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What is sinusitis and how does it differ from a common rhinitis?
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021
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Genyantritis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, but in society it is usually called inflammation of all the paranasal sinuses. If we talk about acute sinus inflammation, then most often it arises as a purulent complication of acute viral infection. Usually colds or viral colds last about a week. Therefore, if it lasted more than 7-10 days, or increased on the fifth day of the disease, purulent discharge from the nose appeared, it is possible to suspect the development of a purulent disease of the paranasal sinuses. Also should alert the pain in the frontal region or the root of the nose, a feeling of pressure on the teeth, a night cough.
Is the patient prone to acute purulent sinusitis for others?
Acute purulent maxillary sinusitis is not an infectious disease, so the diseased is not dangerous to others. But in everyday life one should not closely contact with domestic people, especially children (hug, kiss), and also need to use a separate towel, etc. The described manifestations and recommendations are a general guide, and treatment for each patient is selected individually and only by a doctor. Therefore, with a "protracted" cold, consult a specialist.
Why does acute sinusitis occur?
Not every rhinitis is complicated by sinusitis ...
The development of acute purulent maxillary sinusitis is promoted by bacteria, but for this purpose certain conditions are necessary: it reduces the protective properties of the mucous membrane, anatomical features of the structure of the nasal cavity (curvature of the nasal septum, etc.), the presence of pathogenic or opportunistic bacterial microflora in the upper respiratory tract and a lot others.
What is dangerous acute purulent maxillary sinusitis?
The best outcome of sinusitis, which was not treated, of course, is an independent recovery, which is really possible, because the body has its own ways of fighting infection. But, unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately predict this outcome of the disease in any particular patient. If the disease is started, the most frequent and unpleasant consequence is the transition to chronic sinusitis, as well as the spread of infection, intracranial complications.
How is the diagnosis of "acute sinusitis"?
The diagnosis is established with a special ENT examination and is confirmed by X-ray examination. Therefore, if you suspect a sinus disease, you need to contact an otolaryngologist.
Who to contact?
How to treat acute sinusitis, is it possible to do without antibiotics and puncture of the maxillary sinus?
Since the disease is caused by bacteria, then, certainly, antibacterial treatment is necessary. But not in all cases should be prescribed systemic antibiotics (in tablets or injections). Sometimes it is enough locally (directly - in the place of the focus of the infection) to apply antibacterial drugs, including plant origin. The second important point in the treatment of acute sinusitis is providing an outflow of pus from the sinuses of the nose. To do this, use tools that remove edema in the nose, in the first place - vasoconstrictive drops (vibrocil, nazivin, etc.), various complex decongestants (actifide, militant sinus and others), expectorants. If the outflow from the sinus is insufficient, then, of course, it is necessary to carry out various manipulations, including puncture of the maxillary sinuses.
Of course, with the advent of new pharmacological agents in recent years, the need for such manipulation has diminished, but it remains necessary in certain situations. Also widely used are physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (phonophoresis of medicines in the sinus area, inhalation through the nose and others), complex phytopreparations (sinupret), homeopathic remedies. But only the doctor can decide on the method of treatment.
More information of the treatment
What are the ways to prevent sinusitis?
Since acute sinusitis is a complication of acute respiratory viral infection, the most effective method of prevention is the rational treatment of acute respiratory disease. In addition, patients with problem nasal breathing, allergic rhinitis and other diseases of the nose are more often sick with acute sinusitis. Therefore, if the acute respiratory infection is too often complicated by acute purulent maxillary sinusitis, it is necessary to consult a specialist at a time when there is no disease, to identify the causes that contribute to the development of inflammation.