Hemisinusitis

Hemisinusitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in one of the sinus halves in the skull bone, which is usually paired (left and right). Sinuses are air cavities located in the bones of the skull that connect to the nasal cavity and serve the function of filtering, moisturizing, and heating inhaled air. The most common sinuses prone to inflammation are:

1. Paranasal sinuses: these are the sinuses that are next to the nasal cavity and include the anterior, posterior, superior and inferior sinuses.
2. Frontal sinuses: located at the front of the skull, above the eyes.
3. Nasal sinus: located at the top of the nose, above the nasal cavity.
4. Sagittal sinuses: located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, between the eyes.
5. Sphenoidal sinuses: found in the sphenoid bone, which is located deep in the skull, behind the eyes and nose.

Hemisinusitis means that inflammation has occurred in only one half of the sinus, as opposed to bilateral sinusitis, in which both sinuses in the same area or both sinus areas are inflamed. Hemisinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, polyps in the nasal cavity, or other medical conditions.

Treatment for hemisinusitis may include antibiotics (if the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection), anti-inflammatory drugs, degongestants, and other medications to relieve symptoms and restore sinus health. Surgical intervention may be required in cases of chronic or complicated hemisinusitis.

Causes of the hemisinusitis

The main factors that contribute to the development of hemisinusitis include:

1. Infections: Hemisinusitis can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Bacterial hemisinusitis is often associated with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and others.
2. Allergies: Some people may develop hemisinusitis as a result of allergic reactions, such as to pollen, pollen mites, mold, or pets. Allergies can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and sinuses, which contributes to the development of sinusitis.
3. Anatomical features: Some anatomical features, such as nasal septal defects or a narrow sphenoidal sinus, can make a person more susceptible to hemisinusitis.
4. Polyps in the nasal cavity: The presence of polyps in the nasal cavity can impede normal air circulation and mucosal drainage.
5. Genetic Factors: Some people may have an increased predisposition to developing sinusitis due to genetic factors.
6. Respiratory allergies: Chronic allergies to respiratory allergens may increase the risk of hemisinusitis.
7. Environmental irritants: Prolonged exposure to environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke or polluted air, can also contribute to sinusitis.

Symptoms of the hemisinusitis

This condition can have different symptoms that may include:

1. Hemisinus pain: The main symptom of hemisinusitis is pain or discomfort, usually in one half of the face, above or below the eye, around the nose, or at the top of the teeth of the upper jaw.
2. Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose can also be one of the characteristic symptoms of hemisinusitis.
3. Nasal discharge: Hemisinusitis may be accompanied by nasal discharge. This discharge may be purulent or mucous and may be greenish or yellowish in color.
4. Headache: Pain in the head area, especially around the eye or forehead, can be a symptom of hemisinusitis.
5. Hypersensitivity to light: Some people with hemisinusitis may have hypersensitivity to light (photophobia).
6. Increased body temperature: In cases of infectious hemisinusitis, the patient may experience an increase in body temperature (fever).
7. General malaise: Some patients may feel weak, tired, and generally unwell.

Stages

Hemisinusitis can be classified as acute or chronic depending on the duration and nature of the symptoms.

1. Acute hemisinusitis:

   • Acute hemisinusitis is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms and their duration of less than 12 weeks.
   • Symptoms of acute hemisinusitis may include nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain (especially over the hemisinus), impaired sense of smell, sneezing, coughing, and general malaise.
   • Acute hemisinusitis is most often caused by an infection, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Often acute hemisinusitis resolves after treatment or spontaneously.

2. Chronic hemisinusitis:

   • Chronic hemisinusitis is characterized by the duration of symptoms for more than 12 weeks and their recurrent or persistent nature.
   • The symptoms of chronic hemisinusitis may be less severe, but they can last for months or even years.
   • The causes of chronic hemisinusitis can be varied, including allergies, anatomical abnormalities, inflammation, and other medical conditions.

Treatment for acute and chronic hemisinusitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Acute hemisinusitis can be treated with antibiotics (if the cause is a bacterial infection), anti-inflammatory medications, and symptom relievers. Chronic hemisinusitis may require longer and more comprehensive treatment, including allergy control, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to correct anatomical problems or polyps in the sinuses. Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing and determining the cause of hemisinusitis.

Forms

1. Exudative hemisinusitis: This type of hemisinusitis is characterized by the presence of exudate (inflammatory fluid) in the sinuses. The exudate may be clear or cloudy and may contain proteins and cells. Exudative hemisinusitis can occur due to a variety of causes, including viral or allergic reactions.
2. Catarrhal hemisinusitis: It is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinuses, which is accompanied by catarrhal discharge (mucus). It is one of the most common forms of sinusitis.
3. Purulent hemisinusitis: It involves the presence of pus discharge in the sinuses. This may be the result of a bacterial infection that causes a buildup of pus in the sinuses.
4. Odontogenic hemisinusitis: This type of hemisinusitis is associated with problems in the teeth. Odontogenic hemisinusitis can occur when an infection from a tooth spreads to the sinuses in the upper jaw. Treatment usually involves treating the tooth and the infection in the sinuses.
5. Polyposis hemisinusitis: Characterized by the formation of polyps (polyp-like growths) in the mucous membrane of the sinuses. These polyps can lead to difficulty breathing and other symptoms.

Complications and consequences

Hemisinusitis, like regular sinusitis, can cause various complications and have negative consequences, especially if left untreated or treated improperly. Below are some of the possible complications and consequences of hemisinusitis:

1. Chronic sinusitis: If hemisinusitis is not treated properly and continues for a long time, it can become chronic. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by a prolonged inflammatory response in the sinuses and can lead to recurrent exacerbations.
2. Spread of infection: In some cases, infection from the sinuses can spread to neighboring structures such as the eyes, eye sockets, brain, or other nearby vessels and tissues. This can cause serious complications such as eye infections, orbital abscess or brain abscess.
3. Acute or chronic pain: Persistent facial pain, headaches and discomfort can be a consequence of hemisinusitis, especially if untreated.
4. Nerve and bone damage: Prolonged inflammation and pressure from swollen mucous membranes in the sinuses can cause damage to nearby nerves and bones, which may require surgery.
5. Breathing difficulties: Hemisinusitis can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose due to clogged sinuses and nasal passages.
6. Abscess: In some cases, hemisinusitis can lead to abscess formation in the sinus, requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment.
7. Loss of sense of smell: Prolonged sinus inflammation can temporarily or even permanently affect the ability to smell (olfaction).

Diagnostics of the hemisinusitis

Diagnosis of hemisinusitis usually involves the following steps and methods:

1. Physical Exam: Your doctor will perform an initial physical examination during which you will discuss your symptoms and medical history.
2. Physical Exam: Your doctor may perform a physical exam by examining your nose and throat to look for signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or the presence of mucus.
3. Nasal and sinus x-rays: X-rays can be used to visualize the sinuses and detect the presence of inflammation or abnormalities.
4. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These more accurate imaging techniques can provide more detailed information about the condition of the sinuses and the amount of inflammation.
5. Endoscopy: Your doctor may use an endoscope (a flexible, thin, tubular instrument with a camera) to visually examine your nasal cavity and sinuses.
6. Lab tests: Sometimes it may be necessary to take samples of mucus from your nose or throat for lab tests to look for a possible infection.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of hemisinusitis involves identifying and distinguishing this condition from other diseases and disorders that may present with similar symptoms. The following are some of them:

1. Rhinitis: Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose that can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and skin rashes. Rhinitis can be allergic or infectious and has similar symptoms to hemisinusitis.
2. Gaymoritis: Gaymoritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the anterior sinuses (maxillary sinuses). It can be manifested by pain in the nose and forehead, as well as mucus discharge from the nose. A maxillary sinusitis can mimic hemisinusitis.
3. Frontitis: Frontitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the frontal sinuses. It can cause headaches and a pressing pain in the forehead. The symptoms of frontitis can be similar to those of hemisinusitis.
4. Acute respiratory viral infection (ARI): Acute respiratory viral infections, such as the flu or cold, can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, and other symptoms that may be similar to those of hemisinusitis.
5. Allergic rhinusitis: Allergic rhinusitis, caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, mold, or other allergens, can cause runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing, which can also be similar to the symptoms of hemisinusitis.
6. Dental Problem: Some tooth and gum disease, such as dental abscess or periodontitis, can manifest with pain in the upper jaw area that may be confused with symptoms of hemisinusitis.

For the differential diagnosis of hemisinusitis, it is important to perform a physical examination, including a clinical examination and sometimes radiography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sinuses.

Treatment of the hemisinusitis

Here are common treatments and steps that can be applied for hemisinusitis:

1. Observation and expectation:

   • Mild and simple cases of hemisinusitis, especially if symptoms are mild and short-lived, may require only observation and waiting without the use of medication.
   • It is important to monitor symptoms and see a doctor if they worsen or do not improve.

2. Symptom control:

   • To relieve the symptoms of hemisinusitis, topical decongestants (e.g., vasoconstrictive nasal drops) may be used to relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucosal swelling.
   • Painkillers and fluids can also be used to relieve headaches and other discomforting symptoms.

3. Anti-inflammatory treatment:

   • If hemisinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. A full course of antibiotic treatment should be completed even if symptoms improve.

4. Warming and rinsing:

   • Hot compresses or steam inhalation can help reduce swelling and make it easier to breathe through your nose.
   • Nasal rinses with saline solutions or sea water-based nasal sprays can help moisturize the mucous membranes and relieve symptoms.

5. Surgical treatment:

   • If hemisinusitis becomes chronic or does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention such as sinusoplasty or removal of polyps, if present, may be necessary.

6. Prevention and control of relapse:

   • After successful treatment of hemisinusitis, it is important to follow preventive measures such as caring for the sinuses, avoiding allergens, maintaining good hygiene, and using anti-inflammatory medications when necessary.

List of authoritative books and studies related to the study of hemisinusitis

1. "Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Epidemiology and Medical Management" is a book by Timothy L. Smith and Rodney J. Schlosser, published in 2019.
2. "Sinusitis: From Microbiology To Management" is a book by De Yun Wang and Richard G. Douglas, published in 2005.
3. "Recent Advances in Rhinology" is a book containing a chapter on updates in rhinosinusitis, by James A. Hadley, published in 2015.
4. "The Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis" is an article by Richard M. Rosenfeld, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2003.
5. "Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Pathogenesis and Medical Management" is an article authored by Timothy L. Smith and Rodney J. Schlosser. Schlosser, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2015.

Literature

Palchun, V. T. Otorhinolaryngology. National manual. Brief edition / Edited by V. V. Т. Palchun. - Moscow : GEOTAR-Media, 2012.