Sinusitis

Maxillary sinusitis is a very unpleasant disease caused by an infection that causes inflammation of the maxillary sinus. Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis include fever, swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal congestion, runny nose with profuse nasal discharge, fatigue, decreased sense of smell, and a feeling of pressure in the nasal cavity. Maxillary sinusitis is a form of sinusitis and one of the most common reasons for visiting an ENT doctor.

Acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis often worsens in spring and autumn.

Causes of maxillary sinusitis

Causes of development of this disease:

• infections, in particular chronic ones;
• viral diseases, such as influenza;
• acute respiratory viral infections;
• decreased immunity;
• curvature of the nasal septum or narrowness of the nasal passage;
• inflammation of the oral cavity and sinuses;
• inflammation of the roots of the upper jaw teeth;
• diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• maxillary sinusitis can be caused by injuries or allergic reactions;

In addition, a highly polluted environment can also trigger sinusitis.

Main symptoms of maxillary sinusitis

The diagnosis and treatment of maxillary sinusitis are complicated by the fact that the symptoms of the disease are similar to an allergic inflammatory process or rhinitis. At the same time, maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinus, so it is similar to other diseases only in terms of symptoms.

Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis:

• decreased sense of smell;
• inflammation of the sinuses, nasal mucosa, throat and oral cavity;
• feeling of nasal congestion;
• severe runny nose and purulent nasal discharge;
• headache;
• severe and excessive fatigue.

Complications of this disease are also possible.

Classification and types of maxillary sinusitis

The effectiveness of maxillary sinusitis treatment directly depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis, so you need to consult an experienced otolaryngologist.

First of all, there are acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Types of maxillary sinusitis are also classified according to the following features:

1. Location of the inflammatory process: inflammation can be unilateral, bilateral and frontal.
2. Causes of maxillary sinus inflammation.
3. Form of the disease — maxillary sinusitis can be catarrhal or productive.

How is maxillary sinusitis diagnosed?

To diagnose this disease, a visual examination of the mucous membrane is performed, as well as laboratory tests.

In addition, a CT (computed tomography) or MRI procedure is used to exclude other diseases. Blood and urine tests and ultrasound of the mucous membrane are possible. If necessary, a puncture of the maxillary sinus is performed. However, as a rule, one additional procedure is enough to make a correct diagnosis.

Methods of maxillary sinusitis treatment

Maxillary sinusitis can be treated using two approaches:

Conservative — drug therapy with various drugs is used, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The patient’s nose is rinsed with an antiseptic solution.

If the pathology is more complex, a puncture of the inflamed sinuses is performed to remove pus from them.

Methods of surgical treatment

The surgical approach is used if conservative treatment cannot prevent the development of the inflammatory process and cure sinusitis.

If the maxillary sinus puncture and medication have been repeatedly performed, but the desired result has not been achieved and purulent discharge continues to appear, surgical treatment is used. There are the following methods:

1. The first method is an incision of the sinus with removal of inflamed tissue. After that, the soft tissue is sutured.
2. A newer and less invasive method is endoscopic surgery. The endoscope is inserted through the nose, and the damaged tissue is removed without skin incisions. This method is less traumatic and reduces the risk of complications, preventing the development of purulent maxillary sinusitis.

After that, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy treatment to consolidate the result.

Possible complications in case of untreated maxillary sinusitis

If chronic or acute maxillary sinusitis is not treated or is ineffective, painful and even life-threatening complications can occur, as inflammation will spread to nearby tissues, including the brain. Possible complications include:

• difficulty in nasal breathing, hearing or vision problems, and the development of polyps or cysts;
• infection of the frontal sinus (frontal sinusitis)
• painful inflammation of the facial nerve (neuritis);
• the upper teeth, bones of the face or skull may also become inflamed (osteomyelitis);
• the most dangerous are complications on the brain — brain abscess or meningitis.

Therefore, at the first sign of maxillary sinusitis, you should consult a doctor.

What kind of doctor treats maxillary sinusitis

In case of the first suspicious symptoms, contact your family doctor or general practitioner, who will refer you to an otolaryngologist. It is important not to postpone your visit to the clinic in order to receive the most effective treatment and avoid dangerous pathologies.

Prevention of maxillary sinusitis: basic recommendations

General recommendations for the prevention of this disease:

• lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid bad habits, eat right and get plenty of rest, as this supports the immune system;
• avoid hypothermia and too dry air;
• treat your teeth in time, as sinusitis can develop due to caries;
• treat colds to prevent them from becoming chronic;
• in case of a runny nose, clean the nasal passages well and avoid mucus accumulation.

Be attentive to your body and take care of your health.