In the cranial bones there are several cavities communicating with the nasal cavity with narrow apertures, these are the paranasal sinuses (accessory sinuses). They are represented by a pair of frontal, paired maxillary sinus and a pair of latticed labyrinths, as well as an unpaired sphenoid sinus. The main purpose of sinuses is to moisturize and warm the air before it passes into the lower parts of the respiratory system.
Features of the structure of the sinuses of the nose
The paranasal sinuses are covered with a mucous membrane, which constantly produces a small amount of mucus to purify the inhaled air from contaminants and microbes. If the mucous membrane of the sinuses becomes infected and inflames, it thickens considerably, begins to produce more mucus. Thickening, slime clogs the holes of the paranasal sinuses, which creates an obstacle to air exchange and outflow of mucus. As a result, accumulation of viscous mucus occurs, purulent processes develop.
If the pathological process in the subordinate sinuses takes a long time (more than twelve weeks), it is considered chronic. This form of the disease most often develops as a result of untreated or untreated acute sinusitis, but traumatic factors, curvature of the nasal septum, allergic reactions, carious teeth, neoplasms in the nose, smoking, etc. can also play a role. We learn what are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis in adults, and how to treat it.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis in adults
The manifestations of the long-term form of the disease are not as pronounced as in acute sinusitis, and become more pronounced with the progression of suppurative processes in the sinuses. But the disease can be suspected by some signs, which should serve as an excuse for turning to a doctor and conducting diagnostic studies. So, the leading symptoms are:
- constant or frequently occurring nasal congestion (one-, two-sided);
- decrease or absence of smell;
- abundant discharge from the nasal passages (transparent, white or yellow-green);
- coughing, dry mouth ;
- bad breath;
- headache, especially in the evening, which increases with the inclination of the head forward (there is a feeling of pressure, raspiraniya in the forehead, nose, eyes);
- increased fatigue;
- weakness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- sleep disorders;
- fever.
How to treat chronic sinusitis in adults?
In most cases, chronic sinusitis lends itself to conservative complex treatment. It is taken into account that, in contrast to acute processes in the paranasal sinuses with the predominance of pathogenic monoflora, associations of microflora (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , etc.) are found in a chronic process.
- antibiotics;
- means, increasing the general and local immunity;
- local anti-inflammatory drugs;
- corticosteroids;
- saline nasal solutions;
- vasoconstrictor drugs, etc.
Sometimes, surgical intervention is required: washout of mucus through a sinus catheter, puncture of the paranasal cavity, surgery to remove tumors, straightening of the nasal septum, etc.
Sufficiently effective in chronic sinusitis are methods of physiotherapy - dynamic currents, UHF-therapy, inhalation, etc. It is important to conduct a full course of treatment with all medical recommendations to prevent relapse.