What is maxillary sinusitis and how is it different from a regular runny nose?

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, but in society it is accepted to call inflammation of all paranasal sinuses. If we talk about acute inflammation of the sinuses, then most often it occurs as a purulent complication of an acute viral infection. Usually a cold or viral runny nose lasts about a week. Therefore, if it has dragged on for more than 7-10 days, or has intensified on the fifth day of the disease, purulent discharge from the nose has appeared, one can suspect the development of a purulent disease of the paranasal sinuses. Pain in the frontal region or root of the nose, a feeling of pressure on the teeth, a night cough should also alert you.

Is a patient with acute purulent sinusitis dangerous to others?

Acute purulent sinusitis is not an infectious disease, so the patient is not dangerous to others. But in everyday life, you should not have close contact with family members, especially children (hug, kiss), and you should also use a separate towel, etc. The described manifestations and recommendations are a general guide, and treatment for each patient is selected individually and only by a doctor. Therefore, if you have a "lingering" cold, consult a specialist.

Why does acute sinusitis occur?

Not every runny nose is complicated by sinusitis...

The development of acute purulent sinusitis is facilitated by bacteria, but certain conditions are necessary for this: a decrease in the protective properties of the mucous membrane, anatomical features of the structure of the nasal cavity (curvature of the nasal septum, etc.), the presence of pathogenic or opportunistic bacterial microflora in the upper respiratory tract, and many others.

What is the danger of acute purulent sinusitis?

The best outcome of sinusitis that has not been treated is, of course, spontaneous recovery, which is indeed possible, since the body has its own ways of fighting infection. But, unfortunately, it is impossible to clearly predict such an outcome of the disease for each individual patient. If the disease is neglected, the most frequent and unpleasant consequence is the transition to chronic sinusitis, as well as the spread of infection, intracranial complications.

How is the diagnosis of 'acute sinusitis' established?

The diagnosis is established during a special ENT examination and confirmed by X-ray examination. Therefore, if you suspect the development of a sinus disease, you should consult an otolaryngologist.

How to treat acute sinusitis, is it possible to do without antibiotics and puncture of the maxillary sinus?

Since the disease is caused by bacteria, antibacterial treatment is certainly necessary. But not in all cases should systemic antibiotics (in tablets or injections) be prescribed. Sometimes it is enough to apply antibacterial drugs locally (directly - at the site of the infection), including those of plant origin. The second important point in the treatment of acute sinusitis is to ensure the outflow of pus from the sinuses. For this, drugs are used that relieve swelling in the nose, primarily vasoconstrictor drops (vibrocil, nazivin, etc.), various complex decongestant drugs (actifed, milistan-sinus and others), expectorants. If the outflow from the sinus is insufficient, then, of course, it is necessary to carry out various manipulations, including punctures of the maxillary sinuses.

Of course, with the advent of new pharmacological agents in recent years, the need for such manipulation has decreased, but it remains necessary in certain situations. Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (phonophoresis of drugs on the sinus area, inhalations through the nose, etc.), complex herbal preparations (Sinupret), homeopathic remedies are also widely used. But only a doctor can decide on the method of treatment.

What are the ways to prevent sinusitis?

Since acute sinusitis is a complication of ARVI, the most effective method of prevention is rational treatment of acute respiratory disease. In addition, acute sinusitis is more common in patients with problematic nasal breathing, allergic rhinitis and other nasal diseases. Therefore, if ARVI is too often complicated by acute purulent sinusitis, it is necessary to consult a specialist during the period when there is no disease to identify the causes contributing to the development of inflammation.