Sinusitis means inflammation in the sinuses of the nose. But this is the common name of several diseases. Therefore, it is often required to understand: sinusitis - what is it? We will find out how serious this disease is and what treatment methods exist.
Depending on the localization of the inflammatory process, the following diseases are distinguished:
- Sinusitis (when the maxillary sinus becomes inflamed ).
- Sphenoiditis (when the sphenoid sinus is inflamed).
- Etmoiditis (inflammatory process of the ethmoid labyrinth).
- Frontitis (inflammation of the mucosa of the frontal sinuses).
The sinuses (sinuses) are often inflamed due to the fact that they are quite voluminous, and the outlet openings into the nasal cavity are small (1-3 mm). When edema occurs, the anastomoses narrow or completely close. Mucus accumulates in the sinus, resulting in inflammation. There is pain associated with the fact that the discharge is pressing on the walls of the sinuses. Sometimes a vacuum forms in the sinus cavity, which also causes a painful effect. In this case, the doctor makes a diagnosis of sinusitis. What is it, and what are the symptoms, consider below.
Characteristic symptoms of sinusitis
- Nasal discharge, often purulent.
- Constant headache, which is felt especially strongly in the morning.
- Ear pains extending to the neck and head. The appearance of these symptoms is characteristic of sphenoiditis, which is quite rare.
- Pain in the upper jaw, cheek, toothaches often accompany sinusitis.
- If the frontal sinuses are inflamed , the patient feels severe headaches with a location in the forehead, aggravated by tilting the head.
- Etmoiditis is accompanied by edema around the eyes, often causing pain in this area, nasal congestion is felt, sometimes with loss of smell.
In order to find out sinusitis - what it is, just look at the other symptoms. This is a stuffy nose, weakness, fever, sore throat, cough. Sinusitis is an inflammatory process that is characterized by signs that accompany SARS.
Causes of Sinusitis
Consider the most common causes that will help answer the question of sinusitis - what is it. The cause of this disease are viruses or, in simple terms, the common cold. Pathogens, penetrating into the sinuses, attack the mucosa, as a result, the body responds with an increase in lymphocytes and mucus production. As a result, breathing is difficult. Swelling appears and mucus withdrawal is difficult. This causes an even greater increase in the number of bacteria. Self-treatment incorrect, as a rule, exacerbates the situation.
A complication may develop. In particular, it can be
polysinusitis, the treatment of which should be strictly prescribed by a doctor. A person is much less likely to get sick when Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria begin to behave aggressively in the body. With weakened immunity, sinusitis can cause a fungal infection. It is noted that in an area with a damp, cold climate and polluted air, the disease is much more common.
Therapy
It comes down to a set of measures to eliminate symptoms and causes, is prescribed only by an otolaryngologist. Depending on the severity, the following may be recommended:
- Vasoconstrictors for topical treatment.
- Antiviral drugs.
- Physiotherapy.
- Local antibacterial drugs.
- Antiallergic drugs.