Sinusitis: what to do so that a runny nose does not become a nightmare

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Puncture is archaism, forget about it.

What is sinusitis

To understand this, you need to understand the anatomy.

In the bones of the skull there are small cavities that communicate with the nose - the sinuses, or sinuses. From the inside, they are covered with a mucous membrane. Inflammation of these sinuses is called sinusitis Sinus Infection | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI.

Sinusitis is a special case of sinusitis, an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the maxillary bone (on the sides of the nose, under the eyes).

In addition to sinusitis, there are also:

• frontal sinusitis - inflammation of the frontal sinuses;
• ethmoiditis - inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses;
• sphenoiditis - when the sphenoid bone cavity is affected.

In most cases, even with ordinary acute respiratory viral infections, inflammation captures many sinuses, so the term "sinusitis" will be correct. However, for simplicity, both patients and even some doctors often use the definition of sinusitis.

By the way, in children under 7 years of age, most of the sinuses are not developed Sinusitis in Children - Stanford Children’s Health, so preschoolers get sinusitis and other types of sinusitis much less often than adults.

Where does sinusitis come from

Here are the main reasons for the development of the disease:

• Viruses. Sinusitis caused by a viral infection, many carry in parallel with the usual ARVI. In most cases, it goes away on its own with a cold.
• Bacteria. A bacterial sinus infection is more dangerous than a viral infection because it accumulates a lot of pus in the sinuses. An abscess may form, and the inflammatory process spreads to other organs. For example, the brain, which is sometimes even fatal. Most often, bacteria attack the body weakened by viruses. Also, bacterial sinusitis can be a complication of certain diseases - scarlet fever, pneumonia, measles, or the same chronic rhinitis.
• Allergens. Allergic sinusitis may not go away for months and constantly interferes with breathing normally.

Accordingly, the more often you get ARVI, the higher the risk of catching inflammation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal sinuses. And if ARVI is not treated (that is, not to help the body recover), bacteria are activated.

In addition, sometimes they can "break through" into the nose from the nearest organs that are sick: tonsils, ears and even untreated teeth. And if you surround yourself with allergens, dust and tobacco smoke, it will also be easier to get sick.

How to recognize sinusitis

This type of sinusitis has quite obvious symptoms of Sinusitis (sinus infection) - NHS:

• Prolonged coryza.
• Stuffy nose, shortness of breath and, as a result, some nasal voice.
• Nasal discharge - often in the form of yellow or green mucus.
• Loss or significant deterioration of the sense of smell.
• Bursting feeling in sinuses.
• Pain in the front of the face (around the nose and bridge of the nose) that gets worse when you tilt your head forward.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by high (more than 37, 8 ° C) temperature, toothache, ear pain, bad breath, weakness.

These signs are enough to suspect sinusitis. If they are, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

How to treat sinusitis

Let's clarify right away: self-medication is unacceptable. Even if you feel bearable, it could very well be bacterial sinusitis. The one that can provoke blood poisoning and meningitis. Don't risk it.

Prescribe treatment for Sinusitis (sinus infection) - NHS can only be a physician or otolaryngologist, and only after an examination, he will give you a referral for the necessary tests and a diagnosis.

• With viral sinusitis, you will be prescribed symptomatic treatment. It coincides with what is recommended for ARVI - rest, rest, more fluid, control of the humidity level in the room, and so on. The doctor will describe in detail all the necessary elements of the treatment program.
• If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be needed. Which ones, the doctor will tell you again.
• If the cause is an allergy, you will need to establish what is causing it and try to minimize exposure to the allergen. Your doctor may also prescribe antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays or drops to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Regardless of the type of sinusitis, physiotherapy may be recommended to you, you should not skip them.

Do I need to make a puncture with sinusitis

If we are talking about alleviating the condition, then no. A puncture (puncture) of the sinus was often used before to remove pus accumulated in the sinuses. But today this painful procedure has become an archaism: sinusitis is much more successfully treated with drugs correctly selected by a doctor.

Puncture Needle Puncture and Aspiration of Sinus Contents for Sinusitis is done only if the prescribed treatment does not work and you need to take an additional analysis and establish which microbe is to blame for the inflammation.

How to relieve your condition at home

Here are some easy Nasal Congestion & Pressure: Home and OTC Remedies to improve your well-being at home.

Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids liquefies the accumulated mucus in the sinuses and improves its outflow.

Use a humidifier

With sinusitis, it is extremely important to maintain normal moisture in the nasal passages - this relieves swelling.

Breathe in warm steam

For example, over a pot of water (not hot: it is important not to burn yourself) or taking a long shower. These procedures also increase the hydration of the nasal passages.

Use a nasal saline spray

You can buy a saline spray at a pharmacy or make your own. The recipe is simple: add ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to a glass of warm water. Spray the solution three to four times a day until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.

Apply vasoconstrictor drops

They eliminate puffiness and slow down the formation of mucus. Please note: these products cannot be used for more than 3 days. Otherwise, unpleasant side effects are possible: from simple addiction to a specific agent (then the vessels will simply stop responding to it) to thinning of the nasal mucosa and the development of medication rhinitis.

Make a compress

Place a warm, damp towel on your face for 5-10 minutes. This will help reduce discomfort and make breathing easier.

Take pain reliever

An over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will work. Such funds also have an anti-inflammatory effect, that is, they reduce swelling in the sinuses and nasal passages.

Flush your nose with saline

How to do this, Lifehacker wrote in detail here. If you don't have time to read, you can watch a detailed video prepared by experts from the authoritative research organization Mayo Clinic.

Daily nasal lavage is a simple and effective way to reduce What To Do About Sinusitis sinusitis symptoms. However, the procedure has a number of contraindications. Do not do it if:

• the nose is so stuffed up that you cannot breathe it;
• you have a deviated nasal septum or polyps - benign growths on the nasal mucosa;
• you often suffer from nosebleeds;
• you have otitis media or are aware of your predisposition to ear infections.