Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinuses, which lasts for more than 12 weeks, even against the background of treatment.
The paranasal (appendicular) sinuses are small cavities in the bones of the skull. Two of them are located in the center of the forehead, they are called frontal, also one sinus is located on each side of the nose – these are maxillary sinuses. The sinuses are connected to the nasal passages by narrow channels (joints).
Normally, the sinuses are filled with air and are not felt in any way, but if the nose is blocked, mucus can get into them and lead to inflammation. As a result, the person feels painful pressure, with pain radiating to the head and teeth.
Causes and risk factors for chronic sinusitis
Usually chronic sinusitis is preceded by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection of the sinuses. In addition, the paranasal sinuses can become inflamed against the background of allergies. Swelling of the mucous membrane contributes to the stagnation of secretion and multiplication of pathogenic flora.
Common bacteria – causative agents of chronic sinusitis:
- streptococci,
- staphylococcus aureus,
- pneumococcus,
- meningococcus.
A special role in the development of chronic sinusitis play mold fungi of the genus Aspergillus, lower fungi of the genus Phycomycetes and yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. They cause severe forms of the disease, especially in immunocompromised people.
Risk factors for chronic sinusitis:
- respiratory allergies (more often to plant pollen, dust, animal hair);
- deviated nasal septum;
- nasal polyps;
- polluted air (tobacco smoke, industrial waste);
- frequent contact with germs – for example, if a person is daily in crowded places (subway, shopping mall) or communicates closely in a group (e.g., with peers at school or kindergarten);
- periodontitis (inflammation of the root of the tooth caused by infection);
- foreign objects in the nose (piercings);
- chronic rhinitis;
- systemic diseases (cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiencies).
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis does not last longer than 12 weeks and is accompanied by at least two of the common symptoms.
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- nasal congestion;
- intermittent or persistent yellow or green thick nasal discharge that runs down the back of the throat and provokes coughing (especially in the morning);
- loss or decrease in sense of smell;
- pain or pressure sensation in the center of the forehead, jaw, or cheek area.
Patients with chronic sinusitis may have a foul odor in the nose and breath.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment for chronic sinusitis includes puncture, polypotomy and endoscopic surgery. Puncture helps with severe symptoms by removing pus and relieving pressure in the sinuses. Polypotomy is the endoscopic removal of polyps with minimal risk of complications. Endoscopic sinus surgeries are performed to improve drainage and facilitate mucus production, usually under local anesthesia.
When to consult a doctor
If nasal congestion persists for more than 10 days, does not go away even against the background of treatment prescribed by a doctor or recurs regularly, you should consult a general practitioner or a specialized specialist engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, throat and nose – otorhinolaryngologist or ENT doctor.
Call an ambulance immediately in the following cases:
- sharp pain in the center of the forehead, cheeks or jaw;
- worsening of vision;
- difficulty breathing;
- severe headache with light and sound phobia, nausea, vomiting;
- fever for more than 3 days.
Prognosis of chronic sinusitis
The prognosis is considered favorable if adequate treatment is selected. Full recovery of nasal breathing is possible.
Without treatment, chronic sinusitis significantly reduces the quality of life, and the inflammation may eventually spread to the brain membranes, eyes, brain or spinal cord and lead to severe complications.
Prevention of chronic sinusitis
Prevention of chronic sinusitis includes restoration of a deviated nasal septum, treatment of polyps, chronic rhinitis, regular visits to the dentist.
To increase the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections, you should undergo a full course of vaccination (according to the national calendar of preventive vaccinations). Vaccination schedule is discussed individually with a doctor and depends on the patient’s state of health and what vaccinations were given to him in childhood.
It also helps to maintain immunity by following the rules of a healthy lifestyle and personal hygiene.
To reduce the risk of developing chronic sinusitis will help:
- regular visits to the dentist and treatment of decayed teeth;
- a varied and balanced diet;
- daily physical activity;
- observance of work and rest;
- regular hand washing (especially after returning from the street and crowded places).
In addition, you should stop smoking, including passive smoking. The fact is that tobacco smoke irritates the nasal mucosa and can lead to additional swelling and blockage of the sinuses with mucus.
Conclusion
Chronic sinusitis is a serious disease that requires careful attention and timely treatment. When symptoms such as prolonged nasal congestion, pain and nasal discharge appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and selection of optimal therapy. It is important to remember that the prevention of the disease includes not only the treatment of concomitant diseases, such as rhinitis or deviated septum, but also maintaining the general health of the body, compliance with hygiene and avoidance of bad habits. With adequate treatment, the prognosis of chronic sinusitis is favorable, and a significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life can be achieved.
