Paired formation, located on both sides of the vertical plate of the ethmoid bone, which in turn refers to the paranasal sinuses, is called the ethmoid labyrinth. It is formed by various-caliber air cells that are limited from the cavity of the skull with the help of the orbital frontal bone, which have different sizes and shapes. In the article we will consider what this labyrinth is, what diseases are possible and whether it will be possible to protect itself, whether there is a prevention.
Description and structure
The trellised labyrinth is a complex communicating system that is located inside the nasal cavity. At birth, it consists of the anterior and posterior divisions and only after the first year of life begins to be clearly visualized. By the age of eight, the maze in size reaches about 24 millimeters in length and only at 12 years old takes on the formed dimensions of an adult. At this time, it is a pyramid located in a transverse cavity with a truncated top.
Inside there are cells of the trellis labyrinth. Located in several tiers. All of them communicate with each other and the nasal cavity. A person has eight to ten cells on both sides. All components of the maze for each person are located individually and are divided into front, rear and middle.
Appointment
The sinuses of the trellis labyrinth are complex in structure. They are still the subject of scientific research. This is explained by the fact that scientific knowledge, unfortunately, is not enough to fully determine the origin and their phased development.
The trellised labyrinth of the nose performs the following functions:
- protective - since there is air in the sinus cavity, then when it is struck, it extinguishes the negative impact on the skull;
- baroreceptor - thanks to this function, signals are transmitted to the body that indicate changes in atmospheric pressure;
- moisturizing - it is provided due to the fact that during the air circulation inside the sinuses it is heated, and then after contact with the mucous membranes they are moistened;
- heat-insulating - prevents overcooling and smoothes out sharp temperature drops during breathing.
Among other things, thanks to the sinuses, the weight of the bones of the skull is greatly facilitated, but the necessary volume remains.
Causes of disease
Since inside the cells of the ethmoid labyrinth are lined with mucous membranes, they provoke the occurrence of inflammatory processes. The development of inflammation is explained by the impact on the human body of pathogens. Most often, this condition provokes rhinitis, which is chronic. In addition, the following diseases can provoke inflammation:
- flu;
- staphylococcus;
- streptococcus;
- scarlet fever.
Also, excessive narrowness of the middle nasal passage can be considered among the provoking factors. In such situations, even slight swelling can provoke a difficult or complete cessation of the outflow from the sinus of the separated mucus. This condition can also be observed in the presence of adenoid growths.
Features of Etmoiditis
If acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane develops in the cells of the trellis labyrinth, then the patient is diagnosed with ethmoiditis. This disease rarely develops initially, but is a complication of other infectious pathological processes. In addition, it can be provoked against the background of intrauterine, umbilical, or skin sepsis. The main factors that lead to the development of pathology include:
- structural features of the nasopharynx;
- allergic diseases;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- acquired or congenital immunodeficiencies.
First, the inflammatory process develops on neighboring organs. Only then it spreads to the cells of the ethmoid labyrinth. As soon as pathogenic microorganisms enter the mucosa of the cells, they multiply and penetrate deep into the tissues. In this situation, signs appear that indicate the development of the inflammatory process.
As a result of changes in the body, there is a violation of the outflow of fluid. If untreated, pus can spread through the cranial cavity and provoke the development of serious complications.
Classification
Inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth is characterized by a different course. Depending on the features and nature of the pathology, the following varieties are distinguished:
- catarrhal;
- edematous-catarrhal;
- polypous;
- purulent.
As medical practice shows, edematous-catarrhal and polypous species are characteristic of the chronic form of the pathological process. Depending on which side the mucous membrane of the ethmoid labyrinth is affected, the inflammation can be left-sided, right-sided or bilateral.
Clinical signs
Inflammation of the cells of the trellis labyrinth in acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms. Signs of pathology can occur suddenly and manifest with intense intensity. Most often, patients complain of the appearance of intense headaches, which are manifested mainly in the orbit and nose. When the head is tilted, the pain intensifies. In addition, a person may be disturbed by shortness of breath, as well as discharge from the nose of the mucous membrane or mucopurulent consistency. In some situations, the patient may show symptoms of intoxication, weakness, fatigue, and also increase body temperature.
As for the course of the disease in childhood, the condition is much worse than in adults. The manifestation of pathology begins with an increase in body temperature. The child becomes restless, completely refuses food. If you do not seek qualified medical help in a timely manner, then the child may appear signs of neurotoxicosis, as well as dehydration.
When the first signs of inflammation appear, you should immediately seek qualified medical help. Otherwise, ethmoiditis can go into the chronic stage, the treatment of which is very difficult.
Diagnostics
If a person has symptoms that indicate inflammation in the cells of the ethmoid labyrinth, then in this case, you should immediately seek medical help. To make an accurate diagnosis, first of all, you need to consult a doctor and tell him about the symptoms. After that, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s condition and prescribe a number of additional studies.
The patient will need to undergo an X-ray examination. According to the results, the darkened cells will be visible in the obtained images. Based on the data received, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment.
Treatment
When the trellis labyrinth undergoes inflammation, the patient is most often prescribed conservative treatment. At the initial stage, vasoconstrictor drugs are recommended for the patient, which help to reduce swelling and increase the outflow of mucus. Also, antibiotics and pain medications are prescribed for the patient. After a few days, physiotherapeutic procedures begin.
If the patient is diagnosed with a chronic form, then treatment is no different from acute. In remission, surgery may be recommended.
Possible complications
The trellis labyrinth is a complex and very important organ, therefore its condition must be monitored especially carefully. With a running disease and ignoring the symptoms, the patient may begin to spread purulent masses, which provoke the following complications:
- phlegmon of the eye socket;
- empyema;
- retrobulbar abscess;
- arachnoiditis;
- meningitis;
- brain abscess.
All of the above complications are considered very serious and can lead not only to irreparable processes in the body, but also cause a fatal outcome.
Forecast
The trellised labyrinth and its mucosa should always be in a healthy state. But, unfortunately, inflammatory processes can trigger other pathological processes that occur in the body.
If you diagnose inflammation in a timely manner and conduct rational treatment, then in this case the ailment passes without a trace and the person fully recovers. When symptoms are ignored or treatment is prescribed incorrectly, then the trellis labyrinth is subjected to severe stress, thickening of the sinuses provokes stagnation of mucus, and often the disease becomes chronic. In this case, the forecast is less encouraging. Full recovery is almost impossible. The best option with the right treatment is to introduce the disease into a stage of persistent remission.
Prevention
Since inflammation of the mucosa of the ethmoid labyrinth can be caused by various microorganisms, there are no specific preventive measures.
In order to avoid provocative factors, it is necessary to try to prevent the occurrence of diseases that can provoke inflammation. In addition, it is necessary to monitor your immunity, give preference to a healthy and balanced diet, give up bad habits, and also take immunomodulating agents in the fall and spring. Also, if signs appear that may indicate the development of an inflammatory process, immediately contact a medical institution and clearly follow all the recommendations of your doctor.