How can you alleviate sinus pressure at home. What natural remedies are effective for sinus pain relief. Which home treatments can help reduce sinus inflammation. When should you see a doctor for sinus symptoms.

Understanding Sinus Pressure and Its Causes

Sinus pressure is a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the air-filled cavities around your nose, cheeks, and eyes become inflamed or blocked, leading to a buildup of mucus and pressure. This can result in pain, congestion, and difficulty breathing.

What causes sinus pressure? The most common culprits include:

• Viral infections (such as the common cold)
• Allergies
• Bacterial infections
• Environmental irritants
• Structural issues in the nasal passages

While sinus infections typically resolve on their own within 7-10 days, the discomfort can be significant. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery.

Nasal Irrigation: A Time-Tested Solution for Sinus Relief

One of the most effective home remedies for sinus pressure is nasal irrigation using a Neti pot. This ancient technique has been used for centuries to cleanse and soothe the nasal passages.

How does a Neti pot work? It uses a saline solution to flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants from your nasal cavities. The process is simple:

1. Fill the Neti pot with distilled water and a saline solution
2. Tilt your head sideways over a sink
3. Pour the solution into one nostril, allowing it to drain out the other
4. Repeat on the other side

When using a Neti pot, it’s crucial to use only distilled or sterilized water to prevent introducing harmful bacteria into your nasal passages.

Harnessing the Power of Steam for Sinus Relief

Steam inhalation is another effective method for relieving sinus pressure. The warm, moist air can help loosen mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

How can you use steam for sinus relief? Try these methods:

• Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam
• Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water (be careful not to burn yourself)
• Use a facial steamer or humidifier

For added benefit, you can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to the water. These oils have natural decongestant properties that can enhance the effects of steam therapy.

Hydration: The Key to Thinning Mucus and Reducing Congestion

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing sinus pressure. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel and reducing congestion.

Which fluids are best for sinus relief? Focus on:

• Water
• Herbal teas (especially those with ginger or turmeric)
• Clear broths
• Fresh fruit juices

It’s important to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as these can lead to dehydration and potentially worsen sinus symptoms.

Nasal Sprays: Quick Relief for Congestion and Inflammation

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can provide rapid relief from sinus pressure and congestion. These sprays work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and reducing inflammation.

What types of nasal sprays are available for sinus relief?

• Saline sprays: These can be used frequently to moisturize nasal passages and thin mucus
• Decongestant sprays: These provide quick relief but should not be used for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion
• Steroid nasal sprays: These can be used long-term to manage chronic sinus issues

When using nasal sprays, always follow the instructions on the packaging and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

The Role of Rest and Elevation in Sinus Recovery

Adequate rest is crucial for your body to fight off infections and reduce inflammation. When dealing with sinus pressure, how you rest can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.

How can you optimize your rest for sinus relief?

• Get plenty of sleep to support your immune system
• Prop your head up with extra pillows to promote drainage
• Avoid lying flat, which can increase congestion

By elevating your head while you sleep, you can help prevent mucus from pooling in your sinuses, potentially reducing pressure and improving breathing.

Dietary Approaches to Sinus Pressure Relief

Your diet can play a significant role in managing sinus pressure. Certain foods can help reduce inflammation, thin mucus, and support your immune system.

Which foods can help alleviate sinus pressure?

• Spicy foods (like hot peppers or horseradish) can help clear nasal passages
• Foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens) can boost immune function
• Ginger and turmeric have natural anti-inflammatory properties
• Garlic contains allicin, which may have antibacterial effects

While these foods can be beneficial, it’s important to listen to your body. If certain spicy or acidic foods seem to worsen your symptoms, it’s best to avoid them during your recovery.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Sinus Pressure Management

In addition to natural remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide significant relief from sinus pressure and associated symptoms.

Which OTC medications are effective for sinus pressure?

• Decongestants: Help reduce swelling in the nasal passages
• Antihistamines: Can alleviate allergy-related sinus issues
• Pain relievers: Help manage sinus pain and headaches
• Combination cold and flu medications: Address multiple symptoms at once

It’s important to read labels carefully and avoid duplicating active ingredients if taking multiple medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medicines.

Special Considerations for Children

When it comes to treating sinus pressure in children, extra caution is necessary. OTC cold medicines are not recommended for children under 4 years old. For young children, nasal suctioning and saline drops are often the safest and most effective options.

Environmental Factors in Sinus Health

Your environment can significantly impact your sinus health. By managing environmental factors, you can reduce the likelihood of sinus pressure and alleviate symptoms when they occur.

How can you create a sinus-friendly environment?

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air
• Keep your living space clean and free of dust and allergens
• Avoid exposure to smoke and other air pollutants
• Use air purifiers to remove irritants from the air

By maintaining optimal humidity levels (between 30-50%) and reducing airborne irritants, you can create an environment that supports sinus health and reduces the risk of inflammation and congestion.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Sinus Health

While treating acute sinus pressure is important, taking steps to prevent future episodes is equally crucial. By understanding your triggers and adopting preventive measures, you can reduce the frequency and severity of sinus issues.

What preventive strategies can help maintain sinus health?

• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of viruses
• Stay up-to-date on allergy treatments if allergies are a trigger
• Use a Neti pot regularly, even when you’re not experiencing symptoms
• Boost your immune system through a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Avoid known irritants and allergens when possible

For those with chronic or recurrent sinus issues, working with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can help develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your specific needs.

The Importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting immune function and potentially reducing the duration and severity of sinus infections. While it’s not a cure-all, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake through diet or supplements may help bolster your body’s defenses against sinus issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sinus Pressure

While many cases of sinus pressure can be managed at home, there are times when professional medical care is necessary. Recognizing when to seek help is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

When should you see a doctor for sinus symptoms?

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• You experience severe pain or swelling around your eyes or forehead
• You have a high fever (over 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
• Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
• You have recurring sinus infections

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant medical attention, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include prescription medications or further diagnostic tests if necessary.

Differentiating Between Sinus Infections and COVID-19

In the current health landscape, it’s important to be aware of the similarities and differences between sinus infection symptoms and those of COVID-19. While there can be some overlap, such as fever, headache, and nasal congestion, COVID-19 typically presents with additional symptoms like body aches, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or have concerns about potential COVID-19 exposure, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider for guidance on testing and appropriate care.

By understanding the various home remedies and treatment options available for sinus pressure, you can take proactive steps to manage your symptoms and improve your overall sinus health. Remember that while these remedies can provide significant relief, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure with 10 Home Remedies

HEAL

Posted January 12, 2021

• Know what can trigger a cold and sinus infection and be prepared. Start taking vitamin C and antihistamine prior to allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.

The pressure is building in your forehead, your nose is running, and you just don’t feel good. You suspect that you may have a sinus infection, or sinusitis. Most sinus infections will resolve themselves in seven to 10 days, just by taking care of yourself at home.

What to do for sinus pressure and pain at home

Here are the top 10 at-home
treatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

1. Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to
   use distilled water only. 
2. Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin^®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get “rebound” or worse nasal
   congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.
3. Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluids—water and/or juice—to help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration. 
4. Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably. 
5. Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm (not too hot!) water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.  
6. Spice. Eat spicy foods to help clear your nasal passages. Add hot peppers, hot sauce, horseradish or wasabi to your meal.
7. Add humidity. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your room while you sleep to add moisture to the air and help reduce congestion. Dry air, tobacco smoke and chlorinated water can irritate the mucus membranes in your nose and create an environment ripe for sinus infection.
8. OTC medication. Take over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines (if allergies are the culprit) and pain relievers to reduce sinus pain and pressure. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any health issues or take other medicines. Never give decongestants or any
   over-the-counter cold medicine to children under age 4. Nasal suction is the best form of “decongesting” for young children. This also reduces post-nasal drip and overall lung irritation.
9. C is key. Up your intake of vitamin C. This may help fight off sinus infection faster, reduce sinus inflammation and relieve the duration of a sinus infection or cold symptoms.
10. Know your triggers. Know what can trigger a cold or sinus infection and be prepared. Start taking an antihistamine prior to allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.

Sinus infection vs. COVID-19 symptoms

Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.   

When to see a doctor for sinus pain

If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.

If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT, otolaryngologist) for your treatment options.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

MORE LIKE THIS

Breaking away from unhealthy American ways

Posted June 22, 2015

Continue reading

Why do certain scents remind us of holidays and special events?

Posted November 18, 2016

Should you try group acupuncture?

Posted May 31, 2018

Key points about acupuncture

Posted April 14, 2016

EMPOWER YOURSELF

Get fun, inspiring, provider-reviewed articles sent to your inbox.

Sign up for our email newsletter

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure: 7 Natural Home Remedies

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

You can relieve sinus pressure with the help of natural remedies like a humidifier, saline washes, and biofeedback. Seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week.

Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.

Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:

• frontal, in your forehead
• ethmoid, between your eyes and across your nose
• maxillary, in your cheeks
• sphenoid, behind your eyes and along the back of your head

While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.

1. Steam

Dry air and dry sinuses can increase sinus pressure and cause headaches and throbbing pain. Steam adds moisture to the air, helps to moisten your sinus passages, and thins out mucus that may have thickened over time.

Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to reduce pressure. You can also use a humidifier for more long-term relief.

Buy a humidifier now.

For an extra boost, add eucalyptus oil to your bath to speed your recovery. Eucalyptus contains cineole, an ingredient known to speed healing of acute sinusitis. The oil also may help to reduce nasal stuffiness and clear your pathways.

2. Saline flush

A common treatment for sinus pressure and congestion is a saline wash. Saline spray contains salt that helps to increase moisture in your nose and reduce sinus pressure. You can buy saline spray in drugstores, or you can make your own with baking soda, distilled water, and iodine-free salt.

3. Resting

A good night’s sleep can help the body to heal. Sleep stimulates your brain to release hormones that encourage tissue growth. Also when you’re at rest, your body is able to produce more white blood cells essential for attacking viruses and other bacteria.

Try to avoid activities or beverages that are over-stimulating before bed. Allowing your body to rest can help to reduce sinus pressure, speed your recovery time, and leave you feeling more refreshed. Check out some natural sleep aids if you need some added help.

4. Elevation

Just as sleep is essential for healing, how you sleep can alleviate sinus symptoms. Lying flat can increase mucus buildup in your nasal passages, increase your sinus pressure, and disrupt your sleep cycle.

Prop your head up with pillows at night to keep your head above your heart. This sleeping position will prevent sinus buildup and can help you to breathe more comfortably.

5. Hydration

Dehydration can contribute to your sinus passages drying out and increased pressure in your face. Increase your water intake throughout the day if you’re feeling under the weather. Fluids will reduce blockages in your sinuses.

While water may be your first choice to remain hydrated, you can also retain fluids through other foods and beverages including:

• broth soups
• ice cubes
• tea
• water-based vegetables and fruits

6.

Relaxation techniques

Your sinus pressure may cause you to feel tension in your head, face, and neck. Biofeedback therapy, an alternative treatment method that teaches you how to control your bodily functions, can relieve this pressure.

This method has had proven success in relieving headaches, incorporating deep breathing exercises and meditation to achieve relaxation and reduce pain. Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help to reduce pain and pressure from sinus infections.

7. Exercise

Similar to yoga, exercise can reduce sinus pressure. Physical activity can increase blood circulation and temporarily relieve congestion to ease breathing. Although uncomfortable to perform while being sick, physical activity can help to improve your recovery time and speed healing.

Sinus pressure symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable. In addition to using traditional treatment methods like decongestants and pain relievers, alternative home remedies can also boost your recovery.

If you continue to experience sinus pressure symptoms after a week, or if they begin to worsen, seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a more serious infection that may require prescribed antibiotics.

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: description, symptoms and treatment

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and sinusitis

Definition, symptoms and treatment

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: the head rattles, the person is languishing

Sinusitis – the younger brother of the common cold

A harmless runny nose can develop into inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, or sinusitis. If secretions cannot drain due to swelling of the nasal passages, they become trapped. Mucus accumulates in the sinuses, where it can easily lead to inflammation. You may be familiar with this typical headache, which is especially noticeable when the head is tilted forward. This pain is a clear signal that the secretion cannot drain properly. The paranasal sinuses are blocked, which contributes to the spread of the pathogen in this area. To prevent the development of a runny nose into sinusitis, timely treatment is recommended to eliminate the accumulation of mucus and regenerate dry and partially damaged nasal mucosa.

Symptoms of acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

First of all, it is associated with the head

In case of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, a runny nose and stuffy nose usually accompany headaches. The symptoms are a pronounced pressing feeling in the head, especially when bending forward or when pressing on the affected areas. Fever, lethargy, and visual disturbances are also possible but rare. Sometimes there is also visible swelling of the affected areas. If you suspect sinusitis, see your doctor.

Where are the paranasal sinuses located?

Examination of the caves of the skull

Sinusitis can affect a single sinus or all at once. In the second case, doctors talk about “pansinusitis”. If only one paranasal sinus is inflamed, then the pain occurs in a certain characteristic place. For example, with inflammation of the frontal sinus, the forehead area is especially sore, while patients with inflammation of the maxillary sinus feel discomfort in the infraorbital region.

Frontal sinus (Sinus frontalis): in the frontal bone on the left and right above the bridge of the nose, above the eyebrows

Sphenoid sinus (Sinus sphenoidalis): behind the cells of the ethmoid bone, in the so-called sphenoid bone

Ethmoid labyrinth ( Sinus ethmoidalis): It consists of many small cavities, cells of the ethmoid bone. They are located in the ethmoid bone between the nose and the inner corner of the eye.

Maxillary sinuses (Sinus maxillaris): in the maxillary bone on both sides of the nose, near the palate and upper jaw

Causes of acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

When you are fed up

Whether it is a runny nose, nasal polyps (benign growths of the nasal mucosa) or deviation of the septum (deviated nasal septum): all these phenomena lead to the fact that nasal breathing is difficult, discharge from the nose cannot drain, and the nasal airways become clogged more quickly. The openings (orifices) through which the paranasal sinuses connect to the nasal passages are closed. And the formation of viscous mucus provides an optimal environment for the reproduction of cold-causing viruses and accelerates the development of inflammation.

Causes of chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

Lasts longer than one season

If the inflammation lasts longer than twelve weeks, we are talking about chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Chronic sinusitis can develop due to untreated acute sinusitis or lack of treatment. Symptoms of the disease are very similar to acute sinusitis: increased mucus production, nasal breathing restriction, facial pain and headache. Chronic sinusitis usually affects the maxillary sinus and ethmoid cells, less commonly the frontal sinus and sphenoid sinus.
In severe disease with the development of a bacterial infection, antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed. Inhalations with essential oils (such as cineole) are beneficial. Irradiation with red light can also help with chronic sinusitis. Treatments range from cortisone nasal sprays to surgery to remove nasal polyps or straighten the nasal septum.

Did you know that…?

Red light treatment works in the following way: the light provides a slow, steady increase in temperature, which first reaches the outer layers of the skin and then penetrates into the deeper layers of the tissue. This process has the following effect:

• Increases the metabolic activity in the tissues targeted by the therapy.
• Increases local circulation.
• Muscles relax.

• Nazik ^® Nasal Spray

  Rapid Relief Nasal Spray
  Nazik ^® , which contains a special combination of active ingredients: xylometazoline and dexpanthenol

  View products

  Instructions for use

What helps with sinusitis?

Drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have sinusitis. Ideally, you should drink two to three liters of fluid. Herbal tea or still mineral water is best. In addition, your immune system needs rest and sleep to heal from sinusitis.

Tea as a home remedy for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

We recommend our unique recipe

All ingredients can be purchased at herbal and diet food stores:

• 20 g of myrtle
• 20 g marjoram
• 20 g Linden
• 10 g meadowsweet/meadowsweet
• 10 g elderberry
• 10 g rudbeckia
• 10 g peppermint

Application:

• Brew tea in proportion: one tablespoon of tea mixture per cup
• Leave for 10-15 minutes
• Then strain and drink
• Inhale the vapors of tea – essential oils additionally eliminate nasal congestion

Good news for parents

Nazik ^® for children nasal spray

Formulas with adapted efficacy have been specially developed for children with the common cold and sinusitis. Nazik ^® for Children can be used in children from 2 to 6 years of age. Classic original nasal spray Nazik ^® is intended for schoolchildren and adults.

• Nasic ^® for children nasal spray

  Nasal spray for sensitive children’s nose
  Nazik ^® for children, which contains a special combination of active ingredients: xylometazoline and dexpanthenol in a dosage adapted for children

  900 02 View products

  Instruction manual application

Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses in Odessa

1. Diseases of the NOSE
2. Inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are cavities in the bones of the skull that are connected to the nasal cavity through small openings (ostia). The biological role of these voids is to reduce the mass of the skull, in addition, they are resonators and give the voice of each person its own unique timbre.

Polyps do not just form. This is the reaction of the mucous membrane to chronic irritation. The process of polyp formation can be figuratively compared with the appearance of a blister and callus on the foot when wearing uncomfortable shoes.

There are several paranasal sinuses:

1. Grids (ethmoid labyrinth) – many small cavities in the thickness of the ethmoid bone.
2. Maxillary sinuses (maxillary sinuses) – named after the medical scientist who first described it).
3. Sphenoid sinus.

Sinuses are not closed cavities!

Figuratively, the sinus can be represented as a bottle with a narrow neck, and this neck “opens” into the lumen of the nasal cavity. The necks, and according to the scientific fistula of all sinuses, except for the sphenoid, open in one specific place – under the middle nasal concha.

See how it looks on the diagram using the maxillary and frontal sinuses as an example.

The maxillary sinuses (D) have an outlet fistula from above, and the frontal sinuses (L) have a bottom, as if bottles turned upside down.

This scheme is, of course, exaggerated. In life, everything is somewhat more complicated…

Why is this necessary?

Each sinus is lined with a mucous membrane, the same as the nasal cavity. The mucous membrane, despite its apparent tenderness and vulnerability, is a powerful protective barrier, impenetrable to most infections. For nature, there is no better way to protect any vulnerable organ than to cover it with a mucous membrane. And there are plenty of such organs in close proximity to the nose: the brain, eye sockets, large vessels and nerves.

The mucous membrane produces mucus, which contains a number of protective substances that neutralize microbes. The process of mucus formation is constant, so it must be constantly removed. For this, fistulas are needed – through them, mucus is discharged into the nasal cavity.

Fig. 3 Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses. The arrows point to the excretory fistulas of the maxillary sinuses.

Moreover, it is not diverted by “gravity”. The surface of the mucous membrane is covered with microscopic cilia. These cilia are in constant motion and it is they who move the mucus towards the sinus fistula.

When a person becomes ill with a respiratory viral infection, the secretion of mucus in the nose and sinuses increases. If the fistula of the sinus has a sufficient diameter (for large sinuses it is 2.5-3 mm), the mucus has time to completely evacuate and does not accumulate in the sinus.

If the size of the anastomosis is less than necessary, the mucus cannot come out and the sinus begins to fill with it. There is a feeling of pressure and fullness in the projection of the sinus.

There are 3 reasons why the sinus fistula can be narrowed:

1. Severe swelling of the mucous membrane surrounding the anastomosis (typical for some respiratory viral infections).
2. Individual anatomical features (naturally narrow fistula).
3. Volumetric pathological process in the fistula zone: polyp or tumor, hypertrophy of the middle shell, deviated nasal septum in the upper section.

Although nasal mucus is a cocktail of antimicrobial substances, when the mucus stagnates, their activity decreases and it turns into a nutrient “broth” for microorganisms, which the latter certainly use. When a microbial infection attaches, the mucus turns into pus – it becomes cloudy, acquires an unpleasant odor.

This is how the main symptoms of inflammation in the sinus are obtained – pain in the projection of the sinus, purulent discharge from the nose, intoxication (fever, weakness)

Both one and several sinuses can become inflamed. Inflammation of the maxillary sinus is called sinusitis, frontal sinus – frontal sinusitis, ethmoid labyrinth – ethmoiditis, sphenoid sinus – sphenoiditis.

DIAGNOSIS:

The main problem that needs to be solved when examining patients with sinusitis is because of what the fistula blockage occurred. Which of the three reasons (see above) narrowing of the sinus fistula is present in this particular patient. The treatment algorithm and prognosis depend on this.

If inflammation in the sinus is caused by cause No. 1 (swelling of the mucous membrane surrounding the anastomosis), then in the vast majority of cases, a victorious result can be achieved with medication, without punctures and other invasive manipulations. If the reasons are #2 and #3, be sure that without surgical expansion of the anastomosis it is impossible to achieve normal sinus drainage and, accordingly, a long-term result. Any cold can provoke a new exacerbation. Such a person can suffer from sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis or sphenoiditis) all his life, becoming a regular “client” of ENT doctors.

The first step is a diagnostic nasal endoscopy. Endoscopy allows, under a 30-fold magnification, to examine all the structures of the nasal cavity, to approach the exit point of the anastomoses and see if there is discharge from the sinuses and if there is something in the nasal cavity that impedes the outflow from under the middle shell.

Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses is performed in order to see what is happening inside the sinus itself and to trace the entire excretory path from the sinus. This is an x-ray. However, unlike a traditional X-ray, a CT scanner allows you to perform a three-dimensional scan of the body area under study and obtain images with the highest resolution. Images obtained with a tomograph have an incomparable diagnostic value.

This is how the normal middle turbinate area should look like. The gap between the middle turbinate and the side wall of the nose should ideally be 3 mm. This space is necessary for the normal outflow of mucus from the sinus fistula.

The gap between the middle sink and the partition must also be 3 mm. It’s called the olfactory cleft because it’s where the odor receptors are located.

Anatomy of the middle shell is normal. A cloudy discharge is released from the anastomosis of the sinus. Outflow is free. With such sinusitis, you can deal with medication.
Puncture and drainage of the sinus, as well as other invasive measures, are not indicated!

Hypertrophied (enlarged) middle shell. It has such large dimensions that it fills the entire space between the partition and the side wall.
Such a sink as a cork closes the outflow from the anastomosis of the maxillary sinus. The patient has chronic purulent sinusitis.
Requires surgical treatment – partial resection of the middle shell. This will restore the outflow from the sinus and permanently save the patient from exacerbations of sinusitis.

A tiny polyp has just emerged from under the middle shell. It also closes the fistula of the sinus and provokes chronic sinusitis in this patient on the right. Such a polyp can only be seen with an endoscope!
In order to save a person from sinusitis, surgical treatment is necessary – the removal of a polyp.

Similar situation, larger polyp.

Pay attention to the photo. This patient has no problems on the right half of the nose, but on the left there is a thickening of the septum in the upper section. This thickening (red arrow) presses the normal shell (*) against the side wall. It turns out that it closes the outflow from the anastomosis. As a result – chronic sinusitis and frontal sinusitis on the left.

TREATMENT:

Background.

It is surprising, but at the end of the 19th century, the German professor A. Onodi investigated and described in detail the anatomy of all the paranasal sinuses and their excretory fistulas. It is even more surprising that for almost 2 centuries this knowledge was not useful to anyone. In medicine, the views are firmly established that if the mucous membrane in the sinus often becomes inflamed, then the mucous membrane is the culprit of the inflammation and it must be completely removed. Amazing logic, isn’t it? Patients underwent so-called radical operations, in which the entire inflamed mucosa was removed to the exposed bone. Subsequently, it was replaced by functionally inactive scar tissue.

All acute inflammatory processes in the sinuses were treated with Proets lavage (known to many under the name “cuckoo”) or sinus punctures with washing out of pus and the introduction of antiseptics. But that was the 19th century! Antibiotics have not yet been invented, so the doctors tried their best to alleviate the suffering of the patient. In the 50s of the 20th century, it became clear that we (doctors) were doing something wrong. New knowledge about the structure and functioning of the sinuses appeared and accumulated. New developments in the field of optics have made it possible to create wide-angle endoscopes of small diameter, with the help of which it has become possible to examine the nasal cavity. Thus, a new direction in ENT surgery was born, which is called functional endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The main idea of ​​this direction is to restore the normal outflow of mucus from the sinus, which leads to its self-purification and recovery.

Unfortunately, domestic medicine turned out to be the hardest to climb! Only in 1991, a group of professors from the CIS in the amount of 10 people was invited to Austria in the city of Graz to teach the basics of endoscopy. Among them was my respected teacher, Professor Serafim Zakharovich Piskunov.

It is very sad, but to this day in most medical institutions punctures and cuckoos are widely used, radical operations are carried out. These procedures are unpleasant for the patient, and most importantly, they do not always cure sinusitis!

If there is any anatomical disorder in the nasal cavity that impedes the natural outflow of contents from the sinus, it is necessary to perform a low-traumatic endoscopic operation to eliminate it. Endoscopic control allows targeted removal of an obstruction in the area of ​​the middle shell. Thus, the amount of tissue removed is very small. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. The postoperative period is tolerated quite easily. The general condition resembles a cold. Full recovery after surgery takes place within 1 week. This will completely get rid of the disease and forget about seasonal exacerbations.

Endoscopy after surgery. Under the control of optics, several cells of the ethmoid bone under the middle shell were removed, which made it possible to open the fistulas of the inflamed maxillary sinus (large arrow) and other lattices (small arrows). New fistulas are wide, pus is not released from them, the patient is cured.

If there is no anatomical fistula block, but the patient has a pronounced pain syndrome and it is necessary to remove pus from the sinus, we use the YAMIK catheter. It is an effective and painless alternative to the traditional piercing. YAMIK-catheter is a development of scientists from the Yaroslavl Medical Institute. It is a system of latex tubes and cuffs that allow you to create negative pressure in the nasal cavity and pump out the contents of all inflamed sinuses using a conventional syringe.

*** Use of site materials only with the permission of the author and a link to the source.

How to find us

Consultative reception and operations of the otolaryngologist Zaporozhchenko Pavel Aleksandrovich are carried out at the Artmedium clinic.

Clinic “Artmedium” is located at Odessa, st. Nedelina, 78

Appointment for a consultation from Monday to Saturday,
from 8.00 to 19.00, by phone:
+38 (096) 757-90-99.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Assistant of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ONMedU,
doctor – otorhinolaryngologist of the highest category, allergist

• • An allergist (Immunologist) deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the immune system, in particular bronchial asthma, urticaria and other allergic diseases.
  • An otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) specializes in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Diagnoses and treats diseases such as otitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis.

Graduated with honors from Odessa State Medical University and master’s degree in otorhinolaryngology (2001 degree).

15-year certificate of endoscopic diagnosis and surgery in older children.

Advanced qualification courses:

• Laser surgery of ENT organs, head and neck” in 2000 (m.Berlin, Nіmechchina).
• “Endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses” under prof. S.Z. Piskunov in 2001 (m. Kursk, Russia).
• “Microsurgery of the ear” – under the supervision of prof. Yu.A.Sushko and O.N. Borisenko, NDI of otorhinolaryngology (city of Kiev).

Scientific activity:

• Double winner of the Olympiad for Young Otorhinolaryngologists under the International Academy of Otorhinolaryngology ї, Head and Neck Surgery (IAO-HNS).
• Laureate of the award “Odesit to rock 2000” in the nomination “young students of rock”.
• Author of 30 scientific works and 3 rational propositions.

Internship for specialty:

• ENT department of Balcali University Clinic, Cukurova University, p. prof. Levent Soylu (m. Adana, Turkey) at 1999 r.
• ENT Department of Charite University Clinic, Oleksandr Humboldt University, prof. Volker Jahnke (m. Berlin, Nіmechchina) in 2000
• ENT Department of the University Clinic of Steiglitz, Vilniy University, prof. Hans Sherer (m. Berlin, Nіmechchina) in 2000 rotation.
• Mayo Clinic Arizona (USA) 2012 Transoral surgery of the head and neck.
• Austria. Graz-course of nasal endoscopy. 2013
• Received the Kingdom of Great Britain and Irish Ireland. Cambridge. University spital. Endoscopic surgery – dissection course 2014

• Pediatric anesthesiologist – resuscitator at the ENT Clinic of Dr. Zaporozhchenko.
• Medical experience over 5 years.
• He completed his internship in 2018 with a degree in Pediatric Anesthesiology.