving swelling and regulating the outflow of purulent contents from the nasal sinus.
• Preventing the formation of severe consequences.

The methods and techniques used in the treatment of this disease directly depend on the severity of the disease and the number of damaged sinuses.

What else does it consist of in adults?

Use of antibiotics

In situations where sinusitis is mild or moderate, treatment is performed at home. The main component of this treatment is the use of antibiotics to help neutralize the bacteria that caused the development of acute sinusitis.

Antibiotics are generally preferred wide range effects, for example, Amoxiclav, Augmentin and Ceftriaxone. The course of taking each of the listed drugs directly depends on various factors and is selected individually for each patient.

Use of secretolytics

A thick mucous secretion that accumulates in the paranasal sinus disrupts its normal ventilation. The use of secretolytics makes it possible to stimulate the motor functions of tissues, improving the outflow of mucus. The most effective, and at the same time popular, secretolytics are drugs such as Acetylcysteine, Carbocysteine, and Ambroxol. Often, for the treatment of acute sinusitis, the phytotherapeutic drug “Sinupret” is prescribed, which makes it possible not only to regulate the viscosity of mucosal secretions, but also to reduce the edematous state of the tissue.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Using anti-inflammatory medications to treat sinusitis can reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa, eliminating nasal congestion, which helps make breathing easier. In this case, the following procedures are used for treatment:

• Application of drops and sprays. As a recommendation, patients are prescribed topical drops, the use of which can produce a vasoconstrictor effect. Among the general variety of drugs, one can highlight drugs based on substances such as oxymetazoline with xylometazoline. The consequences of their influence are manifested in the temporary elimination of nasal congestion, which, in turn, helps to use other topical medications.
• Nasal rinsing. The simplest method of therapy is considered to be rinsing the nose using a solution of furatsilin in combination with sea ​​salt or herbal extracts. This makes it possible to free the sinuses from mucus and pus and significantly alleviate the patient’s condition.

Treatment of acute sinusitis may not be limited to this.

Carrying out surgical treatment

Treatment of severe sinusitis requires nasal puncture, which can quickly remove purulent contents from the sinuses. The principle of this procedure is as follows: the doctor makes a hole using a special surgical needle in the soft cartilage tissue of the nose. In the event that we are talking about sinusitis, then such an operation will be called a puncture. When sinusitis develops, a puncture is made under the eyebrow; this procedure is called trephine puncture.

All purulent contents are removed through the resulting hole, and the sinus is washed with an antiseptic solution. If necessary, doctors leave a small catheter in order to repeat the rinsing several more times. Surgical treatment of sinusitis is the most in a fast way getting rid of the disease. But after the operation, doctors must prescribe antibacterial agents to patients in order to consolidate the achieved result.

We looked at the symptoms and treatment of acute sinusitis.

What are the complications?

Doctors identify the following possible complications of this disease:

• The appearance of bone-cranial disease. Progression acute forms The disease can involve not only the nasal sinuses, but also various intracranial structures in pathological processes.
• Development of eye disease. The accumulation of a significant amount of purulent mass leads to complications such as phlegmon with abscesses eyeballs, which can subsequently cause vision loss.
• Problems appearing with vascular system. If the necessary treatment is not provided, thrombosis of cavernous sinusitis may occur, which will lead to the development of coma. In addition, there are well-known cases in which acute sinusitis led patients to blood poisoning and the occurrence of sepsis.

Finally

Thus, it is much easier to prevent any disease than to spend energy later on fighting it. Timely elimination of various nasal defects, along with compliance with the rules of oral hygiene and increasing the protective functions of the immune system, will make it possible to prevent the onset of the disease and its unpleasant complications.

The symptoms and treatment of acute sinusitis in adults and children are now known.