Sinusitis that tends to be chronic
Flu season has begun in earnest. The flu, a respiratory disease, is mostly common between fall and spring and causes various problems and side effects based on the respiratory system. A typical example is sinusitis, which causes a yellow nose. It is usually called sinusitis.
Sinusitis is a disease in which purulent secretions accumulate within the sinuses and the internal mucous membrane becomes inflamed. The paranasal sinuses, which are hollow spaces within the bones of the face, circulate air and expel secretions through nostrils connected to small holes. If the paranasal sinuses are not working properly for some reason specifically, purulent secretions accumulate and inflammation occurs. Because it occurs mostly as sequelae of colds and flu, the number of patients with sinusitis also tends to increase during the flu season.
It is known that sinusitis occurs mostly in children and children. In infants and children, the paranasal sinuses are not yet fully developed, and the outlet of the paranasal sinuses is relatively wider than that of adults, so the nasal sinuses and paranasal connected as if they were in one place, which is why inflammation caused by cold spreads easily to the paranasal sinuses.
Symptoms of sinusitis, whose main symptoms are nasal congestion and runny nose, are similar to respiratory diseases such as colds and allergic rhinitis, so diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Unlike rhinitis, where the color of the nasal discharge is clear and transparent, if the yellow or green nasal discharge persists for more than 3 to 4 weeks, it may not be a cold or rhinitis. In particular, if symptoms persist even after taking medications commonly used to treat colds, sinusitis should be suspected.
Sinusitis causes discomfort in daily life and reduces the patient’s quality of life. Many patients with sinusitis suffer from severe nasal congestion, headache, reduced congestion, difficulty sleeping, or facial pain caused by heavy weight. In addition, if sinusitis is not detected in time and not treated appropriately, it can cause several problems such as cellulitis around the eyes and epidural abscess, so it is necessary to pay attention to early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The correlation that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of sinusitis can improve the patient’s quality of life has been proven through research. American rhinologist 2020 Andrew. According to a research paper titled ‘Changes in quality of life and sense of smell observed with short-term medical management in patients with chronic rhinitis’ published by Dr.
If it is persistent, symptoms of postnasal drip usually appear.
Sinusitis is divided into acute and chronic depending on the time of onset or duration of symptoms. In general, if symptoms last for less than 4 weeks, it is classified as acute sinusitis, and if symptoms continue for more than 12 weeks, it is classified as chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis causes a runny nose and stuffy nose along with headache, mild fever, and facial pain. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by a persistent yellow nose, stuffy nose, and a runny nose that flows down the back of the nose (postnasal drip).
Diagnostic methods for sinusitis include a simple medical examination, nasal endoscopy, fluoroscopy, biopsy, and CT imaging. In particular, the iron method is a way to inject a strong light into the paranasal sinuses and to visually determine the transmitted light pattern. Compared to X-ray and CT imaging procedures, the risk of radiation exposure is low, making it suitable for young children and pregnant women. It also has the advantage that medical personnel can quickly diagnose with the naked eye and the accuracy of the test is high.
Treatment based on antibiotics is fundamental in both acute and chronic conditions.
For sinusitis, which tends to be chronic, prevention is more important than treatment. To prevent sinusitis, you must be aware of diseases such as flu, colds, and allergic rhinitis, and follow lifestyle habits to prevent respiratory infections. First of all, it is a good idea to wash your hands and feet after going out, take care of personal hygiene, and maintain a suitable temperature and humidity inside. In addition, drinking enough water to promote a smooth distribution of secretions and washing the inside of the nose with a saline solution 2-3 times a day also helps with to prevent sinusitis by reducing the probability of bacterial infections.
After the onset of sinusitis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment must be provided in a timely manner. Treatment of sinusitis is based on antibiotic-based drug treatment for both acute and chronic infections. Acute sinusitis symptoms improve when antibiotics are given for 10 to 14 days, but chronic sinusitis requires multiple drug treatments along with antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
When treating sinusitis, symptoms can be improved more effectively by using supportive medications in addition to antibiotics. Representative auxiliary medications include nasal mucosa constrictors that help improve a runny nose and nasal congestion, Comekina antihistamine capsules (Daewoong Pharmaceutical), and topical steroids. In addition, washing the nose with a saline solution or using a humidifier can help reduce mucosal congestion by reducing mucus viscosity and improving drainage and ciliary movement.
Seonmi Kwon (kwon.sunmi@joongang.co.kr)
2024-11-16 12:55:00
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