sinusitis

                           

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the sinuses, skull region formed by bone cavities around the nose, cheeks and eyes. The disease can be secondary to an infection, allergy or any factor that hinders proper drainage of secretions of the sinuses. The name most commonly used for this problem is rhinosinusitis because the inflammatory process affects both the mucosa of the sinuses and nasal mucosa.

causes

Sinusitis can be either caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, as for allergic factors. Dust, heat shock and smells assets are listed as triggers of allergic rhinitis. Exposure to certain chemicals and changes in nasal anatomy and paranasal sinuses are part of another group responsible for sinusitis. There are also rare cases leading to the sinuses, as the presence of a tumor.

 

Sinusitis can be:

Acute when symptoms are present for a period of less than 12 weeks
Chronic, when the swelling and inflammation of the sinuses are present for more than 12 weeks.

Nasal polyps: tissue growth in the area that can block the nasal passages or sinuses

Allergic reactions: sinusitis can be caused by the patient's exposure to airborne substance, such as dust mites and dust, pollution, pollen, mold, animal dander, cigarette smoke and insect particles. chemicals such as paint, disinfectants and cleaning products can also trigger the picture

Allergies: other allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma, may favor one of sinusitis. The inflammation that occurs with allergies may block your sinuses

nasal septum deviation: when the wall between the nostrils is not aligned, there may be restriction or blocking of passages in the sinus
Trauma to the face: a fractured or broken facial bone can cause blockage of the nasal passages

Diseases affecting immunity: cystic fibrosis complications, gastroesophageal reflux disease, AIDS, and other diseases involving the immune system can result in nasal obstruction

Respiratory infections: flu, colds and other respiratory tract diseases can inflame and thicken the sinus membranes, blocking the drainage of mucus and creating favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria. These infections can be viral, bacterial or fungal

Cells of the immune system: in certain health conditions, immune cells called eosinophils can cause inflammation of the breasts

Diseases that prevent the cilia sinuses are adequately move, as Kartagener syndrome or immotile cilia syndrome

altitude changes (flying or diving)

smoking

dental infections that cause obstruction of the sinuses.

Symptoms of Sinusitis



Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms, but acute sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold. Have chronic rhinosinusitis corresponds to an inflammatory process with long-term (greater than 12 weeks) may also be classified as chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis. For the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis should have two or more of the following signs:

nasal congestion or nasal secretions associated with at least one of the symptoms:

Pressure or facial pain
Reduction or loss of smell
Associated with CT findings or evidenced by fiberoptic laryngoscopy
Lasting more than 12 weeks.
Other signs and symptoms may include:

Earache
Pain in the upper jaw and teeth
Cough, which may be worse at night
Sore throat
Bad breath (halitosis)
Fatigue or irritability
Nausea.

Signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to acute sinusitis, but they last longer and often cause more fatigue. Fever is not a common sign of sinusitis.


Diagnosis of Sinusitis

You can have multiple episodes of acute sinusitis lasting less than 12 weeks before developing chronic sinusitis. You can be referred to ENT specialist for evaluation and treatment.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

Do you have pictures of acute sinusitis constants that do not respond to treatment
Do you have sinusitis symptoms that last more than seven days
Your symptoms do not improve after consulting your doctor.
The doctor will examine your sinuses, eyes, ears, nose and throat. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your symptoms. The doctor may want to know:

What are the symptoms you have
When the symptoms started
What seems to improve or worsen symptoms
If you have or have had a recent respiratory infection
If you have allergies
If you smoke, you are exposed to secondhand smoke or other allergens agents
What medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements
Any other health problems you have.


nasal endoscopy

A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber optic light on the end is inserted through the nose, allowing the physician to visually inspect the inside of her sinuses. This is also known as rhinoscopy.

imaging

computed tomography (CT) and can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. They can identify a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that is difficult to detect using an endoscope. Moreover, these tests evaluate the anatomy of the sinuses, which may indicate the need for surgery. sinus RX does not allow a proper assessment of rhinosinusitis frames.

nasal cultures

They are generally unnecessary for the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. However, in cases where the condition does not respond to analyze the nasal tissues can help to identify the cause, such as bacteria or fungi. Examine the nasal cilia and if they work properly is also an option.

Allergy testing

If the doctor suspects that the disease is caused by allergies, a skin allergy test can be recommended. They are tests that help identify the allergen responsible for your sinusitis.

other tests

The doctor may also order blood tests to detect diseases that affect immunity, and chlorine tests in sweat, to detect cystic fibrosis.

Treatment of Sinusitis

Some treatments are recommended to help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. These include:

Saline solution

The mixture of water and salt helps to dissolve nasal secretions. You can inhale the saline or drip it on his nose. The ideal is to mix a teaspoon of salt per liter of water.

nasal steroids

nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, budesonide, triamcinolone, mometasone, and beclomethasone. You may need to use these medications for several days or weeks before they reach their maximum benefit. Unlike oral corticosteroids, these drugs have a relatively low risk of side effects and are generally safe for continuous use, since they act directly on the nasal bells, instead of passing first through the bloodstream.

oral or injectable corticosteroids

These medications are used to relieve the inflammation of severe sinusitis, especially if you also have nasal polyps. Examples include prednisone and methylprednisolone. Oral corticosteroids can cause serious side effects when used for prolonged periods, so they are given only to treat severe symptoms.

decongestants

These drugs are available in pharmacies in the form of tablets, liquids or nasal sprays. These drugs are usually given for a few days at most, otherwise they can cause rebound effect, leading to the emergence of a more serious congestion.

antibiotics

Antibiotics are necessary for sinusitis if you have a bacterial infection. However, chronic sinusitis is often caused by something other than bacteria, therefore, antibiotics do not always help. When in doubt, talk to your doctor.

Surgery

Where sinusitis resists treatment, endoscopic surgery may be an option. For this procedure, the doctor uses an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a light on the end) to explore your nasal passages. Then, depending on the source of obstruction, the doctor may use various instruments to remove tissue or shave a polyp that's causing nasal obstruction. Enlarge the opening of the narrow sinus may also be an option.


Prevention
The best way to prevent acute sinusitis is to keep the nasal mucosa hydrated, treat allergic rhinitis, a doctor to accompany colds and flu:

Eat a healthy diet

Maintaining a diet that includes all food groups is essential to strengthen immunity. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals can not miss the daily diet of anyone.

According to research, the essential micronutrients for strengthening immunity are vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folic acid, zinc, iron, selenium and copper. They restore protection against infections, reinforce the immune cells and increased antibody production.

A fractional power, with five to six meals a day and the presence of all the food groups, not only protects the immune system against colds and other infections, as well as helps maintain ideal weight and quality of life in general.

Avoid Fast

Spend many hours without food is harmful to the body in any situation, and not only during an episode of flu. This is because the body begins to work on high alert, prioritizing the maintenance of vital functions; and, therefore, combating infection becomes secondary and inefficient.


Drink water

A good hydration can prevent the occurrence of infections. One should eat about two liters of water per day to allow for proper hydration of the mucosa. The use of inhaled or insufflated saline also improves drainage of secretions, the micro-organisms and impurities from the nose into the stomach.

Wash the hands

Our hands are always likely to come into contact with the flu virus and other various allergens. So we should always wash before handling food, take them to the mouth or the eyes and when you get home or at work, after driving or using public transport.

Other tips to control episodes of acute sinusitis and chronic include:

Make a test for allergies

The tests for respiratory allergies are made to detect which is the causative agent of sinusitis. Enter this list mites, fungi, mold, animal dander, and others. With the test, you can avoid exposure to the agent, preventing crises. Furthermore, it is common that asthma is associated with other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and eczema. Controlling the cause of these allergies can prevent asthma attacks.

Bet on hygiene

Mold, animal dander, insects, mites and house dust should be carefully removed. It is important that the bedding is washed weekly and dried in the sun. the use of pillowcases and mite mattress covers, which reduce the possibility of crises also is recommended. The carpet should be replaced by other types of flooring, carpets should be removed from the room and humidifiers should be banned, since the humidity favors the appearance of some allergens.

Avoid strong odors

Candles, Flavours and essences sprays. These products may even let your fragrant home, but are a danger to those who have sinusitis. strong smells and smoke irritates the airways and can trigger asthma attacks. If you are or have any asthmatic family, delete all those products or, at least, opt for versions that do not have scent.

Invest in flu vaccine

The viruses that cause respiratory infections - among which is the flu virus - also inflame the airways and can cause sinus crises. So take the flu vaccine can help control the disease. Also, always remember to wash your hands or sanitize them with alcohol gel, which helps guard against the virus.

Look after your pet

If contact with animals does not make you right, it would be advisable, at least do not have them in your own home. But if this is out of the question, at least not let him enter or sleep in your room. Another important measure is to bathe the animal at least once every two weeks. The place where the pet stays most of the time must be cleaned every week.

Dress warmly up

It is normal to move from a closed environment to an external, cold air, allergic soon present the respiratory system reactions such as sneezing and nasal swelling. So the ideal is always to leave home well wrapped and with a scarf or handkerchief covering his nose so that the cold air does not come into direct contact with it.

Put out the cigarette

Cigarette is harmful for everyone, but for the allergic it can be even more destructive. Smoking promotes development of allergies and asthma. The peculiarity of the winter in relation to its use is the fact that the station further highlighted that worsens, since the station is usually characterized by dry air and the concentrated pollution. Allergic smokers have great chances to become future bearers of asthma, and the habit of the stay will cause the crises become increasingly stronger and more difficult to treat.

Exercises

Overdo the exercise can affect the organs involved in breathing and trigger sinusitis attacks. However, the practice of physical activity is very important to control respiratory diseases. Any aerobic activity promotes the improvement of the cardiorespiratory system, reducing the number of seizures. The exercises should be started slowly and steadily, gradually increasing the intensity of activity to avoid any possible crisis or breathlessness.