The purpose of the maxillary sinuses is to purify the air that is inhaled by a person. Respiratory pathologies can provoke in them the processes of formation of a mucous mass, in which subsequently a very rapid reproduction of various pathogens will begin. With improper treatment or no such at all, mucus can cause the growth of polyps in the nose of patients, and as a result, polyposis sinusitis is formed. Next, we will talk about such a factor as polyps in the maxillary sinus, about therapy, symptoms, and also about the diagnosis of this disease.
Description of pathology
Sinus polyps are benign growths that develop from the nasal mucosa. They are insensitive or painful growths of pinkish or redcolors. Formations are formed in the form of whole clusters, while hanging down from the mucous walls. As a rule, they form in the uppermost region of the nose.
The danger of this pathology lies in the fact that the formation acquires such dimensions that it can completely block the passages, therefore, the main sign indicating the occurrence and development of this process is breathing through the mouth. Polypous sinusitis is productive, that is, the development of inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity is accompanied by changes in its structural qualities.
Reasons
Explicit reasons for the formation of polyps in the maxillary sinus have not yet been identified. Medical statistics states that quite often the abnormal growth of tissues in the nasal mucosa is carried out under the complex influence of various factors. The main reasons due to which this type of pathology develops are:
- The occurrence of allergic diseases.
- Having a genetic predisposition.
- Presence of inflammation in the sinuses.
- The appearance of anomalies in the structure of the nose.
- Development of concomitant somatic and chronic pathologies.
If we take into account various research papers, we can conclude that the appearance of growths is a multifactorial and recurrent disease, which is provoked by an allergic and autoimmune reaction.
Symptomatics
The processes of formation of growths in people in the nose are characterizedcertain features that help the patient in his body to identify changes and visit the doctor in time. The main symptoms of maxillary sinus polyps include:
- Presence of labored breathing.
- No breathing at all.
- The presence of a headache without the possibility of determining its localization.
- No therapeutic effect when using decongestants and vasoconstrictors.
- Decrease or loss of smell.
- Feeling of a foreign body.
- Presence of abundant purulent discharge.
- The development of general intoxication of the body in the form of fatigue, insomnia or drowsiness, irritability.
In the event that the disease becomes chronic, the patient often develops eye pathologies (keratitis or conjunctivitis). Also, quite often in such a situation, complaints of a strong cough are noted, whose attacks occur mainly at night. It is incredibly difficult to cure a cough, because all medicines are simply helpless.
Types of polyps
Polyps in the maxillary sinuses of the nose can form of the following types:
- In the form of outgrowths reaching the lattice labyrinth.
- In the form of a formation that completely fills the cavity of the nasopharynx and affects the paranasal sinuses.
- In the form of large growths that can be seen with the naked eye.
The last of the above types of education was calledatrochal polyp. It is these growths that are the main cause of the most serious and dangerous form of this disease for people.
There are also polyps in the left maxillary sinus or right.
Diagnosis
When analyzing complaints and anamnesis of pathology, the doctor takes into account the presence of concomitant diseases in the form of allergies, asthma, chronic inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory canals, and so on. In addition, the nasal cavity is examined: in the presence of a large polyp in the passages, the diagnosis is usually not difficult.
Often a simple examination with a nasal speculum is not enough to detect small polyps in the maxillary sinus. This will require an endoscopic examination. An additional diagnostic technique that allows you to clarify the prevalence of the pathological process is computed tomography of the paranasal sinus, within which a layered image of the head is performed.
Outwardly, other formations, including malignant ones, sometimes disguise themselves as polyps. Polyposis needs to be differentiated from other tumors that occur in the nose, especially with a unilateral process.
Do I need surgery for polyps in the maxillary sinuses?
Classic and surgical treatment
The treatment of this disease is directly related to some difficulties. Attention should be focused on the fact that the pathology in question does not accept a conservative method of treatment. Mostly therapy is carried out in departmentssurgical hospital. Only very small polyps, the presence of which is very difficult to determine, can respond to steroid treatment.
Removal of polyps in the maxillary sinuses begins with therapy, which is aimed at the destruction of all pathogenic microflora. Due to the fact that a closed sinus is ideal for the unhindered growth of bacteria, the doctor prescribes systemic antibiotics to the patient before the operation. As a rule, these are antibacterial drugs in the form of Augmentin, Azithromycin or Ceftriaxone.
Quite often, the recurrence of this pathology is noted even after successful surgical treatment of polyps in the maxillary sinus. In this case, hormonal therapy can reduce the risk of relapses. In some situations, local hormones can act on small growths, thereby slowing down their growth, and sometimes reducing them in size.
Until recently, such growths were removed using a special loop designed for this, however, such an operation had too many disadvantages. The procedure in the operated patient provoked severe pain along with bleeding, besides, the formations were not completely removed, and there was a high risk of recurrence of the pathology.
Endoscopic surgery
Today in medicine there is a new technique in the form of endoscopic removal of polyps through the use of electromechanical instruments (shaver or microdebrider). This technique of surgical intervention is safer and more reliable, since itcontrol is exercised over absolutely all the actions of the surgeon.
Laser removal
Single growths of small size can also be easily removed with a medical laser beam, under the influence of which the polyps evaporate and leave behind a completely empty shell. After the operation, the patient is required to prescribe glucocorticosteroid drugs, and the course of therapy can be several months. This is required in order to minimize the risk of re-formation of polyps.
The human body is a very complex system, and the disease of just one organ can backfire with extremely unpleasant, and at the same time painful consequences in unexpected places. It would seem that with a cold, people wave their hands, they say, they will have time to cure it, because now it’s not up to it. But this is a big mistake. Delay with treatment provokes the formation of polyps, which are very difficult to get rid of, and in fifty percent of cases the pathology can become recurrent. You just need to set aside at least a little time and take care of your he alth in a timely manner.
What is the duration of hospitalization when removing the polyp of the maxillary sinus? Usually 1-2 days. Laser treatment of sinusitis does not require hospitalization.
Complications and consequences
With the disease under consideration, in the absence of the necessary treatment, the following complications are possible in patients:
- The appearance of difficulty in nasal breathing, which can result in chronic hypoxia (lack of oxygen), this will have an extremely negative effect on all organs and systems. Especially on mental activity, first of all, attention suffers, as well as memory.
- Occurrence of nasal congestion is also a source of psychological problems, consisting of low mood and irritability.
- In the case of advanced stages of this disease, large polyps due to prolonged pressure can lead to resorption (that is, to resorption) of the bone and cartilage structure of the walls of the paranasal sinuses and septum. Against the background of the germination of polyps in the nasolacrimal ducts (through which tears flow from the eye into the nasal cavity), regular lacrimation may occur.
Next, let's talk about methods for preventing the appearance of such a formation in the nose as polyps.
Prevention
As part of prevention, doctors advise patients the following:
- Timely treat all kinds of infections of the nose, and in addition, teeth and paranasal sinuses.
- In case of persistent difficulty in nasal breathing and reduced sense of smell, consultation with an otolaryngologist is required.
- In asthma, against the background of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory canals of an allergic nature, characterized by spasms of the small bronchi and accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing and a feeling of congestion, an examination by an otolaryngologist is very important for the patient.
- Prevention of recurrence after surgical therapy: the use of hormonallong courses of intranasal sprays, low-dose macrolides, and observation by an otolaryngologist.
Conclusion
Thus, polyps in the maxillary sinuses are an overgrowth of mucous membranes in the form of pale edematous tissue. It is worth noting that nasal polyps are benign formations associated with prolonged inflammation in this organ. Pathology must be cured in a timely manner, otherwise various complications may appear. And in order to prevent this disease, otolaryngologists advise visiting a doctor regularly and not triggering inflammation of the respiratory system.
We looked at the symptoms and treatment of polyps in the maxillary sinus.
