The German website “Gesundheits Informazione Dei” reported that sinusitis usually occurs after a cold when swollen mucous membranes prevent mucus from draining, and this leads to the accumulation of secretions in the sinuses, which enhances inflammation.
The health website explained that the upper sinuses and ethmoid sinuses are the most affected, noting that sinusitis can be acute (7-14 days) or chronic (if it lasts for more than 21 weeks).
Reasons
Sinusitis may be due to the following reasons:
– Viral infection: In more than 90% of cases, sinusitis results from a cold. The swollen mucous membranes prevent the sinuses from being ventilated, which prevents the drainage of secretions, which constitutes an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogens.
– Superinfection with bacteria: If the infection persists for more than 10 days, bacterial colonization often occurs.
– Allergies: Allergies to hay fever, house dust mites, or mold spores can chronically irritate the nasal mucosa and promote inflammation.
– Dental diseases: Inflammation in the upper jaw area can spread through the roots of the teeth to the upper sinuses.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis are:
– Pain in the face (forehead, cheeks and behind the eyes).
– Nasal obstruction or congestion.
– Greenish-yellow or thick nasal discharge.
– Weak sense of smell or complete loss.
– Headache and toothache, especially when bending.
– Cough (especially at night due to mucus secretions).
– A general feeling of illness, and perhaps a fever.
Possible consequences
Possible consequences of untreated sinusitis are:
– Chronic inflammation: persistent swelling of the mucous membranes, formation of polyps, and difficulty in nasal breathing.
– Eye complications: spread of inflammation to the eye socket, visual disturbances, and in extreme cases blindness.
– Meningitis: A rare but life-threatening spread of infection to the meninges.
Abscesses: Purulent collections in the sinuses, which often require surgical removal.
– Sinus and bronchial syndrome: chronic drainage of mucus in the throat, cough and bronchitis.
– Dental diseases: infection spreads to the roots of the teeth.
Treatment methods
These complications can usually be prevented through early treatment, which is:
– Decongestant nasal sprays (maximum 5 to 7 days).
– Nasal wash with saline solution.
– Steam inhalation.
– Painkillers (such as ibuprofen and paracetamol) to treat headaches or facial pain.
– Drink plenty of fluids: helps thin the mucus.
The following medications can also be used (if needed):
– Antibiotics: for severe or long-term cases (more than 10 days), high fever, or worsening of the condition after improvement.
– Nasal cortisone sprays: for severe swelling of the mucous membranes or chronic conditions.
– Antihistamines: for swelling of the mucous membranes resulting from allergies.
In cases of chronic sinusitis, surgical procedures such as widening the nostrils in a minimally invasive manner may be necessary.