Catarrhal frontitis is an inflammatory process in the frontal sinus caused by infectious agents, which can occur on its own, but is often a complication of diseases of the nasopharynx. The disease is dangerous in close proximity to the brain, therefore, requires immediate treatment.
Definition of a concept
Frontitis is an inflammatory process in the frontal sinus. Catarrhal inflammation is a pathological process that affects the mucous membrane lining the space in the frontal bone. With catarrhal inflammation, mucous and serous discharge is produced, desquamation of the cells of the epithelial layer of the frontal sinuses.
Catarrhal frontal sinusitis can occur acutely, and can take a chronic course after ineffective treatment measures or in the absence of treatment in an average of two months.
Inflammation of the frontal sinus can be one-sided and two-sided. The sinuses are separated by a septum, which can be deflected to one side. It happens horizontally, then the sinuses will be called the upper and lower. About five percent of people in the frontal bones lack cavities, as can be seen on x-rays.
Causes of the disease
Frontitis develops for various infectious and non-infectious reasons.
Infectious viral, bacterial or fungal damage to the mucous membrane of the cavities as an independent disease is extremely rare. The main mechanism contributing to the inflammation of the frontal sinus is the transition of the infection from the nose and its sinuses (maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid) into the frontal sinuses. This occurs through a channel that connects the middle nasal passage of each side with the corresponding frontal sinuses.
Infection can be contributed by: decreased immunity, hypothermia, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, carious teeth, a curved nasal septum, injuries and foreign bodies of the nose, adenoids in children, polyps in the nose, allergic rhinitis.
Clinical manifestations in adults
Symptoms of catarrhal frontal sinusitis in adults are manifestations of general intoxication: fever, fatigue, sweating and general weakness.
Due to edema of the mucous membranes lining not only the nasal passages, but also the sinuses, breathing is difficult on one or both sides.
Headache is observed in the area of the frontal sinuses (forehead, eyes, eyebrows). An increase in headache is noted when bending down, pressing.
Catarrh is characterized by the expiration of mucosal secretions. More often this happens in the morning after getting out of bed. In addition, eyes may water.
Violation of odor perception often occurs with a chronic form of the disease. This disorder contributes to poor appetite.
Bilateral catarrhal frontal sinusitis will manifest itself with the above symptoms, which capture both the right and left side.
Inflammation of the frontal sinuses in children
Inflammation of the frontal sinuses does not occur until 5-6 years, since in young children these sinuses have not yet formed.
More often, the inflammatory process is associated with a viral infection in which the viruses of influenza, parainfluenza, and herpes are responsible.
Clinically manifests frontal sinusitis with common infectious symptoms (fever, weakness), headache in the forehead, worse when lowering the face down, discharge from the nose, nasal congestion. In addition, a dry reflex cough may be observed, which is associated with the ingress of mucous discharge into the receptors of the posterior pharyngeal wall.
Frontitis in a child should be treated immediately so that there is no chronic process and inflammatory complications affecting adjacent tissues and organs that are located behind thin children's bone structures.
Diagnosis of catarrhal frontal sinusitis
Recognize inflammation of the frontal sinuses by radiography of the skull. On it, in the sinuses, a decrease in sinus pneumatization will be determined, as well as the presence of a fluid level that occurs due to the presence of serous or mucous discharge. Sometimes swelling of the mucous membrane in the form of thickening can be observed. Changes can be one-sided or in two sinuses at once. In the chronic form of frontal sinusitis, they look like thickening of the mucosa of an uneven size, which is associated with fibrotic transformations.
In the acute period of catarrhal frontitis, a general blood test will increase the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis with a bacterial infection, leukopenia with a viral infection or a decrease in immunity.
Sometimes it is advisable to conduct a microscopic examination, separated from the nose, inoculation with the detection of sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.
Treatment of catarrhal frontal sinusitis
If you suspect an inflammatory process in the sinuses of the nose, including the frontal, it is necessary to consult an otorhinolaryngologist. The doctor will make the correct diagnosis and treat the symptoms of catarrhal frontal sinusitis in accordance with the cause of the disease. In bacterial infections, broad-profile antibacterial agents are used that are used by age, taking into account tolerance and contraindications.
To remove the edema, which blocks nasal breathing, antihistamines are prescribed, as well as local vasoconstrictors in the form of drops.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications help relieve pain.
It is useful to rinse your nose with a slightly salted, slightly warm solution, using both table salt and sea salt.
When acute symptoms subside in the form of high fever, a physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed. Ultra-high frequency currents, ultraviolet radiation, the effect of magnetic fields, electrophoresis of drugs, inhalation help relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling.
Complications
Diagnosis and treatment of symptoms of catarrhal frontal sinusitis in adults and children should be carried out immediately to avoid complications of the disease, which include:
- Meningitis and encephalitis, that is, inflammation of the membranes and brain matter, separated from the frontal sinus by the bones of the skull.
- Inflammation of the fatty tissue located in the orbit, which can go to the eye itself and lead to loss of vision.
- Inflammation in other sinuses of the nose (maxillary, sphenoid and ethmoid).
- Osteomyelitis of the bone structures forming the frontal sinus.
- Sepsis, that is, blood poisoning with the spread of infection throughout the body.
Prevention
Measures aimed at preventing the appearance of sinusitis in the frontal sinuses, as well as preventing its transition to the chronic phase and the development of complications:
- At the first symptoms of a cold, you should take an increased amount of vitamin C. Drinking should be warm and plentiful (herbal teas, fruit drinks, ginger drink, tea with lemon, honey, cinnamon).
- Overcooling, being in the winter on the street without a hat, and getting wet shoes should be avoided.
- Strengthening immunity using both medication and herbal remedies (e.g., echinacea).
- Vitaminized, balanced, adequate nutrition.
- Daily walks in the fresh air.
- Sports regular exercise.
- Quitting smoking and excessive drinking.