10 Steps to Avoid Sinus Pain and Congestion

Sinus pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Each year, more than 37 million Americans experience sinusitis symptoms like sinus pain, nasal congestion, and thick nasal discharge, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. Those numbers are growing because of an increase in pollutants, along with a resistance to antibiotics.

What causes sinus pain and congestion? “The number one cause is allergies,” says Jyoti Gopal, MD, a family practice physician with the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Some people have seasonal allergies and are bothered most during the spring and fall, when the pollen counts are high, she says, while others have year-round allergies that continually trigger their sinus pain and congestion.

The second leading cause is the common cold or flu, Dr. Gopal says. A cold, which is caused by a virus, can turn into a sinus infection. The cold virus attacks the lining of your sinuses, which respond by swelling; this results in narrowing of the drainage pathways in the sinuses and nose, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. In response, you produce more mucus, which gets blocked in your swollen sinuses. Bacteria like to grow where the mucus builds up and sometimes cause a lingering sinus infection — an infection can linger even after the cold virus is gone.

Other causes of sinus pain, pressure, and congestion include:

• Pollutants. Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemical irritants such as pesticide sprays and household cleaners can inflame the sinus linings.

• Polyps. These are sac-like growths of inflamed tissue on the lining of the sinuses.

• Anatomical issues. A structural problem such as a deviated septum or nasal bone spur can prevent mucus from draining out of the sinus, Gopal says.

• Fungi. This is a growing problem, especially in people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as AIDS, leukemia, and diabetes. Fungi, just like bacteria, can cause a sinus infection, but will not respond to antibiotics. The most common fungus associated with sinusitis is aspergillus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

• Swimming or diving. These activities can increase your risk for sinusitis because of pressure changes in the nose and sinuses.

Sinus Pain and Congestion: How to Avoid It

Can you prevent sinus pain and congestion? Probably not altogether, Gopal says, but you can take these steps to keep infections and allergens at bay:

1. Wash your hands frequently. This is especially important during cold weather, when viruses can live longer on doorknobs and other surfaces, Gopal says.
2. Get a flu shot yearly. By preventing the flu, you may also prevent a sinus infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. Staying in good health keeps your immune system on guard, according to Harvard Medical School.
4. Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke can irritate sinuses, Harvard Medical School states.
5. Use a humidifier. Dryness can lead to sinus pain. “You can run a hot shower and inhale the steam,” Gopal suggests. “Or put a steaming towel over your head — that’s an old remedy for relief from sinus pain.” If you use a humidification machine, make sure you clean it daily, following manufacturer’s directions, so that the humidifier itself does not become a source for sinus problems.
6. Don’t overdo the antibiotics. Antibiotics will help if you have a bacterial infection, but they won’t do anything for viral infections. And if you take too many antibiotics, you can build up resistance to the medication, according to Harvard Medical School.
7. Use a saline nasal solution. You can buy a saline solution at the drugstore or you can make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends using iodide-free salt and distilled water (or pre-boiled and cooled water). If you are buying a premade saline drop, mist, or spray, make sure that it does not contain a decongestant.
8. Try a neti pot. This nasal irrigation system, which comes from the ancient Ayurveda yoga tradition in India, has been used for centuries in the East and has become popular in the West in recent years. A neti pot allows a saline solution to be poured into the nasal passages, irrigating them to loosen mucus. You can find them at drugstores, nutrition centers, and health food stores. Be sure to follow directions to use only sterile, pre-boiled and cooled, or distilled water in your neti pot, Gopal says.
9. Keep your windows closed. “If you have allergies, you don’t want to go outside or open the windows, especially between 5 a. m. and 10 a.m., because that’s when the pollen count is the highest,” Gopal says.
10. Fight dust mites. Vacuum and wipe down all surfaces regularly, decrease clutter that can trap dust, and use dust mite covers on your pillows and mattresses.

Sinus pain can be worse for people with allergies and weakened immune systems, but following a healthy lifestyle and practicing good hygiene could save you from bothersome sinus pain and congestion.

Sinus Infection: Sinusitis Dos and Don’ts

Do: Go to School or Work

If you’re worried that you may spread sinusitis to classmates or co-workers, breathe easy. It isn’t contagious. Go back to your normal activities if you feel well enough.

Don’t Fly if You Can Avoid It

If you do it when you’ve got sinusitis, you raise your chances of ear pain and other complications. But if you really need to take a flight, yawn and swallow when the plane is on the way up after takeoff or heads back down before landing. That will help keep the tubes from your throat to your ears clear. You can also try this: pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and gently blow your nose.

Do: Choose OTC Drugs Carefully

Do your head and face hurt? Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can make it better. Decongestant nasal sprays can open up your stuffy nose, but don’t use them for more than a few days. Over time they could make your symptoms worse.

Do: Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids during a bout of sinusitis. Something warm like herbal tea can hit the spot. Studies show a steaming mug isn’t just a psychological comfort. Hot liquids can help break up that stuffiness in your nose.

Don’t Drink Alcohol

You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.

Do: Use Warm Compresses

Moist heat can relieve your sinus pressure, open up those blocked passages in your nose, and ease pain. Hold a wet towel against your face or breathe in steam through a cloth. A hot shower will help loosen mucus.

Do: Use a Humidifier

Cool mist can make you less stuffy, but make sure you keep the water clean. Empty the tank every day and wash it out before you refill it. Once a week you’ll need to clean it with diluted bleach or vinegar to keep mold and bacteria away.

Don’t Hurry Back to the Pool

Study results are mixed, but it does appear that chlorine in pools can irritate the passageways of your nose. If you feel well enough to exercise and want to swim, use nose clips.

Do: Rinse Your Sinuses

The fancy name for this is “nasal lavage.” You clean the inside of your nose with a sterile solution. You can find squeeze bottles specially sold for this purpose or use a neti pot. Make sure you use distilled or sterile water or boiled water after it’s cooled down.

Don’t Breathe in Irritating Stuff

Your goal is to soothe your sinuses, not inflame them. So avoid places that have cigarette smoke, and stay indoors when air pollution levels are high. If you’re a smoker, quit. Your tobacco habit makes it more likely you’ll get another round of sinusitis.

Do: Work Out Wisely

It’s OK to exercise if you feel up to it, but take extra precautions. Sinusitis can cause dizziness and problems with coordination, so don’t lift weights until your symptoms improve. If you feel pressure in your chest, sit out until you feel better. When you have trouble breathing, it can overtax your heart.

Sinus Precautions – Longmont Oral Facial & Implant Surgery

Due to the close relationship between the top back teeth and the sinus, a communication between the sinus and mouth sometimes results from surgery. As previously discussed, this most often heals slowly and without difficulty.  Certain precautions will assist healing and we ask that you faithfully follow these additional instructions.  Keep our office advised of any significant changes in your condition. 

• Use all medications as directed. If you develop any side effects or if you have any questions, stop the medication and call the office.
• Do Not blow your nose.  You may gently wipe any drainage.
• Do Not sneeze through your nose. If the urge to sneeze arises, sneeze with your mouth open.
• Do Not drink with a straw.
• Do Not smoke or use tobacco products for a minimum of two weeks.  This greatly impairs healing.
• Do Not open your mouth widely or lift/pull up on your lip to look at the surgical site.  This may actually create damage and tear stitches. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that lead to changes in pressure (swimming, flying, wind instruments, etc. ) for at least one week.
• Eat a soft or liquid diet. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible
• Continue to brush your teeth but avoid the surgical area. Do Not rinse vigorously after brushing.
• Slight nasal bleeding, facial swelling and/or bruising may occasionally develop.
• Nasal congestion and a sensation of “stuffiness” are often normal.  Use of over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants (Afrin, Sudafed) and saline nasal spray (Ocean Mist) may be used, but only if advised.  However, most of the time, patients do fine without any of these.  Unless these products have been previously recommended, please discuss with your doctor prior to use. 

For other important surgical instructions, please click here.

Post-Operative Instructions: Sinus Care After Tooth Extraction | Dentist in San Francisco, CA

You are being given these instructions to protect your sinuses and to help prevent complications.  There is a close relationship of the teeth to the sinus and sometimes, when a tooth is removed, it will leave a communication between the mouth and the sinus. Because your sinus is unusually large, your roots long, or a combination of both, your sinus may have been exposed when the tooth was removed. It is not uncommon to have blood in the nasal discharge for several days. Notify the office if any symptoms develop that seem unusual to you.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR 14 DAYS:

• DO NOT blow your nose. Air pressure must not be increased in the nasal or sinus cavities.
• TRY NOT to sneeze. If you should, keep your mouth open to prevent an increase in air pressure in the sinus cavities.
• DO NOT use a straw.
• DO NOT spit.
• DO NOT rinse vigorously for several days. Chew on the opposite side as much as possible.
• DO NOT fly in an airplane.
• DO NOT swim or submerge your head.
• DO NOT do any vigorous exercising.
• DO NOT SMOKE.

PLEASE OBTAIN AND TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS:

• Afrin (over-the-counter nasal spray) as directed on the bottle for 3 days only.
• Sudafed ER (over the counter – ask the pharmacist) 120mg by mouth every 12 hours for the next 7-14 days. If you are still congested, continue taking every 12 hours as needed.
• Clindamycin (prescription) 300mg by mouth 3 times a day until gone for 7-14 days

or

• Amoxicillin (prescription) 500mg by mouth 3 times a day until gone for 7-14 days

It is possible that even with all these precautions, an opening from your sinus to your mouth may develop and persist. In this event, the surgical closure of this opening will be required to assure the complete healing of the extraction site and sinus cavity.

PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Sinusitis | Cigna

Condition Basics

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinus cavities in your head. It often happens after a cold. It causes pain and pressure in your head and face. Sinusitis can be either acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Sinusitis is chronic when it lasts 12 weeks or more.

What causes it?

Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. When the lining of the sinus cavities gets inflamed from a virus like a cold, it swells. The swelling can block the normal drainage of the sinuses, leading to a buildup of fluid. Bacteria or fungi may start to grow, causing more swelling and pain.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of sinusitis are a runny or stuffy nose and pain and pressure in your head and face. You may also have a yellow or green drainage or drip from your nose or down the back of your throat. Symptoms in children include coughing, nasal discharge, headache, and face pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor can tell if you have sinusitis by asking questions about your past health and doing a physical exam. You probably won’t need any other tests. But you may need more tests if treatment doesn’t help or if you have complications.

How is sinusitis treated?

You may not need treatment for sinusitis. But over-the-counter medicine can help with pain and pressure. If you don’t get better, your doctor may suggest a steroid nose spray or antibiotics. Surgery is sometimes needed when sinusitis is severe and doesn’t get better with medicines.

Sinus Surgery – Life After Surgery

ON THE ROAD TO SINUS RELIEF

Recovery from sinus surgery depends on your health and which procedure you have, but most people need to be away from work or school for several days. And you may need several weeks to heal completely. Be sure to talk to your doctor, so you understand how best to care for yourself after surgery. The good news is that you’re officially on the road to lasting sinus relief.

THE RECOVERY PROCESS

An ethmoidectomy, maxillary antrostomy, powered septoplasty with turbinoplasty, and balloon sinus dilation surgery are different procedures, but what happens following surgery is similar.

It can take several weeks for you to fully recover. You’ll have some swelling and tenderness inside your nose after the surgery, but this is normal. You may have symptoms like a severe cold or a sinus infection. This is due to swelling, dry blood, mucus, and crusting in your nose. To help your nose and sinuses return to normal, your doctor may recommend nasal irrigation or saline sprays and antibiotic lubricants.

After surgery, it’s important to take good care of your nose and sinuses to let them heal properly and prevent scars.

Here are some suggestions for taking care of your nose and sinuses after surgery:

• Keep your head elevated to help reduce bleeding and swelling after your operation. The first night after surgery, elevate your head with extra pillows or sleep in a recliner.
• If you have packing material and splints in your nose, make sure they stay in place. If the packing gets clogged, breathe through your mouth. Do not remove the packing or splints.
• Some bleeding is normal for 2 to 3 days after your operation. If you think you are bleeding a lot, be sure to call your doctor.
• Don’t blow your nose for at least a week after surgery. Don’t do any heavy lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise. This increases the likelihood of bleeding in your nose.
• If you have to sneeze, try doing it with your mouth open.
• Don’t take aspirin. It slows clotting and increases bleeding.

Depending on your surgery, you’ll be asked to return for a follow-up visit about 3 to 7 days after your operation. During that visit, your doctor will remove any packing (if necessary), make sure that your surgery site is healing according to plan, and give you more instructions on caring for your nose and sinuses.

NASAL PACKING REMOVAL

In most cases, your doctor will have placed temporary nasal packing inside your nose to support the newly opened sinus passages and to absorb excess fluid while your tissues heal. Dissolvable nasal packing from Medtronic can help your sinuses heal faster after surgery¹ and is gradually absorbed by your body within a few weeks. (Traditional nasal packing has to be removed at a follow-up visit and can stick to the tissue inside your nose, which can make it painful to remove.)

DAILY LIFE AFTER SINUS SURGERY

Once your nose and sinuses finish healing, you should be able to resume your normal activity level. The results of surgery are never guaranteed, however. It’s possible that your symptoms may improve after sinus surgery, or you may still need some kind of medical therapy to manage your symptoms after surgery. Your doctor can provide more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions about functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinus surgery (BSS)? Your question may be answered in the FAQ.

Sinusitis Information | Mount Sinai

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Chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

When can we talk about chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses?

First, the obvious symptoms of chronic sinus inflammation include pressure in the forehead, eyes, maxillary sinuses, the back of the head, and long-term yellow-green nasal discharge for 2–3 weeks despite optimal therapy. Secondly, when there are several inflammations per year and it is not possible to remove the lingering symptoms of the disease.

A special form of inflammation, the so-called polyps in the nose, are the result of overgrowth of the nasal mucosa and lead to great discomfort – difficulty breathing through the nose.

What treatments are there?

If the patient has bacterial inflammation, then it should be accompanied by antibiotic therapy. Decongestant nasal drops should be used only during an exacerbation of no longer than one week, so as not to cause an addictive effect.

Nasal preparations containing cortisone have only a local effect and do not enter the body, show a good effect with prolonged treatment for several weeks.

In isolated cases, such as, for example, pronounced polyps in the nose, oral administration of tablets containing cortisone may be required. In this case, in parallel, it is necessary to carry out antiallergic therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.

In what cases is the surgical treatment of the paranasal sinuses advisable?

If the aforementioned therapeutic measures do not bring the desired result and the inflammatory symptoms persist, then the patient needs surgery.

Today, in most cases, microsurgical endoscopic operations are performed in the nasal cavity, and only in a few special cases an incision is required.

For each patient, an individual approach is provided in the choice of surgical treatment, the purpose of which is to maximize the protection of the nasal mucosa.

What is the advantage of a computer-assisted navigation system?

With the help of this technology, a three-dimensional model of the image is produced on the basis of a previously made computed tomography of the sinuses, which is transferred to an additional screen during the operation.

This 3D model is adjusted to the patient by comparing the reference marks on the surface of the face by feeling with the sensor. In this way, the surgeon can determine the location of the surgical instruments during the operation.

This circumstance serves as a “safety net” to the surgeon’s anatomical knowledge, helps to avoid postoperative complications and to carry out more precise surgical interventions.

Due to the above advantages of the system, doctors are increasingly using this method.

What is the length of hospital stay and recovery period?

A hospital stay usually takes 1 to 2 days. Immediately after surgery, nasal breathing may be difficult, which is caused by the formation of a crust in the area of ​​the wound.If necessary, these crusts are removed by a surgeon under local anesthesia.

The recovery period takes up to 2 weeks, during which time the patient is on sick leave. For 10-14 days after the operation, the patient is not recommended to travel by air.

In what other cases is this method of ENT surgery used?

Navigational surgery is also successfully used in operations on the anterior and lateral base of the skull, as well as in combined neurosurgical interventions.

90,000 prices in St. Petersburg – clinic of Dr. KORENCHENKO

Anomalies in the structure of the bones of the internal nose are a fairly common ENT pathology. There are many variants of anomalies. And one of them is the bulla of the turbinate (“Concha bullosa”), caused by the dystopia of the ethmoid cells. The only truly effective treatment option for such a pathology is resection. This operation allows you to quickly restore the patency of the nasal passage and eliminate the cause of chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Small bullae of the nose can become an accidental diagnostic finding when examining a patient for any ENT disease, if they have not previously led to functional disorders and have not become inflamed.

Formations of significant size can be pressed into the lateral wall of the inner nose and push the nasal septum sideways. This leads to disruption of the normal circulation of inhaled air, difficulty in the outflow and aeration of the paranasal sinuses and thereby contributes to the development of inflammation in them.Therefore, the removal of large nasal bulla is the prevention of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane and suppuration of the contents of the bulla is a risk factor for the development of ethmoiditis. The defeat of the ethmoid labyrinth is fraught with the involvement of periorbital tissue and meninges in the pathological process, generalization of the infection and thrombophlebitis of the veins of the head.

When is the nose bulla surgery performed?

Bullae of the nose are not able to spontaneously decrease in size.The only way to eliminate the existing breathing disorder is to remove the bubble along with part of the altered shell. The indications for resection of the bulla are:

• persistent breathing disorder due to significant narrowing and deformation of the nasal cavity;
• chronic sinusitis not amenable to conservative therapy, if the dysfunction of the fistulas of the paranasal sinuses is associated with bullous transformation of the shell;
• purulent inflammation of the bulla of the nose;
• All forms of chronic rhinitis caused by constant irritation of the nasal mucosa by bullous walls.

Removal of a bulla in the nose is carried out only if indicated. In all other cases, the doctor chooses expectant tactics, assessing in dynamics the size and condition of the bullous shell.

How is a nasal bulla removed?

In our clinic, preference is given to the modern minimally invasive method of removing the bulla. In this case, the manipulation is carried out on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia and under the control of an endoscope. The intervention consists in mechanical destruction of the walls of the vesicle (bulla) and excision of the altered turbinate, using a surgical laser.

A competently performed operation does not lead to the formation of synechiae and allows you to restore nasal breathing as quickly as possible, and the use of high-tech equipment significantly reduces the recovery period.

Preparation for surgery is minimal and includes only the delivery of laboratory tests. In our clinic, the operation to remove the nasal bulla lasts from 30 to 40 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.The intervention is exclusively intranasal, after it there are no external manifestations in the form of hematomas (bruises) on the face. The next day, the patient needs to visit the clinic for a postoperative examination, then the patient has the right to see a doctor for free throughout the year.

After this operation, the patient immediately returns to his normal life.

The following restrictions are recommended after surgery:

• Reduce active physical activity for 1 week
• for 2 weeks a ban on visiting the pool, baths, saunas
• if a flight is planned, then it is possible 7 days after the operation

ENT clinic of doctor Korenchenko

ENT clinic of doctor Korenchenko + 78124218321

St. Petersburg Novocherkassky pr., 33 building 2, section 1

2018-10-31
2021-07-30

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Treatment after surgery on the paranasal sinuses in the sanatorium Staraya Russa

Treatment after surgery on the paranasal sinuses in the sanatorium Staraya Russa

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Treatment of postoperative consequences is carried out in a hospital and is reduced to the removal of crusts and suction of fluid from the nasal cavity. In addition, procedures are performed to moisturize the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infections.

Since the process of healing and restoration of mucous membranes takes place for a long time, for patients who have undergone sinus surgery, it is recommended to undergo a rehabilitation period in a sanatorium. In sanatoriums, a number of measures are taken to promote the speedy recovery of the patient. For example, physical therapy, which includes procedures such as inhalation, ultra-high frequency (UHF) therapy, helium-neon laser treatment, and others.In addition, a special daily regimen and diet are developed for those who are on sanatorium treatment for the speedy recovery of the body after the operation.

Contraindications:

• All diseases of the ear, throat, nose in the acute stage and the stage of exacerbation, complicated by acute purulent processes.
• Chronic epi- and mesotympanitis.
• General contraindications, excluding referrals to resorts and local sanatoriums.

Treatment results

Rehabilitation after such operations must necessarily take place under the supervision of a doctor.Only a specialist will be able to prescribe the correct treatment that will promote a speedy recovery and control the healing process.

Consequences of not being treated

Home rehabilitation can lead to complications and relapse.

The condition after operations on the paranasal sinuses involves the development of edema of the mucous membrane and the formation of plaque in the sinuses.There is also a blockage of the sinuses with residual blood. Such consequences require special restorative therapy in order to avoid complications.

90,000 Nasal diseases, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses in adults, treatment of the paranasal sinuses

Diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses are a common reason for contacting an ENT doctor.According to statistics, every person suffers from rhinitis (runny nose) at least once a year. But there are many other diagnoses that are associated with the nasal cavity and give the patient unpleasant sensations. Diseases of the nose can be congenital, traumatic, or infectious. And each of them requires competent treatment, since many of them threaten the development of serious complications. Read about the diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses in our new article.

The nose is an important human organ.When we talk about the nose, we represent the visible part of it. However, the nasal cavity has a more complex structure. It is conventionally divided into two parts by a nasal septum. The nasal cavity consists of three turbinates, between which the nasal passages are located. The entire nasal cavity is lined with a mucous membrane.

Even in the face of the skull, there are special air cavities – the paranasal (paranasal) sinuses (or otherwise – sinuses), which communicate with the nasal cavity through small openings – anastomosis.

A person has four types of paranasal sinuses: maxillary (they are also maxillary), frontal, wedge-shaped and cells of the ethmoid labyrinth.

Like any other organ, the nasal cavity and sinuses are susceptible to disease.

What diagnoses are attributed to diseases of the nose and sinuses, and what treatment will help in this or that case? In our new article, we will analyze the causes, symptoms and treatment of diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Functions of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

The human nose performs a number of important functions:

• respiratory – one of the most important for humans;
• warming and humidifying the inhaled air, due to which the air reaches the lungs in an optimal state for the body;
• protective – the nasal mucosa is lined with ciliary epithelium.With the help of the mucus produced by it, foreign particles and pathogens that have fallen on the surface of the mucous membrane “stick” to it and are removed from the body along with the mucous masses. The movement of mucus is carried out through the movement of the cilia.
• participation in the formation of the voice.

The paranasal sinuses also play a significant role in the human body: they lighten the weight of the skull, participate in warming and humidifying the air, soften the blow during injuries (according to the principle of the airbag), and also participate in the formation of the timbre of the voice.

From this, it can be concluded that the nasal cavity and sinuses are organs on which not only the normal functioning of the organs of the human respiratory system depends, but also the state of the body as a whole. Therefore, any failures in their correct work greatly affect the quality of life. But diseases associated with the nose and sinuses are not at all uncommon.

According to medical statistics, diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses are one of the most common reasons for consulting an otorhinolaryngologist.Suffice it to recall the fact that, probably, every person, without exception, at least once a year complains of a runny nose and nasal congestion.

Every year the number of people suffering from these diseases is growing inexorably. This is due to the unfavorable environmental situation and the desire of the sick to self-medicate. Diseases of the paranasal sinuses and diseases of the nose need competent treatment by an ENT doctor. Any disease, if not treated in time or treated incorrectly, can become chronic or lead to serious complications.

Diseases of the nose: varieties

Diseases of the nasal cavity can be conditionally divided into several groups, based on their causes: congenital, traumatic, infectious and neoplasms.

Congenital diseases, as the name implies, are those diseases and pathologies with which a person was born, for example, a deviated nasal septum, too narrow nasal passages and other structural anomalies. Not all such diagnoses require treatment: for example, in the case when the nasal septum is not the cause of inflammatory diseases and does not affect human health.Most congenital diseases require surgical treatment.

Traumatic diseases occur on the background of trauma and mechanical damage to the nose. Broken bones must be repaired by an ENT doctor within the first five days. If it is tightened with treatment, the bones will begin to heal incorrectly. Even if the bones are intact after injury, consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist is necessary in any case, since severe tissue edema or hematoma may occur.

Neoplasms are benign and malignant tumors of the nasal cavity.These include such diagnoses as: angiomas, papillomas, fibromas, polyps, sarcomas, cancer. In the case of these diseases, the sooner the diagnosis is made and the treatment is carried out, the more favorable the prognosis for recovery.

The most extensive and common group of diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses are inflammatory infectious diseases.

The cause of inflammation in this case is bacteria, viruses or fungi. The most common infectious diseases include rhinitis and sinusitis.We will dwell on them in more detail.

Infectious diseases of the nose: diagnosis and treatment

The most common disease is rhinitis. This diagnosis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Each of us met with him: in everyday life we ​​usually use another name for it – a runny nose. The most common causative agent of rhinitis is viruses or bacteria. It is with a cold that the well-known ARVI begins. Rhinitis also accompanies measles, diphtheria, flu, tuberculosis.

Rhinitis can be allergic – it, in turn, is subdivided into seasonal and year-round. Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens (pollen, pet hair, dust, etc.).

The classic symptoms of the disease are profuse discharge from the nasal cavity, congestion, decreased sense of smell.

If the acute form of rhinitis is left untreated, it becomes chronic. The symptoms of a chronic illness are less intense than those of an acute illness, but they torment the patient for a long time.The most common form of chronic rhinitis is vasomotor rhinitis. The disease is manifested by an inadequate reaction of the body to some factors (cold air, taking vasoconstrictor drops, etc.), as a result of which the mucous membrane swells, and the patient suffers from constant nasal congestion.

Effective treatment of the disease is prescribed by the ENT doctor. It includes drug therapy, nasal debridement and physiotherapy. Chronic nasal diseases are more difficult to treat.For example, some forms of vasomotor rhinitis are treated only with surgery.

The diagnosis “sinusitis” is a collective name for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses is called sinusitis, inflammation of the frontal sinuses is called frontal sinusitis, sphenoid sinus is called sphenoiditis, and the cells of the ethmoid labyrinth is called ethmoiditis.

Sinuses are usually inflamed due to bacterial activation. The fistulas swell during inflammation, the mucous masses cannot leave the sinuses, they accumulate in them, pus appears.Signs of the disease – congestion, a feeling of fullness, pain in the sinus area. At the same time, the general state of health is very deteriorating. The signs of a chronic disease are not so intense, and intensify during periods of exacerbation. Sinusitis is dangerous because of its complications. In the absence of proper treatment, the disease can lead to the spread of pus to nearby organs and tissues, including the brain, causing meningitis. Treatment of the paranasal sinuses is a must! Typically, it includes antibiotic therapy, in-clinic sinus lavage and physiotherapy.

The diagnosis by the signs of the disease is made by the ENT doctor after the diagnostic measures taken. As a rule, it is not difficult for an experienced otorhinolaryngologist to identify inflammation of the nose and other diseases of the nasal cavity.

If you are worried about congestion, difficulty with nasal breathing, discharge from the nasal passages, bleeding and problems with smelling, make an appointment at the ENT clinic of Doctor Zaitsev by phone: +7 (495) 642-45-25 and +7 (926 ) 384-40-04. Our highly qualified otorhinolaryngologists will determine the cause of the unpleasant condition and prescribe effective treatment.

Come – we will definitely help you!

Always yours, Doctor Zaitsev.