Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that generates symptoms such as headaches, nasal secretions and a feeling of heaviness in the face, especially in front of the cheeks, but in this area they are located in the nasal cavities.
Generally, sinus infections are caused by the flu virus and are very common during the flu attack, but they can also occur due to the development of bacteria in nasal secretions that get trapped inside the nasal nose when they occur after allergies.
- Sinusitis has a curative treatment and its treatment should be guided by a generalist doctor or otolaryngologist.
- Usually including the use of nasal sprays.
- Analgesics.
- Oral corticosteroids or antibiotics.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are the appearance of a thick yellow nasal discharge, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness on the face. Select the following symptoms and see the likelihood that you have sinusitis:
Symptoms of sinusitis can be difficult to distinguish from allergy symptoms, for this reason, when symptoms last longer than 7 days, the person should be evaluated by a generalist or otolaryngologist to initiate appropriate treatment.
Sinusitis can be divided into several types, depending on the sinuses affected, the duration of symptoms, and the type of cause. Because when sinusitis affects only the sinuses on one side of the face it is known as unilateral sinusitis, but when it affects both sides it is known as bilateral sinusitis.
When the duration of symptoms is known, sinusitis is called acute sinusitis when it lasts less than 4 weeks, mainly caused by a virus, and chronic sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks, usually caused by bacteria; it could also be classified as acute recurrent when episodes occurred within a year.
When sinusitis is evaluated for its causes, it can be called viral sinusitis if it is caused by a virus; bacterial sinusitis if caused by bacteria; allergic sinusitis if caused by an allergy.
Cases of allergic sinusitis are often the most difficult to treat, as it is often difficult to identify the cause of allergy, in these cases it is common for the person to have chronic sinusitis, which occurs when symptoms are maintained for more than 3 years. Months.
Learn what chronic sinusitis is and treatment options
Diagnosis of sinusitis should be made by an otolaryngologist and is usually made only with the observation of symptoms and palpation of the sinuses, evaluating whether there is sensitivity in this region, however, your doctor may also order other tests such as:
Although the x-ray exam was widely used, my doctor did not request it, as CT is more accurate to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of sinusitis is usually limited to the use of medications such as:
To complete the treatment, there are home remedies for sinusitis such as nasal washing with water and salt, physiological substance, vapor inhalations to help reduce symptoms.
In more severe cases of chronic sinusitis, your doctor may recommend surgery to open your nasal passages and facilitate drainage of secretions.
See the full list of medicines used to treat sinusitis
In addition to the indicated medications, certain precautions should be taken to help eliminate symptoms of sinusitis more quickly, such as washing your nose with physiological hair 2 to 3 times a day, avoid spending too much time in closed places, dropping lizards. and firewood between 1. 2 and 2 litres of water a day.
Learn more about treating sinusitis.