Understanding Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Neurosurgeon and Ph.D. tells Ilya Almazov.

How does sinusitis occur?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary paranasal sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the bones between the eyes, behind the cheekbones, and in the forehead. These sinuses produce mucus that keeps the inside of the nose moist, which helps protect the airways from dust, allergens, and pollutants. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs are created that can cause an infection. Conditions that can cause blockage of the sinuses:

1. A cold.
2. Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the nasal mucosa caused by external allergens.
3. Small growths in the lining of the nose, called nasal polyps.
4. A deviated septum, which is a displacement of the nasal cavity.

What is sinusitis

1. Acute sinusitis starts with cold-like symptoms: runny nose, nasal congestion, and facial pain, and can start suddenly and last about two to four weeks.
2. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis last 12 weeks or longer.
3. Recurrent sinusitis occurs several times a year.

Other types are also found, such as odontogenic, allergic, polyposis, purulent, bilateral, unilateral and catarrhal sinusitis.

Sinusitis: risk group

The risk group is usually patients who have:

1. Swelling inside the nose, as from a common cold.
2. Blockage of the sinuses.
3. Structural differences that constrict these ducts.
4. Nasal polyps.
5. Reduced immunity or taking medications that suppress the immune system.

Children can cause sinusitis:

1. Allergies.
2. Illnesses from other children in kindergarten or school.
3. Nipples.
4. Drinking from a bottle while lying on your back.
5. Smoke in the environment.

The main causes that make sinusitis more likely in adults are infections and smoking.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Symptoms include:

1. Stuffy nose.
2. Thick white, yellow or green discharge from the nose.
3. Pain in the teeth.
4. Pain or pressure in the face is felt especially strongly when the person leans forward.

Additional symptoms:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Smell problems.
• Pressure or feeling of fullness in the ears.
• Headache.
• Bad breath.
• Feeling tired.

How to treat sinusitis

• Antibiotics. If it is established that a bacterial infection has become a condition for the development of sinusitis. In acute sinusitis, antibiotics are usually taken for 10-14 days. In chronic it may be longer. Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections. They will not help if sinusitis is caused by viruses or other problems.
• Painkillers. Many people with sinusitis take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve the discomfort. Follow the instructions on the label and don’t take them for more than 10 days. Talk to your doctor to find out which drug is right for you.
• bioelectronic device works by using microcurrents to stimulate nerve fibers in the sinuses, available over the counter and helps reduce inflammation, pain and sinus congestion.
• decongestants, which reduce the amount of mucus in the sinuses. Some are available as nasal sprays, others as tablets. If you use decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days, they can be addictive. Follow label instructions.

• Allergy medicines. Many cases of sinusitis are due to uncontrolled allergies. If you have never been diagnosed with an allergy, it may be worth doing an allergy test.
• Steroids. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe inhaled steroids to reduce swelling in the sinus membranes. In severe cases of chronic sinusitis, oral steroids may be required.
• Home remedies for sinusitis. While medication can help, many cases of sinusitis go away on their own without any treatment. To do this, keep the air in the house moist and warm. Flush your sinuses with saline. Drink plenty of fluids. They will help loosen mucus, which can help reduce sinus blockages. Cut down on alcohol, which increases swelling. Get good sleep.
• Surgery. If there is chronic or acute sinusitis that keeps coming back, surgery may be the best way to fix the problem. The surgeon can remove the blockage and widen the sinus passages, making them easier to drain.

Can sinusitis be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent sinusitis, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the chance:

1. Do not smoke and avoid other people’s smoke.
2. Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season, and try not to touch your face.
3. Stay away from things you know you’re allergic to. Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription drugs, allergy shots, or other forms of immunotherapy.

What happens if sinusitis is not treated

Sinusitis causes pain and discomfort. Rarely, sinusitis can lead to meningitis, brain abscess, or bone infection.