Health - Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus walls. Sinuses are small cavities that are connected to each other by air passages in the skull bones. The sinuses are located at the back of the forehead bone, the inside of the cheekbone structure, both sides of the bridge of the nose, and behind the eyes.
The sinuses produce mucus which functions to filter and clean bacteria or other particles in the inhaled air. Apart from that, the sinuses also function to help control the temperature and humidity of the air that enters the lungs.
There are several types of sinusitis based on the length of the disease, namely:
- Acute sinusitis. The most common type of sinusitis and generally lasts 2-4 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis. A type of sinusitis that lasts 4-12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis. This type of sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks, and can continue for months or even years.
- Recurrent sinusitis. This type of acute sinusitis occurs 3 or more times a year.
Symptoms and Causes of Sinusitis
When experiencing sinusitis, children generally will be fussy, cough, have a runny nose or have a blocked nose. Meanwhile, in adults, symptoms of sinusitis can include:
- Swelling around the eyes.
- Pain in the face.
- Snot is greenish yellow.
- Decreased function of the sense of smell.
Sinusitis is caused by germ infection. This condition is more susceptible to smokers or people who often swim. Sinusitis can also be triggered by certain medical conditions, such as nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis.
Treatment and Prevention of Sinusitis
Sinusitis that is not treated immediately can cause permanent loss of the sense of smell. Usually sinusitis can be treated with medication. But in certain cases, sinusitis must be treated with surgery.
Sinusitis can be prevented in a number of ways, including:
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid flu and cold sufferers.
- Carry out flu immunizations according to schedule.
I. CAUSES OF SINUSITIS...
Sinusitis is caused by swelling of the inner walls of the nose due to viruses or allergic reactions that enter from the upper respiratory tract.
The virus triggers the sinuses to produce more mucus, resulting in buildup and blockage of the nasal passages. This condition encourages bacteria or germs to grow in the sinus cavity and cause infection.
Additionally, there are several factors that can increase the risk of sinusitis in adults. Among others are:
- Fungal infection.
- Tooth infection.
- Nose injury.
- Enlargement of the adenoid glands.
- Smoking habits (active smokers) or inhaling too much cigarette smoke (passive smokers).
- Diving and swimming activities.
- There is a foreign object trapped in the nose.
Apart from that, there are several medical conditions that can trigger sinusitis. Among others are:
- Nasal polyps, namely tissue that grows and forms a mass in the nose.
- Crooked nasal bones.
- Allergies, for example allergic rhinitis or asthma. This condition can cause obstruction of the sinus tract.
- Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes mucus to thicken, then accumulate and block various channels in the body, especially respiratory and digestive.
- Other conditions, such as a weakened immune system.
In children, sinusitis is most often caused by allergies, infection from friends or other children around them, the habit of using a pacifier or drinking from a bottle while lying down, and living in an environment full of smoke.
The symptoms that appear depend on the age of the sufferer and the type of sinusitis they suffer from. Symptoms of acute sinusitis in adults include:
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Nasal congestion.
- Snot is greenish yellow.
- Pain in the face and pain when pressed.
- Decreased function of the sense of smell.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Sore throat.
- Toothache.
- Swelling around the eyes and worse in the morning.
For sinusitis experienced by children, symptoms that appear include:
- A cold that lasts for 7-10 days. Snot is thick green or yellow in color, but sometimes clear.
- The nose is blocked, so breathing is often done through the mouth.
- Swelling in the area around the eyes.
- Cough.
- Appetite is lost.
- Fussy.
II. DIAGNOSIS...
The diagnosis of sinusitis is made by a doctor by looking at the symptoms that occur, such as a blocked nose, runny nose and pain in the face. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination, especially the nose.
If chronic sinusitis is suspected, the patient is advised to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist to detect the main cause of sinusitis.
There are several types of tests that a doctor may do to find out the cause and confirm the diagnosis of sinusitis, namely:
- Allergy test. If you suspect that sinusitis is caused by a certain allergen, your doctor will perform a skin allergy test. This type of allergy test is safe and fast, and can help determine the type of allergen that is causing sinusitis symptoms.
- Nasal endoscopy (nasoendoscopy). Examination using an endoscope to look inside the sinuses.
- Imaging tests. CT scans or MRIs are used to obtain detailed images of the sinus and nose areas, such as inflammation or blockages that are difficult to detect with an endoscope.
- Nasal and sinus cultures. This diagnostic test is generally not performed to diagnose chronic sinusitis. However, when sinusitis fails to respond to drug therapy or symptoms worsen, bacterial culture of nasal mucus and sinuses can help determine the cause.
Blood tests can also be done to check and detect any disorders or disorders that cause a weakening of the immune system, such as HIV.
Sinusitis Treatment
Most acute sinusitis caused by viruses can heal on its own. However, there are several treatment steps that can be taken to relieve the symptoms of acute sinusitis. Among others are:
- Saline nasal irrigation, used several times a day to clean the nasal passages. This spray is a mixture of several ingredients, namely boiled water (400 ml), salt (1 teaspoon), and baking soda (1 teaspoon).
- Decongestants, to relieve nasal congestion due to mucus buildup. Decongestant medications are available as liquids, tablets, and nasal sprays.
- Pain reliever, to relieve headaches or pain in the face caused by sinuses. Several types of pain medication that are commonly used are paracetamol and avoid using aspirin in children under 18 years of age, because it causes dangerous side effects.
- Nasal corticosteroids, to prevent and treat inflammation of the sinuses. Corticosteroid drugs commonly used include fluticasone and budesonide.
- Antibiotics are generally given when acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection and the symptoms are getting worse.
- Immunotherapy, given if sinusitis is caused by allergies. This therapy is carried out to help reduce the body's reaction to allergens.
For chronic sinusitis, treatment steps are taken to reduce sinus inflammation, keep the nasal passages dry, treat the underlying cause of sinusitis, and reduce sinusitis attacks. Treatment for chronic sinusitis is generally similar to acute sinusitis, but there are several additional treatment steps that can be taken to relieve symptoms. Among others are:
- Saline nasal irrigation, to reduce fluid buildup and clean substances that cause irritation and allergies.
- Warm compress, to help reduce pain in the sinus and nasal cavities.
- Spray and nasal decongestant. Follow the doctor's instructions for the period of use.
If drug therapy is no longer effective in relieving the symptoms of chronic sinusitis due to a deviated nasal septum or polyps, the doctor can take a surgical step called a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (BSEF) procedure. This procedure is performed to open or widen the sinuses by:
- Removing tissue, such as nasal polyps, that are blocking the sinus passages.
- Inflate a small balloon to open blocked sinus passages. This action is better known as balloon catheter dilatation.
Next, the doctor will insert an implant to keep the sinus open and add corticosteroids directed at the sinus walls. The BESF procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and uses an endoscope, which is a small elastic tube equipped with a camera at the end.
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