In most cases, sinusitis and frontal sinusitis are a complication of diseases accompanied by the presence of a cold, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, measles, scarlet fever, and are also a consequence of inflammatory processes of the gums and teeth. A significant number of cases of sinusitis are associated with exposure to allergens.
The predisposing factors for the development of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses are:
- anatomical predisposition (curvature of the nasal septum, the presence of polyps);
- enlarged adenoids;
- scuba diving.
The danger of these diseases lies in the fact that the further spread of inflammation can lead to the involvement of the nearby bones of the skull, brain, the development of purulent meningitis, and brain abscess.
In this regard, the treatment of the sinuses must be timely and correct. Otherwise, the disease can take on a chronic course, which will require more significant efforts in terms of treatment, carrying out not only conservative therapy, but also surgical intervention. The prescribed treatment should be carried out in accordance with the reasons for the development of this pathological condition.
Therapeutic tactics
How to treat sinuses, if the development of the disease is due to the influence of an infectious agent, is determined by a number of factors. An important role is played not only by clarifying the localization of inflammation, but also by determining its nature, catarrhal or purulent.
Significant assistance in diagnostics is provided by hardware techniques, such as X-ray examination carried out in two projections, computed tomography, which make it possible to determine not only the localization of the process, but also the nature of the exudate, its level in the sinuses. Only after receiving the results of an additional examination, the otolaryngologist can decide what to do if the sinuses of the nose hurt.
Sinus treatment includes the following areas:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- impact on the cause of the development of the pathological process;
- improved drainage of the sinus cavity.
Treatments for sinusitis include
- activities aimed at relieving puffiness;
- washing the sinuses; antibiotic therapy;
- if necessary, antifungal drugs;
- the use of anti-inflammatory drugs;
- carrying out warming procedures;
- surgical intervention.
In cases where the cause of the development of sinusitis was an allergic reaction, the use of antihistamines is indicated, the entire complex of measures aimed at eliminating the allergen is indicated.
Decongestant actions
The development of edema accompanies any inflammatory process, impairing microcirculation in the lesion focus, preventing the penetration of necessary drugs. The fight against this symptom consists in the local application of vasoconstrictor agents. It can be nasal drops, aerosols containing this component, Naphthyzin, Galazolin, Sanorin.
The drugs of this group have serious contraindications, which makes it possible to use them only in a short course, not longer than 5 days.
A negative side effect is the development of addiction, when prolonged use of vasoconstrictors is accompanied by a worsening of the condition.
In addition, these drugs can cause disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system, increase blood pressure.
Rinsing the nose
In the absence of purulent inflammation, the treatment of sinuses can be dispensed with without the use of antibiotics. All efforts in this case should be aimed at ensuring the evacuation of exudate from the nasal cavity. Rinsing the nose at the first sign of sinusitis promotes the liquefaction of mucus, improves its outflow, that is, reduces inflammation.
As means used for rinsing the nose, a hypertonic or saline solution prepared at home is used, as well as decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs such as calendula, chamomile, sage. The use of agents that prevent overdrying of the mucous membrane is shown. For this, nasal drops of an oil consistency are used, as well as various oils.
Warming procedures
In the initial period of the disease, the use of warming procedures is indicated. It can be UHF, diadynamic currents, electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory drugs. At home, the effect is achieved by applying dry heat using heated salt or sand, using an UFO lamp, and also by applying heated essential oil to the projection area of the maxillary or frontal sinuses.
These procedures help to reduce swelling, improve microcirculation. However, the use of certain physiotherapeutic procedures may be limited by the nature of the inflammatory process.
The presence of purulent inflammation in the sinuses is a contraindication for the use of warming procedures.
Their use in such a development of the disease can contribute to the spread of exudate to nearby tissues, leading to severe complications.
Antibiotic therapy
Antibiotic therapy in the acute course of the process is indicated in such cases:
- lack of a positive effect after carrying out warming procedures, the use of vasoconstrictor drugs for three days;
- severe course of the disease, characterized by severe symptoms, accompanied by an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees.
Antibiotic treatment of acute sinusitis is long-term. The course of treatment can be about three weeks.
The duration of treatment for chronic sinusitis is about two months. The decision to use antibiotics should always be considered, since their use is associated with the development of complications such as
- decreased immunity;
- development of dysbiosis with prolonged use;
- pronounced toxic effect on the kidneys, liver, other organs and systems.
In addition, viruses for which antibiotics are inactive are often the cause of the development of sinusitis. In recent years, a complication of viral infections is increasingly a fungal infection, requiring the appointment of appropriate drugs.
In the case of a chronic course of sinusitis, when choosing an antibiotic, it is important to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to it. It is the incorrect use of this group of drugs that often contributes to the development of a long course of the disease.
The importance of surgery
It is much more effective to inject the antibiotic directly into the sinus. The systemic effect of the drug in this case is reduced, and its effectiveness is significantly increased. However, in order to carry out this administration of the drug, it is necessary to puncture the sinus.
A sinus puncture is also necessary in order to evacuate the purulent contents, rinse it with disinfectant solutions, and then inject antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the cavity. Currently, for such a manipulation, an endoscopic technique is used, which allows penetration into the maxillary sinus through a natural opening in the nasal cavity.
A very effective way to achieve recovery as soon as possible is to insert a catheter into the hole obtained during the puncture.
This manipulation allows for regular washing of the maxillary sinuses, improving their drainage, injecting the necessary drugs directly into the pathological focus. Bacteriological examination and sowing of the contents of the sinus allows you to clarify the pathogen, which facilitates the choice of the necessary antibiotic.
Thus, what to do if the sinuses hurt depends on the severity of the clinical symptoms and the reasons for the development of this pathology. Self-medication in this situation is very dangerous, since incorrect treatment can lead to the development of a chronic process or other more severe complications.
