What are the sinuses, what are their types, and what causes sinusitis, then what are the types of sinusitis, and how do you distinguish between sinusitis, colds and nasal allergies?
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses (sinuses) are 4 cavities in the head that are connected by narrow channels.
The sinuses make thin mucus that comes out of the nasal canals, and this drainage helps keep the nose clean and free of bacteria.
The sinuses are usually filled with air, and can become blocked and filled with fluid.
When that happens, bacteria can grow and cause an infection, bacterial sinusitis, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection that can cause them to become blocked and filled with fluid.
It is usually caused by the common cold or allergy.
Infection can occur as a result of obstruction.
What are the different types of sinuses near the nose and eyes?
The sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes, and include:
The ethmoidal sinuses, located between your eyes.
The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
The sphenoidal sinuses, located behind your eyes.
The frontal sinuses, located above your eyes.
The largest sinus cavity is the jaw cavity, which is one of the most frequently infected areas.
Types of sinusitis
Acute bacterial sinusitis
This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms. This inflammation responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
Chronic sinusitis
This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain or pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
Subacute sinusitis
This term is used when symptoms last 4 to 12 weeks.
Recurrent acute sinusitis
This term is used when symptoms return 4 or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.
Who gets sinusitis?
A sinus infection can happen to anyone.
However, people with nasal allergies, nasal polyps (also known as (polyps) which are nodular swellings of the mucous membrane surface), asthma, and abnormal anatomy of the nose are more likely to develop sinusitis.
Smoking can also increase the number of times you get sinus infections.
How to distinguish between sinusitis, colds and nasal allergies?
It can be difficult to distinguish the common cold from allergies and sinusitis.
A cold usually lasts from a few days to a week.
A cold can turn into a sinus infection.
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose caused by irritating particles (dust, pollen, dander).
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip (mucus in the throat).
Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can also occur at the same time as the common cold.
Causes of sinusitis
Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus, causing the sinuses to swell and blockage.
Some of the specific reasons include:
Colds.
Nasal and seasonal allergies.
polyps;
Deviated nasal septum, the septum is the line of cartilage that divides your nose.
Weakened immune system from disease or medications.
Smoking increases the risk of a sinus infection. If you smoke, you must stop, as smoking harms you and the people around you.
Sinusitis symptoms
Post nasal drip, where mucus drips into the throat.
nasal secretions
stuffy nose;
Pressure in the face, especially around the nose, eyes and forehead.
headache.
teeth pain.
Pain in the ears.
Bad breath.
Cough.
Tired.
Fever.
Sinusitis treatment
Sinusitis is treated in several ways, each dependent on the severity of the sinusitis condition.
Simple sinusitis is treated with:
decongestants.
Cold and allergy medicines available without a prescription.
Rinse the nose with saline.
Drink fluids.
If your sinusitis symptoms don't improve after 10 days, your doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics (for 7 days for adults and 10 days for children).
Oral or topical decongestants.
Prescription nasal steroid sprays.
(Do not use over-the-counter sprays or drops for longer than 3 to 5 days, as they may actually increase congestion.)
Chronic sinusitis can be treated by focusing on the underlying condition (usually an allergy).
This is usually dealt with by:
Nasal steroid sprays.
Topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills.
Leukotriene antagonists, to reduce symptoms of swelling and allergic reactions.
Rinsing the nose with saline may also contain other types of medication.
The effect of sinuses on the brain
Although it doesn't happen very often, untreated sinusitis can be life-threatening by causing meningitis or infecting the brain, eyes, or nearby bones.
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Best anti sinusitis
There is no such thing as the best antibiotic, each case has its own peculiarities.
Also, many sinus infections are caused by viruses, those that cause the common cold.
These types of infections aren't treated with antibiotics, and taking an antibiotic for a viral infection puts you at risk of unnecessary side effects associated with the antibiotic.
In addition, overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make treating future infections more difficult.
Sinus symptoms on the ear
Sinusitis can lead to pain in the ears.
Sinus symptoms on the eyes
Sinusitis can lead to pressure or pain around the eyes.
There is also a rare condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis, in which a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinuses (which is not from the sinuses) that can be life-threatening.
The cavernous sinuses lie behind each eye socket.
A major blood vessel called the jugular vein carries blood through the cavernous sinuses away from the brain, according to the UK's NHS.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis usually develops as sharp pain behind or around the eyes and gets worse over time.
Symptoms often begin within a few days of a face or skull infection, such as sinusitis.
It may take several days or even weeks before additional symptoms appear after the headache begins.
Symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis include:
Severe and severe headache, especially around the eyes.
Swelling of the eye and surrounding tissues.
Eye pain is often severe.
double vision
High temperature.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is an emergency situation, and you should call 911 immediately.
Cold accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the head
According to the German Association of Otolaryngologists, a cold accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the head indicates sinusitis, noting that this trouble is particularly severe when bending.
The association stressed the need to consult a doctor if the trouble persists for more than 3 days or if it is accompanied by a fever, stressing the importance of a complete recovery from the infection, otherwise the trouble will attack the patient again and again.