Sinusitis is a fairly common disease, which is often observed in both children and adults. The disease is accompanied by inflammatory lesions of the maxillary sinuses, severe pain and purulent discharge. But what are the first symptoms of sinusitis in adults? This question is relevant, since the therapy started on time will help to avoid negative consequences.
What is sinusitis and what are its causes?
As already mentioned, this disease is accompanied by an inflammatory process localized in the maxillary sinuses. In some cases, the disease also affects the bone tissue of the periosteum. Before you find out what the main symptoms of sinusitis in adults look like, you should familiarize yourself with the causes of the disease:
- It should be noted that in adulthood, the inflammatory process is most often the result of certain infectious lesions of the teeth, in particular caries.
- In some cases, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the maxillary sinuses directly from the external environment during an injury.
Risk factors include a decrease in the body's immune defenses. Moreover, the weakening of the protective forces can be both general and local (a similar thing is observed with a gusty cold wind).
The main symptoms of sinusitis in adults
The disease has a very clear clinical picture. To begin with, there is persistent nasal congestion. Patients also complain of severity in the region of the maxillary sinuses - these are the first signs of sinusitis in adults.
But as the disease progresses, a light severity turns into a noticeable soreness, which increases with the head tilted down. Gradually, the pain intensifies and becomes almost unbearable. Along with this, there is an increase in body temperature, weakness and aches in the body.
Subsequently, purulent discharge of a yellowish or greenish tint with a very unpleasant odor appears from the nose. In the presence of such symptoms, you should immediately contact an otolaryngologist.
Chronic sinusitis and its symptoms
In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can quickly turn into a chronic form. In this case, the symptoms of sinusitis in adults will look different. After all, the disease proceeds secretly, and the present symptoms are written off as general tiredness or runny nose.
In chronic sinusitis, there is a constant nasal congestion, which makes breathing difficult and affects the patient's well-being. From time to time, you may notice slight viscous discharge from the nose. People with a chronic form of inflammation suffer from frequent headaches, general weakness, and constant fatigue. Often there is a weakening of smell.
How is sinusitis treated?
Of course, with such problems it is best to immediately make an appointment with a doctor. Only a specialist knows what the symptoms of sinusitis in adults look like. Treatment in this case directly depends on the severity of the disease and the causes of its occurrence.
Since sinusitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, patients need antibiotics. Amoxicillin, Macropen, Cephalexin will be very effective. In addition, vasodilator drops and antihistamines (Diazolin, Suprastin, Tavegil) are used for treatment, which relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and facilitate nasal breathing. In some cases, nose washing is performed using antiseptics. A puncture of the sinuses is shown only if the normal outflow of purulent masses is disturbed.