Sinusitis In Adults - Causes, Signs And Symptoms Of Sinusitis. Can I Warm My Nose?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Causes, signs and symptoms of sinusitis

Very often people, having discovered in themselves the first signs of rhinitis, accompanied by weakness and loss of working capacity, do not pay due attention to this, believing that this mild form of a cold will pass on its own. Sometimes behind such seemingly frivolous symptoms, a very dangerous disease can be hidden, which, in the absence of proper treatment, has various side effects and complications.

Content:

• What is sinusitis?
• Causes of sinusitis
• Symptoms of sinusitis in adults
• Other signs of sinusitis
• Video: causes, treatment methods
• Types of sinusitis
• Complications and consequences of sinusitis
• Is it possible to warm the nose with sinusitis?
• Treatment methods
• Prevention of sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Almost always, it appears due to repeated deep rhinitis or colds, which have been poorly and unscrupulously cured. But, in addition to colds and a runny nose, another reason is neglected teeth, especially the upper ones. The nose clogs up and mucus starts to build up inside. After that, pus begins to stand out.

The usual symptoms of sinusitis are loss of smell, heaviness in the head, pain in the temples and the bridge of the nose, a fairly high temperature - in the range of 37–38 ° C. But, in addition to all this, a person's memory deteriorates, working capacity decreases and fatigue increases.

It should be noted that if you do not start treating sinusitis at the initial stage, then it will develop into the next, purulent stage. As a result, you will develop other serious illnesses.

In the acute course of the disease, the thin mucous membrane that covers the maxillary sinuses becomes inflamed. The negative effect is also exerted on the blood vessels located in this area, as well as on the connective tissue. With the transition of sinusitis into the chronic stage, damage to the bone walls of the maxillary sinuses and the submucosa is observed. People of any age group are susceptible to sinusitis. This disease develops regardless of the gender of the patients. According to statistics, which can be found on specialized Internet resources, as well as in the media, the peak of sinusitis development occurs in the autumn and winter seasons. Exacerbations of this disease also occur in early spring.

Causes of sinusitis

As a rule, the cause of sinusitis is an infection that enters the nasal cavity through blood or breathing. There are several main conditions that interfere with nasal breathing. These are curvature of the nasal septum, vasomotor rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis (enlargement of the turbinates), in children - adenoids, allergic diseases of the nose.

Also, the cause of sinusitis can be disorders of the immune system, which lead to long-term chronic diseases, parasitosis, allergic conditions, etc., as well as untimely or improper treatment of common colds, acute respiratory infections, rhinitis, which causes sinusitis as a complication.

When people take nasal swabs during a physical examination, as a rule, a person is found to have a so-called staphylococcus, which lives in the person's nasopharynx for a long time. The latter, if not for the examination, would not have found out that he is a carrier of bacteria. For a long time, these bacteria may not cause serious harm to health. But even with a common cold, staphylococcus aureus can activate and manifest its pathogenic properties.

Modern medicine has identified numerous reasons for the development of sinusitis:

• injury to the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses;
• penetration of viruses and pathogenic bacteria into the nasopharynx;
• poorly treated runny nose;
• an advanced form of a cold;
• prolonged stay in a room, the air in which is too dry and warmed up to a high temperature;
• being in a draft;
• ingestion of chemical vapors into the respiratory tract (usually this occurs in hazardous production);
• neglected state of teeth and non-observance of oral hygiene;
• external influence of aggressive environments on the mucous membrane;
• suffered influenza or SARS;
• severe hypothermia of the body;
• disruption of the secretory glands;
• weakening of the immune system;
• abnormal structure of the organs of the nasopharynx and secretory glands;
• mechanical damage to the nasal septum (any physical impact, trauma, etc.);
• the growth of polyps and adenoids;
• an allergic reaction of the body to various external stimuli;
• dangerous diseases such as tuberculosis, fungal infection of the mucous membrane, radiation sickness, tumors, etc.

Regular use of drops intended for the treatment of rhinitis is the main reason for the accumulation of a large amount of mucus in the maxillary sinuses, against which sinusitis develops.

The use of various medications, in the form of drops, can cause the onset of nosebleeds. This is due to the fact that drugs are too strong an irritant for the mucous membrane and tissues of the maxillary sinuses, as a result of which blood vessels may burst and nosebleeds may begin.

Symptoms of sinusitis in adults

Symptoms of sinusitis are the appearance of pain in the person's nose and around the nasal region, which gradually increase. Pains are less pronounced in the morning, increase in the evening. Then the patient begins to lose a specific place with unpleasant sensations and a headache begins. If the process is one-sided, then the pain is noted on one side.

The tone of the patient's voice becomes nasal, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing through the nose. Possible alternating congestion of the right and left halves of the nose.

Also, the patient is constantly tormented by a runny nose. There is a mucous (transparent) or purulent (yellow, green) discharge from the nose. This symptom may not be present if the nose is very stuffy.

Patients have a fever: sometimes it reaches 38 ° C, and sometimes higher. This temperature occurs in people who are sick with acute sinusitis. If the process is chronic, then a high temperature rarely appears. Patients experience malaise, which is expressed by fatigue, weakness, patients refuse to eat, sleep is disturbed.

The disease of sinusitis is accompanied by certain symptoms:

• the appearance of mucous discharge from the nose (over time, particles of pus may be present in them);
• nasal congestion;
• memory impairment;
• a feeling of strong pressure in the bridge of the nose, which increases when the head is tilted;
• sleep disturbance;
• labored breathing;
• loss of performance;
• increased fatigue;
• an increase in temperature (often the temperature can rise to 40 ° C);
• development of protracted rhinitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
• the appearance of chills;
• lethargy, weakness and general malaise;
• frequent bouts of coughing;
• pain in the nose, spreading to other parts of the body (forehead, gums, eye sockets, etc.);
• severe headaches, aggravated even by slight turns of the head;
• loss of appetite (both complete and partial)

Sinusitis of any kind is mainly treated with conventional pharmacotherapy, which the doctor selects for consultation. Washing the paranasal sinuses (without a puncture) is carried out only with severe pain syndrome or abundant discharge of pus.

Also, laser therapy is performed to eliminate inflammation and enhance the effect of drug treatment. The course of treatment is from two weeks to two months.

Temperature with sinusitis

Sinusitis is often accompanied by a high fever, which indicates the onset of the inflammatory process. Thus, the human body reacts to the appearance of an infection, the toxins of which cause general intoxication. At different stages of sinusitis, significant temperature fluctuations can be observed. The acute form of this disease is accompanied by intense fever. In the case when sinusitis has passed into the chronic stage, patients may experience a slight increase in temperature, or a complete absence of fever.

If bacteria infecting the nasopharynx area join the progressive infectious sinusitis, then the patient may have a fever. The allergic form of sinusitis can take place under normal or slightly elevated temperatures. In elderly people with sinusitis, a slight increase in temperature is almost always observed.

Scientists from different countries of the world, when conducting research on this disease, came to the conclusion that various factors directly affect the temperature course of sinusitis:

• the patient's age;
• features of the body;
• the state of the immune system;
• parallel development of other diseases, etc.

Other signs of sinusitis

With the progression of sinusitis in patients, other signs of this disease may be observed:

• partial or complete loss of smell;
• the appearance of puffiness in the area of the nose, eyeballs and cheeks;
• change in tone of voice (appearance of nasal tone);
• increased lacrimation;
• the appearance of bad breath and sinuses;
• unpleasant aftertaste after each meal;
• increased sweating, etc.

What color is the snot for sinusitis?

Sinusitis in most cases is accompanied by profuse discharge from the sinuses (very rarely, this disease proceeds without external signs). This is due to the fact that against the background of a strong inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses, there is a strong accumulation of snot, into which pus or blood clots are mixed in at the later stages of the course of the disease.

At each stage of sinusitis, the color of the snot changes, so that specialists, when carrying out diagnostic measures, can accurately determine the phase of the disease and prescribe the correct and effective treatment. The color of the snot and their consistency make it possible to determine the shape and order of the inflammatory process that develops in the maxillary sinuses.

Currently, there are three main shades of snot that appear against the background of the development of sinusitis:

• White color;
• yellow-green color;
• green color.

The appearance of white snot is observed at the initial stage of development of sinusitis. Mucous discharge of white color, thick consistency, may indicate the beginning of the patient's recovery stage. Green snot indicates a strong inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses. When a yellow tint appears in green snot, it is safe to say that sinusitis is in an acute form of the course of the disease and requires urgent intervention by specialists. A yellow tint is a sign of pus particles in the snot.

The most severe form of sinusitis is accompanied by snot, which contains blood streaks and small clots. The patient needs emergency medical care in order to avoid unpleasant consequences and complications that may develop with untimely medical treatment of severe sinusitis.

With the progression of sinusitis, some patients may periodically bleed from the nose. This phenomenon can be explained by an overdose of drops from rhinitis, or a previous injury in which the nasal septum was damaged. Nosebleeds may also indicate pathological changes in the mucosa and tissues of the maxillary sinuses, which occurred against the background of the progression of sinusitis.

Video: causes of sinusitis, treatment methods

On the subject: A modern way to treat sinusitis without a puncture

Types of sinusitis

Modern medicine knows the following types of sinusitis:

1. Odontogenic.
2. Allergic.
3. Chronic.
4. Polypous.
5. Purulent.
6. Bilateral;
7. Acute.
8. Catarrhal.

Catarrhal sinusitis

With catarrhal sinusitis in patients, the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses becomes inflamed. Often there is swelling and redness in the nasal cavity. In most cases, this disease occurs in patients of primary and school age.

The reasons for the development of catarrhal sinusitis are:

• viral infections transferred to the legs;
• poorly treated flu;
• mechanical effect on the nasal mucosa;
• a runny nose that occurs against the background of allergic reactions, etc.

The development of catarrhal sinusitis may be accompanied by certain symptoms:

• lack of appetite;
• an increase in temperature;
• lethargy and general weakness;
• deterioration of health;
• the appearance of intoxication of the body;
• decreased performance, etc.

Bilateral sinusitis

When complications arise against the background of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses, bilateral sinusitis often develops. The disease often progresses in an acute form, and after ineffective treatment becomes chronic.

The majority of patients who were diagnosed with bilateral sinusitis had:

• increased swelling in the area of the maxillary sinuses;
• strong discharge of mucus from the nose;
• nasal congestion;
• temperature increase;
• increased lacrimation;
• intoxication of the body;
• apathy, lethargy, sleep disturbance, etc.

Bilateral sinusitis is considered a rather rare disease that has a pronounced clinical picture and proceeds in a more severe form. Any inflammatory or infectious disease can cause this disease. When carrying out diagnostic measures, specialists palpate the area of the maxillary sinuses, while causing pain in patients. In the treatment of bilateral sinusitis, patients are prescribed complex medication and physiotherapy.

Polypoid sinusitis

This disease is widespread among patients of different ages. Polypoid sinusitis is not amenable to drug treatment. To cope with the disease is possible only with the help of surgical intervention. Polypoid sinusitis develops against the background of: acute course of various allergic diseases; congenital or acquired anomalies of the nasal septum; inflammatory processes progressing in the nasal sinuses.

The manifestation of this form of sinusitis begins with the onset of problems with nasal breathing. Patients begin to breathe through the mouth as their nasal cavities are blocked. Polypoid sinusitis is often accompanied by profuse mucus (clear or yellow-green) from the nose. Many patients complain of dullness of taste buds, lack of appetite, absent-mindedness, headaches, etc.

Treatment of polyposis sinusitis is carried out in a hospital setting. The patient is transferred to the operating room and surgically removed overgrown tissue that interferes with normal nasal breathing. Some specialists try to treat small polyps with medication, prescribing steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, etc. to their patients. Such therapy only in isolated cases brings a positive result, since the desired effect is achieved only with surgical treatment.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is most often diagnosed in patients who have an inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses. This disease often turns into an exacerbation stage, which, if not properly treated, can lead to the development of various complications. During the progression of this disease, many patients experience inflammation in the organs that are in the maxillary sinuses.

The cause of the development of chronic sinusitis can be any pathogens of infection: viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc. This form of the disease can develop against the background of existing defects of the nasal septum, which can be either congenital or obtained as a result of mechanical action. Very often, chronic sinusitis is diagnosed in patients who have dental problems. Even simple caries can act as a spread of infection and provoke the appearance of this disease.

Read more: The causes, symptoms and treatment of chronic sinusitis

Allergic sinusitis

The allergic form of sinusitis can develop against the background of any external factor that aggressively affects the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses. The body, when exposed to an allergen, begins to show a response, which manifests itself in increased tearing, removal of mucus from the sinuses, swelling, etc. In most cases, this form of the disease progresses in spring and autumn.

On the subject: List of food allergens in adults

With allergic sinusitis, patients have the following symptoms:

• temperature increase;
• nasal congestion;
• the appearance of pain in the eyeballs, cheekbones;
• weakness;
• headaches, etc.

With allergic sinusitis, some patients experienced complications, which in most cases are caused by the growth of polyps in the nose. Such growths interfere with normal nasal breathing, therefore, are subject to surgical treatment. Traditional drug and physiotherapy treatment does not bring a positive result in this case.

Patients first of all need to determine the origin of the allergen that caused the development of sinusitis. If you find him, you should urgently limit any contact with him. It is advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination, which will reveal which allergens the patient's body reacts to. After undergoing a course of anti-allergic therapy, patients are prescribed special drugs to increase immunity.

At the stage of recovery, patients need to restore nasal breathing by doing special exercises. Proper nutrition (in most cases, a special diet is prescribed) and a complete rejection of bad habits will contribute to the early restoration of the work of many internal organs and systems. With allergic sinusitis, long walks in coniferous forests are very useful for patients, the air of which has healing properties and is ideal for people who have problems with the bronchopulmonary system and respiratory tract.

On the subject: How to get rid of allergies at home?

Purulent sinusitis

Purulent sinusitis often develops against the background of infectious, viral and colds suffered by patients, which were not treated in a timely manner. In most cases, this form of the disease is diagnosed by patients who, with the manifestation of symptoms of sinusitis, neglected high-quality medical care, and instead self-medicated.

The main reasons for the development of purulent sinusitis are harmful microorganisms and bacteria, products, whose vital activity provokes the appearance of inflammation and the accumulation of purulent deposits in the maxillary sinuses. In an advanced stage, this disease can affect bone tissue and nearby organs. In order to prevent the appearance of purulent sinusitis, at the first manifestations of the disease, it is necessary to consult a local doctor, who, after the examination, will refer the patient to a narrow-profile specialist.

Acute sinusitis

With the development of an acute form of sinusitis, patients often complain of general malaise, weakness, chronic fatigue and decreased performance.

In some cases, the disease can proceed without pronounced symptoms, but usually it is accompanied by:

• an increase in temperature;
• strong secretion of mucus, mixed with pus, from the nose;
• the appearance of puffiness;
• shortness of breath;
• sleep disturbance;
• the appearance of pain on palpation of the area of the maxillary sinuses, etc.

This disease can be caused by:

• congenital defects of the nasal septum;
• mechanical damage to the cartilage and bone tissue in the nose;
• viral and infectious diseases transferred on the legs;
• tendency to allergic reactions to any external stimuli, etc.

Treatment of acute sinusitis takes several weeks and includes constructive drug therapy.

Odontogenic sinusitis

Odontogenic sinusitis often develops against the background of an acute inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses. The causative agents of this form of the disease are: E. coli, staphylococci, mix infection, streptococci. Poor dental health and poor daily oral hygiene can also lead to odontogenic sinusitis.

With the progression of this form of the disease in patients, immunity decreases, bone tissue can be damaged, painful sensations appear, etc. To prescribe effective therapy, it is very important to correctly determine the focus of the disease and identify its causative agent. After that, a group of antibiotics, antihistamines and other medications is selected.

More about: odontogenic sinusitis

Complications and consequences of sinusitis

Sinusitis is a very complex disease, with proper treatment of which patients can face serious consequences:

• the appearance of swelling of the maxillary sinuses;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• violation of nasal breathing;
• strong discharge of mucus from the nose;
• accumulation of pus in the maxillary cavities, etc.

After the treatment of sinusitis, some patients develop various complications:

• very often the acute form of sinusitis turns into a chronic stage, which requires a longer constructive treatment;
• the inflammatory processes of the bronchopulmonary system, pharyngeal tonsils and other organs develop;
• otitis media appears against the background of the inflammatory process.

Patients who have been diagnosed with an advanced stage of sinusitis may face more serious complications, in which various diseases appear:

• kidney;
• hearts;
• joints;
• organs of vision;
• brain, etc.

When complications go beyond the boundaries of the bronchopulmonary system and damage to other internal organs, patients may experience sepsis. In the case when a patient, upon identifying the primary symptoms of sinusitis, immediately goes to a medical institution and undergoes medical and physiotherapy treatment, he will be able to avoid any consequences and complications of this disease.

Is it possible to warm the nose with sinusitis?

Warming up the nose is strictly prohibited in the acute form of sinusitis, since under the influence of high temperature conditions, the infection can quickly spread throughout the body. It is possible to warm the nasal area in cases where the maxillary sinuses are almost completely freed from pus and the patient is at the stage of recovery.

To date, there are various methods of warming up the nose with sinusitis:

• heating with salt. This method is familiar to many people from childhood, when parents applied a hot bag of salt with a stuffy nose. To prepare such a hot "compress" it is necessary to warm a glass of rock salt in a frying pan and put it in a regular clean sock. Such a hot pad should be applied to the bridge of the nose and kept for 10-15 minutes;
• warming up with chicken eggs. To use this method, you need to hard-boil two eggs. After the eggs are removed from the boiling water, they should be immediately wrapped in a towel. A hot towel is applied in the area of the maxillary sinuses and lasts until the moment of partial cooling;
• warming up the nose with inhalation. To do this, boil the potatoes in their skins, drain the water from them. Leaning over a saucepan with steaming potatoes, cover yourself with a blanket so that the desired temperature regime remains inside. For 10 to 15 minutes, you need to take deep breaths through your nose or mouth;
• warming up the nose with a blue lamp. This device works to kill bacteria and infections. Blue lamps are actively used to decontaminate rooms where sick people were. In most cases, blue lamp warming up procedures are part of a comprehensive drug therapy.

Before using any of the existing methods of warming up the nose with sinusitis, each patient should consult their doctor. A specialist will consider any side effects and help you choose the safest method for your patient.

On the subject: How to do inhalation for dry and wet coughs?

Is it possible to go to the bathhouse with sinusitis?

Many patients who have been diagnosed with sinusitis are interested in the question of visiting a Russian bath and a Finnish sauna. With the progression of this disease, people need to take any water procedures with caution. Doctors recommend their patients to refrain from visiting steam rooms with an acute form of sinusitis. At this stage of the development of the disease, patients are advised to soar their feet, adding mustard or various essential oils to the water.

At the initial stage of the development of sinusitis, a visit to the steam room even benefits patients if water procedures are carried out using medicinal herbs. Before taking water procedures, it is necessary to assess the general condition of the body. You can not visit the bathhouse at elevated temperatures, or drops in blood pressure. It should be categorically abandoned that part of the bathing ritual, which provides for a sharp decrease in the temperature of a person's body, by dipping it into too cold water.

Treatment methods

1. What are the most effective medicines for sinusitis?

   • Nasal drops
   • Sinuforte with sinusitis
   • Antiseptics
   • Bacteriophage solutions
   • Solutions for rinsing the nose
   • Ancillary medicines
2. Antibiotics for sinusitis

3. 2 modern methods of treatment without puncture:

   • Yamik catheter
   • Balloon sinusoplasty

4. Treatment of sinusitis at home:

   • Rinsing the nose with a solution of sea salt for sinusitis
   • Thuja oil for sinusitis
   • How to cure a runny nose and sinusitis quickly and easily
   • Treatment of sinusitis with cyclamen juice is the most effective method!
   • Treatment of sinusitis with folk remedies, 5 effective recipes

Prevention of sinusitis

In order to prevent the development of sinusitis, it is necessary to regularly carry out a number of preventive measures:

• dress according to the season when visiting the street;
• strengthen your immune system with folk remedies and special medicines;
• take vitamin and mineral complexes;
• exercise regularly (you can visit the gym, swimming pool, fitness club, etc.);
• take long walks in the fresh air (give preference to park and forest areas);
• do breathing exercises that help normalize nasal breathing;
• with the manifestation of the primary symptoms of rhinitis, it is necessary to take measures (massage, rinse the nasal passages, use special drops and other medications);
• switch to a healthy diet, revise your daily diet and introduce only healthy foods into it;
• completely abandon bad habits that cause irreparable harm to the human body;
• promptly treat any diseases against which sinusitis may develop;
• take good care of your health, try not to expose the body to hypothermia;
• in case of primary manifestations of allergies, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a course of drug treatment;
• in the presence of a congenital or acquired anomaly of the nasal septum, it is necessary to contact a medical institution where specialists will surgically correct the defect.

The author of the article: Lazarev Oleg Vladimirovich | ENT

Education: In 2009, he received a diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" at the Petrozavodsk State University. After completing an internship at the Murmansk Regional Clinical Hospital, he received a diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (2010)