Sinusitis: what it is, causes, symptoms and how to treat it

Understand when this respiratory condition may be considered serious and the possible complications

A sinusitis It is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinusesregion of the skull involving the forehead, cheekbone, nose and eye contour.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery points out that this respiratory condition affects one in eight people in the world.

“All individuals are predisposed to developing it, but the greatest risk is in the elderly, in newborns, in immunosuppressed people, in corticosteroid users, in diabetics or even in people who have structural changes, for example a deviated septum, which can make it difficult the sinuses drain the nasal passages and hinder the resolution of the inflammatory process”, highlights the Dr. Flávio Ferlin Arbexspecialist in pneumology.

According to the doctor, the disease can be acute OR news.

“The first is more common, lasts up to 12 weeks and, in the vast majority of cases, occurs for viral or bacterial reasons. The second lasts more than 12 weeks and, generally, its main cause is bacterial or viral which occurs it’s complicated by bacteria,” he explains.

CAUSES

You most common types of sinusitis are caused by viruses or bacteria. The viral type consists of a milder inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, while the bacterial type occurs as a result of an untreated cold, flu or allergic attack, being more intense.

However, in addition to being caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi, the condition can occur due to other factors, such as climate changes, exposure to allergens, deviations of the nasal septum AND nasal cilia dysfunction.

“Therefore, to prevent it, it is strongly recommended to avoid places with pollution and cigarette smoke, keep the environment well sanitized to avoid contact with fungi, mites, pollen and animal hair, not clean your nose with dirty hands and stay away from closed environments”, advises the Dr. Vinícius Ribas FonsecaProfessor of Otolaryngology at the Medical Course of the Positiva University (UP), in Curitiba, Paraná.

SYMPTOMS

You main symptoms of sinusitis I am:

• Cough
• Severe pain in the breast region
• Heachache
• Sensation of pressure in the face
• Nasal obstruction with yellowish or greenish purulent discharge
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased sense of smell
• Muscle pain
• Earache

TREATMENT

In most cases, the disease is self-limitedand its treatment involves nasal washing with saline solution and the use of medicines analgesics AND antipyretics (for pain and fever).

“In the end, a systemic decongestantwhich can help improve the patient’s clinical condition,” says Dr. Vinícius. “If the patient also has allergic rhinitis, this condition must also be treated,” he adds.

When it comes to a viral sinusitis, the symptoms tend to stop naturally in a period of three to five dayswithout needing medical help for recovery.

On the other hand, bacterial sinusitis, despite starting with similar symptoms, it may get worse as the days go by. In these situations it is necessary to contact the doctor to receive adequate treatment, which can be carried out through a combination of drugs (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and corticosteroids), nasal washes AND inhalations.

“When we think about other causes, like chronic or fungal sinusitisit could be necessary Surgeryhowever, this depends on the professional’s assessment, the complications and the time it takes for the condition to evolve,” says Dr. Flávio.

WHEN IS SINUSITIS SEVERE?

When untreated OR poorly cared for, bacterial sinusitis can lead to serious complications in organs such as the ears, brain, throat, eyes and lungs. The disease can also cause loss of visionas it can form a secretion that reaches the orbit, eyeball and optic nerve.

“Spreading to the brain, it can still cause bacterial meningitiswhich is an acute inflammation of the membranes lining the spinal cord and brain,” says Dr. Vinícius.

The infection is considered serious when the patient has intense symptoms, e.g. yellowish and purulent discharge, pain and feeling of heaviness in the face, cough, fever above 39ºC, edema or swelling of the face and eyelids, visual change AND intense prostration.

“When you notice a worsening of the condition, the recommendation is consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible so that more serious complications do not occur”, warns the professor.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.