A runny nose in most people is associated with something unpleasant. but not fatal. There is even a proverb: "If a runny nose is treated, then it will pass in seven days. And if not treated, then in a week." This statement reflects the attitude of people to the common cold. However, it is not as harmless as it seems. If it does not go away for a long time or significantly complicates breathing, then sinusitis can be suspected in a person.
What is this?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the cavity of the maxillary, or as it is also called, the maxillary sinus. Since the maxillary sinuses are a paired formation, the inflammatory process in them can be either unilateral or bilateral. Bilateral sinusitis is much more severe than unilateral sinusitis and is associated with a large number of various complications. So, for example, a running two-way process inin a fairly short time it can become chronic, and move from the cavity of the maxillary sinus to neighboring formations, in particular, to the brain.
When the infection passes to the brain tissue, its cysts with purulent contents, as well as all kinds of brain abscesses, can develop. Subsequently, there is a possibility of developing very serious diseases, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis. These diseases are very difficult and can threaten not only further he alth, but also life.
What can sinusitis be like?
First of all, if a doctor diagnosed a person with sinusitis, then in no case should one think that this is something frivolous and will pass by itself. This applies to both unilateral and bilateral sinusitis. Let us consider in more detail the second of them as more dangerous. Bilateral sinusitis according to the severity of its course can be divided into acute and chronic. The latter proceeds with pronounced remissions. According to the severity of clinical symptoms and the severity of the disease, catarrhal bilateral sinusitis and purulent are distinguished.
Etiology of the disease or causal factors leading to its development
There are a huge number of reasons that can cause bilateral sinusitis. Among them are the following:
- all kinds of injuries that occurred in the area of the nose and upper jaw;
- penetration of an infectious agent from an external source, for example, fromnasal cavity, into the maxillary sinus;
- thickening of mucus in the nasal cavity and its subsequent stagnation;
- formation of adenoid and polyposis growths;
- the existence of allergic diseases in a person or his predisposition to allergies;
- general weakening of all the defenses of the human body, that is, its immunity;
- complications arising from infectious and severe chronic diseases;
- inflammatory diseases of teeth and gums, especially untreated;
- alcohol abuse and smoking;
- congenital or acquired deviated septum.
Catarrhal acute bilateral sinusitis
It is characterized by a very violent sudden onset. In the first days, the patient feels a deterioration in the general condition, manifested by such symptoms as lethargy, general weakness, loss of strength, and decreased performance. At the same time, the body temperature rises, and then a rather severe chill appears. There are severe headaches, difficulty in nasal breathing, as well as discharge from the nasal cavity of a serous nature.
Purulent acute bilateral sinusitis
This disease is characterized by a sharp rise in temperature to fairly high numbers, a strong deterioration in the general condition, the development of prolonged and painful coughing attacks, as well as discharge from the nasal passages, which have a cloudy purulent character. In addition, there are severe headaches that canradiate to the area of the teeth.
Chronic bilateral sinusitis has a more blurred clinical picture, while the general condition of a sick person can remain satisfactory. Naturally, people have a question about how to treat bilateral sinusitis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bilateral sinusitis should be started with an examination and consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist, who, based on the patient's complaints and the severity of the clinical picture, will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis, and then confirm it using a number of instrumental research methods. When diagnosed with "bilateral sinusitis", treatment begins immediately. The list of these diagnostic manipulations includes such modern methods as magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostics using ultrasound waves, computed tomography, as well as such specific methods as diaphanoscopy and thermography.
Bilateral sinusitis: treatment
The whole process of treatment of bilateral sinusitis takes place under regular medical supervision and takes an average of two to four weeks. Regardless of that. that the treatment of the disease is a rather unpleasant and long process; in no case should you delay going to the lore. In the complex of medical manipulations that a doctor can prescribe, the following can be distinguished:
- Regular rinsing of the nasal cavity with various solutions (these can be either solutions specially designed for this, or decoctions of herbs,possessing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action, for example, chamomile or calendula). The procedure itself is unpleasant, but it facilitates breathing and disinfects cavities.
- Reception of a full course of antibiotic therapy (an antibiotic can be prescribed either empirically or after determining the degree of sensitivity of the pathogenic microorganism). This is especially important if the disease is provoked by streptococci.
- Vitamin therapy (necessary to maintain the body's defenses in the normal range).
- When the temperature rises above 38.5 degrees, it is recommended to start taking
- In severe and neglected cases, when a separate conservative therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to the implementation of the puncture of the maxillary sinus with the evacuation of its contents and washing the cavity with antiseptic solutions. After such a procedure, sinusitis, as a rule, does not return.
- To facilitate the process of nasal breathing, you can use vasoconstrictor drops, but do not use them for more than five days.
antipyretic drugs (the simplest of them is paracetamol). However, the temperature does not go astray up to 38 degrees. At this time, the body's defenses are fighting bacteria.
It should be understood that consistency and only consistency will cure bilateral sinusitis. A photo of maxillary sinuses filled with pus can motivate anyone to start treatment immediately.
