Catarrhal sinusitis is an inflammatory process in the frontal sinus caused by infectious agents that can occur on its own, but is often a complication of nasopharyngeal diseases. The disease is dangerous in close proximity to the brain, therefore it requires immediate treatment.
Definition of concept
Frontitis is an inflammatory process in the frontal sinus. Catarrh is a pathological process affecting the mucous membrane lining the space in the frontal bone. With catarrhal inflammation, there is a production of mucous and serous discharge, desquamation of the cells of the epithelial layer of the frontal sinuses.
Catarrhal sinusitis can be acute, or it can take a chronic course after ineffective therapeutic measures or in the absence of treatment for an average of two months.
Inflammation of the frontal sinus can be unilateral and bilateral. The sinuses are separated from each other by a septum, which can be rejected inone of the sides. It happens to be horizontal, then the sinuses will be called the upper and lower sinuses. About five percent of people have no cavities in their frontal bones, which can be seen on x-rays.
Causes of disease
Frontitis develops for various infectious and non-infectious reasons.
Infectious viral, bacterial or fungal lesions of the mucous membrane of the cavities as an independent disease is extremely rare. The main mechanism contributing to inflammation of the frontal sinus is the transfer of infection from the nose and its sinuses (maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid) into the frontal sinuses. This occurs through a canal that connects the middle meatus of each side to the respective frontal sinuses.
Infection can contribute to: reduced immunity, hypothermia, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, carious teeth, deviated nasal septum, injuries and foreign bodies of the nose, adenoids in children, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis.
Clinical manifestations in adults
Symptoms of catarrhal frontitis in adults are manifestations of general intoxication: fever, fatigue, sweating and general weakness.
Due to swelling of the mucous membranes lining not only the nasal passages, but also the sinuses, breathing is difficult on one or both sides.
Headache is observed in the frontal sinuses (forehead, eyes, superciliary arches). Increased headache is noted when bending down, pressing.
Catarrhal inflammation is characterized by the expiration of secretions of a mucous structure. It usually happens in the morning after getting out of bed. Also, your eyes may water.
Disturbance in the perception of smells often occurs in the chronic form of the disease. This disorder contributes to a decrease in appetite.
Bilateral catarrhal frontal sinusitis will present with the symptoms listed above, affecting both the right and left side.
Inflammation of the frontal sinuses in children
Inflammation of the frontal sinuses does not occur until 5-6 years of age, since these sinuses have not yet formed in young children.
More often, the inflammatory process is associated with a viral infection, in which influenza, parainfluenza, and herpes viruses are to blame.
Frontal sinusitis is clinically manifested by common infectious symptoms (fever, weakness), headache in the forehead, aggravated by lowering the face down, discharge from the nose, its congestion. In addition, a dry reflex cough may be observed, which is associated with the ingress of mucous discharge onto the receptors of the posterior pharyngeal wall.
A frontal sinusitis in a child should be treated immediately so that there is no chronization of the process and inflammatory complications affecting neighboring tissues and organs that are behind thin children's bone structures.
Diagnosis of catarrhal sinusitis
You can recognize inflammation of the frontal sinuses by performing an x-ray of the skull. On it in the sinuses will bea decrease in pneumotization of the sinuses is determined, as well as the presence of a fluid level that occurs due to the presence of a serous or mucous discharge. Sometimes there may be swelling of the mucous membrane in the form of a thickening. Changes can be unilateral or in two sinuses at once. In the chronic form of frontal sinusitis, they look like thickenings of the mucous membrane of uneven size, which is associated with fibrous transformations.
In the acute period of catarrhal frontitis in the general blood test there will be an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis with a bacterial infection, leukopenia is possible with a viral infection or a decrease in immunity.
Sometimes it is advisable to conduct a microscopic examination of discharge from the nose, culture with the detection of sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.
Treatment of catarrhal sinusitis
If you suspect an inflammatory process in the sinuses of the nose, including the frontal sinus, you need to contact an otorhinolaryngologist. The doctor will make the correct diagnosis and treat the symptoms of catarrhal frontal sinusitis according to the cause of the disease. For bacterial infection, broad antibacterial agents are indicated, used according to age, taking into account tolerance and contraindications.
To relieve swelling that blocks nasal breathing, antihistamines are prescribed, as well as local vasoconstrictors in the form of drops.
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications help relieve pain.
Useful to washnose with lightly s alted, slightly warm solution, using both table and sea s alt.
When acute symptoms subside in the form of high temperature, physiotherapy is prescribed. Ultra-high frequency currents, ultraviolet radiation, magnetic fields, electrophoresis of medicinal substances, inhalations help relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling.
Complications
Diagnosis and treatment of symptoms of catarrhal frontitis in adults and children should be carried out immediately to avoid complications of the disease, which include:
- Meningitis and encephalitis, that is, inflammation of the membranes and substance of the brain, separated from the frontal sinus by the bones of the skull.
- Inflammation of fatty tissue located in the orbit, which can go to the eye itself and lead to loss of vision.
- Inflammatory process in other sinuses of the nose (maxillary, sphenoid and ethmoid).
- Osteomyelitis of bone structures forming the frontal sinus.
- Sepsis, that is, blood poisoning with the spread of infection throughout the body.
Prevention
Measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of sinusitis in the frontal sinuses, as well as preventing its transition to the chronic phase and the development of complications:
- At the first symptoms of a cold, an increased amount of vitamin C should be taken. Drinking should be warm and plentiful (herbal teas, fruit drinks, ginger drink, tea with lemon, honey, cinnamon).
- Shouldavoid hypothermia, being outside in the winter without a hat, getting your shoes wet.
- Strengthen the immune system with both medicinal and herbal remedies (e.g. echinacea).
- Fortified, balanced, adequate nutrition.
- Daily outdoor walks.
- Sports regular loads.
- Quitting smoking and excessive drinking.
