About the symptoms and causes of this disease spoke Ainura Ergeshova, the chief freelance otolaryngologist of the Ministry of Health and a candidate of medical sciences.
— What is sinusitis and how does it differ from a common cold?
— Sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary (upper jaw) sinus, which is a paired paranasal sinus. Normally, the air in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is cleaned, moistened, and warmed before entering the lower respiratory tract.
In a common cold, the inflammation only affects the mucous membrane of the nose. A cold can be of infectious or non-infectious origin: infectious colds are often associated with influenza viruses or ARVI, while non-infectious colds can be caused by allergies or injuries.
— What are the main causes of inflammation of the maxillary sinuses?
— In 80% of cases, sinusitis is caused by acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). This disease can also have a bacterial nature.
The main pathogens are:
- Haemophilus influenzae;
- Moraxella catarrhalis;
- Streptococcus pneumoniae.
In rare cases, sinusitis can be caused by fungal infections.
There are also several factors that contribute to the development of sinusitis:
- anatomical features of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses;
- allergic and vasomotor rhinitis;
- weakened immunity;
- hypothermia;
- adenoids (especially in children) or polyps in the nose, tumors;
- injuries to the nose and sinuses;
- caries of the maxillary teeth;
- serious concomitant diseases (for example, tuberculosis) or immune system diseases (for example, HIV).
We use the classification proposed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology in 1995:
- acute course — up to four weeks;
- subacute course — from four weeks to three months;
- chronic course — more than three months.
— What are the main symptoms of sinusitis?
— In acute sinusitis, three main symptoms are observed:
- pulsating headaches that worsen with inflammation of the right maxillary sinus;
- nasal discharge, which can be mucous, mucopurulent, or purulent;
- difficult nasal breathing, which depends on the degree of mucosal swelling.
Acute forms of the disease may also be accompanied by a high temperature. Without treatment, acute sinusitis can develop into a chronic form.
— What are the risks associated with sinusitis?
— If treatment is not started in time, it can lead to serious complications, such as intraorbital and intracranial complications. Intraorbital complications may include phlebitis and phlegmon of the orbital veins, as well as thrombosis of the cavernous sinus. Intracranial complications include secondary meningitis, brain abscess, and thrombosis of the dura mater sinuses.
— What are the most accurate methods for diagnosing sinusitis?
— Previously, diagnosis was conducted using X-rays, but now more accurate methods, such as MRI and CT, allow for a more effective assessment of the condition of the maxillary sinuses. Without these methods, the diagnosis of "sinusitis" can only be established based on symptoms.
— Are antibiotics necessary for the treatment of sinusitis?
— In the stage of acute catarrhal inflammation, antibiotics are not required; antihistamine therapy is necessary to reduce swelling. However, in the case of acute purulent inflammation, antibiotics are mandatory.
— What is your opinion on folk treatment methods, such as inhalations and warming?
— I have a very negative attitude towards these methods. In the case of a purulent process, warming is contraindicated, as it can promote the development of infection and lead to serious complications.
Regular rinsing of the nose with saline solution can also lead to changes in pH and cause atrophic processes.
— Is sinus puncture a safe procedure?
— Yes, it is a common myth that puncturing the maxillary sinus leads to complications. In fact, it is one of the safest diagnostic methods in acute purulent inflammation. It allows for the determination of the condition of the sinus and the introduction of therapeutic agents, which can be more effective than systemic antibacterial therapy.
— How can sinusitis be prevented?
— During cold weather, it is essential to wear a hat, especially for teenagers who may go outside with wet hair after morning washing, which can contribute to ARVI and subsequent sinusitis.
To prevent sinusitis, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, maintain a regime of physical activity, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition, as well as to treat ARVI in a timely manner to avoid complications.
