8 Ways to Sleep Better With Sinus Pain and Congestion

Not sleeping well affects both your body and your mood, but when you have sinus pain and congestion, getting a good night’s sleep may be easier said than done. Sinusitis, often referred to as a sinus infection, occurs when there is swelling in the nasal sinuses and passages. You may experience symptoms like pressure around the nose, eyes, or forehead, a stuffed-up nose, and thick mucus. Some people also report tooth pain with sinusitis. If you have allergies, you may be at greater risk for sinus trouble, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

“There are many reasons that sinus pain and congestion get worse at night,” says Jordan S. Josephson, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and the author of Sinus Relief Now. “One is that allergies tend to be worse at night, and two is that when you lie down, your nose becomes more congested.” But this doesn’t mean you should give up on a good night’s sleep. Instead, try these expert-approved tips to help you sleep better despite sinus pain and congestion:

1. Take an antihistamine before bed. If you have allergies, taking an antihistamine before bed can help control your sneezing and runny nose, Dr. Josephson says. Some antihistamines make you sleepy in addition to keeping allergy symptoms at bay, so it’s a win-win. “If you use a nasal spray for your allergies, you can try using that at night, too,” adds Satish Govindaraj, MD, an associate professor of otolaryngology and neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
2. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone. Allergies can make sinus pain and congestion worse. “If you have an allergy to dust mites or to pets, keep your bedroom as free from allergens as possible,” Dr. Govindaraj says. “Keep your pet out of the bedroom, and consider investing in dust-proof covers for your pillows and comforters.”
3. Prop up your head. “For congestion relief, sleep with your head elevated on a few pillows and maintain a position where your head is above your heart,” Govindaraj suggests. “This will decrease blood flow pooling in the nose.” Lying flat, by contrast, allows mucus to build up in your sinuses, where it can clog your nasal passages and disrupt sleep.
4. Skip that nightcap. You may think that a glass of wine before you turn in will help with sleep, but that’s a myth — especially if you have sinus pain and congestion. “Alcohol can make you feel congested, especially wine,” Govindaraj says. “If you are prone to sinus pain or congestion, don’t drink alcohol before bed.” Alcohol can also leave you feeling dehydrated, which can aggravate sinus pain.
5. Avoid caffeine before bed. This is especially important, Josephson says. Caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you awake, so it makes sense to cut it off before 2 p.m. Also, caffeine is dehydrating, so it will make your sinus pain and congestion worse. Instead, choose water or decaffeinated and herbal teas in the afternoon and evening to quench your thirst.
6. Keep nasal passages moist. During the day, use a simple over-the-counter nasal saline spray to keep nasal passages clear, or rinse your sinuses with a neti pot, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery suggests. “At night, using a humidifier can help to avoid drying out the air, especially during the winter,” says Sam S. Rizk, MD, a New York City-based ear, nose, and throat doctor and facial plastic surgeon.
7. Keep your bedroom cool and dark. This is good advice for anyone with problems sleeping, including people with sinus pain. Other sleep hygiene tips from the National Sleep Foundation include maintaining a regular bed and wake time (even on weekends), using your bedroom only for sleep and sex, and avoiding any stressful activities before bed.
8. Know when to call the doctor. “If you have severe congestion and sinus pain for a week or more and have an accompanying fever, you should see an otolaryngologist [an ear, nose, and throat specialist] because it could be a sign that you have a sinus infection that requires more aggressive treatment,” Dr. Rizk says. A combination of non-surgical medical treatments is often needed to manage sinusitis, according to guidelines updated in 2015 by the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Analgesics, topical intranasal steroids, nasal saline irrigation, or a combination of these treatments may help, note the guidelines, published in the journal Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery in April 2015. Getting appropriate treatment may boost your overall well-being, too. A decline in productivity can afflict people dealing with sinus pain and congestion, but one study found that, with treatment, participants maintained the ability to be productive in day-to-day life — one of many factors that can affect people’s quality of life. The findings were published in 2015 in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. Talk to your doctor about the treatment that would be best for you.

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How To Sleep With Sinusitis | Sinusitis and Sleep

If you’ve ever suffered from sinusitis or nasal congestion at night, you’ll understand the misery it causes. Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to thick nasal mucus, pain in your face and a splitting headache, among other symptoms. During the day the pain can be extremely uncomfortable, but it’s sleeping with a blocked nose or sinus infection that can cause you real problems. In this blog post we’re looking at how to sleep with sinusitis and dealing with nasal congestion at night.

The stages of a sinus infection

Before we get started, the diagram below demonstrates the stages of a sinus infection, so you can have a clearer understanding of why you might be sleeping with a blocked nose.

Advice on how to sleep with sinusitis

Is your nose blocked at night? Whether your sinusitis and nasal congestion at night is caused by infection, allergies such as pollen, pet hair or dust mite allergy, or environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke or air pollution, here are some of the things you can do to help when you’re struggling to relieve symptoms and sleeping with a blocked nose. Find out how to sleep with sinusitis, and how to clear a stuffy nose while sleeping below.

How to sleep with a stuffy nose

If you’re struggling with nasal congestion at night, it can make for a miserable few hours of tossing and turning, and it’s no surprise that lying down in bed increases the problem. When you’re on your back, the mucus will collect in your sinuses, causing increased pressure in an already tender area. So what is the best sleeping position for sinus drainage? By lifting your head with an extra pillow, you’ll find that this will relieve sinusitis, as gravity will run its course and help to drain the mucus, letting you breathe more easily.

If you’re still unsure on how to sleep with a stuffy nose and an extra pillow tends to give you a stiff neck, why not try our Chatsworth or Organic Washable Wool Pillows? You can increase the firmness by adding extra wool balls of stuffing to give your head a bit more of a lift.

How to sleep with a stuffy nose? Start by preparing yourself before bed.

Sleeping with a blocked nose or sinusitis is never easy, but there are a few things you can try in the run up to bedtime to make sure that you’re not too congested to sleep. Find out how to clear a stuffy nose while sleeping with our top tips:

• Keep your nasal passages moist: Create a steam bath by filling a bowl with boiling water. Put a towel over your head and breath in the steam for 5-15 minutes. Add eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the water to help soothe and open up your nasal passages to make sleeping with a blocked nose that little bit easier.

TOP TIP: Avoid using menthol oil as it can cause further sinusitis and sleep issues, including swelling and irritation.

• Blow your nose gently before bed: Try not to blow repeatedly and aggressively, as you will find it irritates the nasal passages and can make the problem worse.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can reduce the discomfort of having your nose blocked at night by helping to stop the mucus from becoming too thick.
• Tackle allergies: One of the most common reasons for sinusitis and other kinds of sinus pain is a dust mite allergy, or sensitivity to other microbes or fungal spores, especially during the winter months. These allergens like to live in your bedding, mattress and other soft furnishings, causing a stuffy nose and breathing issues when you’re shut in a room with them overnight.

 

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What’s the best bedding for sleeping with a blocked nose?

If you struggle with dust mite allergy or nasal congestion at night, try switching your synthetic bedding out for wool duvets and pillows. Wool bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, and capable of wicking moisture and humidity away into the atmosphere – making it a hostile environment for dust mites and other allergens. This makes it the perfect choice if you’re wondering how to sleep with sinusitis or a stuffy nose caused by a common household allergen.

More tips on how to sleep with sinusitis

Knowing how to sleep with sinusitis can be troublesome. But don’t forget, it’s worth trying out some of our more general tips to help you sleep better at night – these should help you get better quality sleep, and help you settle quicker after your head hits the pillow. After all, you’ll try anything when you’re battling with the pain of sinusitis. For more information on how to sleep with a stuffy nose visit our Sleep Health & Advice hub for information on allergies at night or the best bedding for allergies. Nose blocked at night? Browse our full range of wool bedding by clicking the image below.

Complications that may occur in the treatment of sinusitis

Complications in the treatment of sinusitis can be serious and may occur if not properly treated. It is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow his recommendations to prevent negative consequences. The article describes the types and causes of complications in sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a disease that occurs as a result of inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis symptoms may include: runny nose, nasal congestion, pain in the forehead and cheeks, headache, etc. Sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics and other treatments. However, despite successful treatment, complications can occur.

One of the complications is the development of an abscess. An abscess is a collection of purulent fluid in tissues. The development of an abscess can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia and sepsis.

Another complication is vision problems. Adults who have had sinusitis as children may be more prone to vision problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. This is because sinusitis can cause damage to the optic nerve.

Another complication is the spread of infection. If an infection due to sinusitis is not properly treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain, and even bones. This can lead to serious health problems.

Complications of sinusitis treatment

Recurrent sinusitis: Sinusitis treatment may not be beneficial when the disease persists even after the use of antibiotics, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also possible that symptoms will recur some time after the end of treatment, even after complete recovery.

Infection migration: if sinusitis is not completely cured, the infection can spread to other parts of the body such as the eyes, nose, ears, bones and even the brain, which is extremely dangerous. This can lead to various complications, such as meningitis or septic shock.

Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions, ranging from mild allergies to anaphylactic shock, can sometimes occur with the use of antibiotics. In addition, some anti-inflammatory drugs can cause stomach irritation or even ulcers. These reactions are short-lived but life-threatening.

Tissue death: with ineffective treatment, complications may develop. Some types of sinusitis can lead to tissue death, which can cause permanent damage to the internal structure of the nose or face. This condition requires immediate medical intervention, but unfortunately it may not be possible to repair the affected tissue and eliminate the aesthetic consequences.

Diet and lifestyle restrictions: Treatment of sinusitis may require lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or changing your daily routine. This may be a forced measure, but may lead to difficulties for patients who are accustomed to certain conditions of their lives.

Recurrent sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is a disease that occurs after the primary sinusitis has been successfully treated or has not been properly treated. Although recurrent sinusitis can be caused by a number of factors, in most cases it is due to remaining infectious agents or insufficient drainage of the sinuses.

Recurrent sinusitis can also be caused by allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, immunodeficiency conditions, or other factors that cause chronic inflammation in the nose and paranasal sinuses.

One of the first symptoms of recurrent sinusitis is the recovery of the main symptoms of primary sinusitis, such as headache, swelling and congestion in the nose, general malaise, fever, etc.

In case of repeated sinusitis, it is necessary to carry out a deeper examination and complex treatment, including not only antibiotic therapy and local treatment, but also the correction of a group of diseases that contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the nose and paranasal sinuses.

To prevent recurrent sinusitis, it is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, treat all respiratory diseases correctly and in a timely manner, and regularly take preventive measures related to strengthening the immune system.

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Maxillary sinus abscess is a complication of acute or chronic sinusitis, which is characterized by the formation of a purulent focus in the maxillary sinus. An abscess can develop quickly, over a few days, or gradually over several weeks.

Symptoms of a maxillary sinus abscess may include sharp pain in the brow bone, lower eye socket, or nose, swelling and redness of the skin on the face, fever, headache, blurred vision, and weakness.

Techniques such as MRI, computed tomography, X-ray, and maxillary sinus puncture can be used to diagnose a maxillary sinus abscess.

Treatment of a maxillary sinus abscess may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, nasopharyngeal irrigation, abscess puncture, and, if necessary, surgery.

Important: If you notice symptoms of a maxillary sinus abscess, be sure to see a doctor. It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the development of complications and maintain health.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. It occurs as a complication of untimely or incorrectly treated acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is accompanied by impaired mucus secretion, which leads to impaired drainage in the sinuses and painful sensations when breathing through the nose.

Causes of chronic sinusitis include allergic reactions, diseases of the immune system, chronic diseases of the nose and mouth, bacterial and fungal infections, and disturbed breathing during sleep, which can cause the mucus in the sinuses to dry out.

Chronic sinusitis can lead to serious consequences, including pressure on the eyes and brain, infection of the blood, and osteomyelitis. Therefore, at the first signs of prolonged inflammation, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

• Symptoms of chronic sinusitis:
• Nasal congestion for 3-4 weeks;
• Coryza with thick dressing;
• Pain in forehead, eyes, upper jaw;
• Bad breath;
• Decreased sense of smell and taste;
• Drowsiness and fatigue.

Chronic sinusitis is treated with medication, surgery, and physiotherapy, such as nasal irrigation, moisturizing, and vapor inhalation. It is important not to delay the treatment of the disease and follow the correct prevention of sinusitis.

Osteomyelitis of the facial bone

Osteomyelitis of the facial bone is one of the most dangerous complications in the treatment of sinusitis. This is a serious disease that can lead to the destruction of bone tissue in the face.

Osteomyelitis may occur due to infection of the sinus walls. Viruses, bacteria and fungi can enter the bones of the face through the sharp walls of the sinus and cause an inflammatory process.

Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include high fever, pain in the face, swelling, redness of the skin on the face, purulent discharge from the nose, headache and general weakness.

Treatment of osteomyelitis of the facial bone is long-term and may include antibiotics, sinus lavage, surgery, and other methods. Early detection of osteomyelitis and prompt treatment can help prevent bone destruction and any serious complications.

Periorbital abscess

Periorbital abscess is a serious complication of sinusitis in which an abscess forms in the area around the eye, which can lead to blurred vision and a wide range of other possible complications.

With this complication, patients may experience severe pain in the eye, swelling of the eyelids and face, fever, headache, and difficulty opening the eye.

To prevent this complication, it is necessary to properly treat sinusitis in the initial stage. If a periorbital abscess is suspected, a doctor should be consulted.

Treatment may include antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage of the abscess. In the absence of timely and correct treatment, a periorbital abscess can lead to serious complications, such as phlebitis, sepsis, meningitis, and even loss of vision.

Therefore, it is important to never neglect the symptoms of sinusitis and to see a doctor in time to prevent possible complications.

Intracranial complication

Intracranial complication is a serious complication that can occur during the treatment of sinusitis. It is associated with the spread of infection to the meninges and can lead to severe poisoning of the body.

The symptoms of intracranial complications are very serious and may include headache, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, depression of consciousness and even convulsions. In such a situation, every minute counts, rapid diagnosis and treatment are needed.

Intracranial complications should only be treated by a doctor in the severe trauma unit. Antibiotics are prescribed for treatment, and surgery is also performed to remove the accumulation of purulent fluid, if necessary.

An intracranial complication can be prevented if the rules and terms of sinusitis treatment are followed. Undertreated sinusitis is the most common cause of this complication. In acute sinusitis, it is important not to waste time and seek help from a doctor.

To prevent sinusitis, it is necessary to regularly take care of the nasal cavity, prevent contact with infected people, strengthen the immune system with vitamins, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Meningitis

Meningitis is one of the most dangerous complications in the treatment of sinusitis. It is an inflammatory disease of the meninges that protect the brain and spinal cord. It can occur when bacteria or viruses from the sinuses enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, including the meninges.

Meningitis is accompanied by severe symptoms, including headache, vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness and nervous system disturbance. If left untreated, it can lead to disability or even death.

People with sinusitis should seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of meningitis. Prompt and effective treatment can prevent serious complications and save the patient’s life.

The least likely to get meningitis in people who follow the recommendations of doctors and treat sinusitis on time. But despite this, it is important to consider that meningitis can be a dangerous complication and therefore it is important to monitor your health and consult a doctor if suspicious symptoms occur.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious complication that can occur in the treatment of sinusitis, especially if it remains untreated and progresses.

Sepsis is a dangerous condition that occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body through the blood. This can lead to serious consequences such as organ damage, coma, and even death.

The main signs of sepsis include high fever, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and general deterioration.

Sepsis requires immediate medical attention because its treatment includes the prompt and effective use of antibiotics and other medical procedures.

It is important to understand that sepsis is an extremely dangerous complication with serious consequences, and therefore it is extremely important to seek medical attention immediately if you have signs of its development.

Pneumoencephalitis

Pneumoencephalitis is a rare but very serious complication of sinusitis that can lead to death of the patient. It occurs when an infection spreads to the brain and causes inflammation of the meninges or brain.

Symptoms of pneumoencephalitis may include headache, severe weakness, incoordination, vomiting, convulsions, and even loss of consciousness. This complication is quite rare, but can occur in people with weak immunity, as well as in patients who have not received timely and adequate treatment for sinusitis.

Treatment of pneumoencephalitis includes hospital treatment in the infectious disease ward, antibiotic therapy, treatment of symptoms, and supportive care. It is very important to seek medical attention promptly if you notice any symptoms of pneumoencephalitis, as this can save your life.

As in the case of other complications of sinusitis, the prevention of pneumoencephalitis consists in the timely and adequate treatment of sinusitis, as well as in strengthening the immune system and observing hygiene rules.

In any case, if you suspect a sinus infection complication, be sure to see a doctor and get the necessary treatment. Don’t ignore the symptoms and don’t treat yourself.

Inclusion of fluid into the lung

One possible complication in the treatment of sinusitis is the incorporation of fluid into the lung. This occurs when uncontrolled secretion of mucus from the nose enters the respiratory tract and clogs the lung alveoli. Sometimes this can be caused by improper treatment, when the patient is not prescribed an antibiotic or the treatment takes too long.

This complication is accompanied by high fever, noisy breathing and a debilitating cough. If treatment is not started on time, fluid retention in the lungs can occur, which can be dangerous and lead to serious breathing problems.

How to identify such a complication? If the patient has symptoms of fluid retention in the lungs, then it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He will prescribe an examination that will include fluorography, x-rays and other diagnostic methods. Doctors usually prescribe a course of antibiotics, mucolytics, and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat fluid retention in the lungs.

1. If you suffer from sinusitis for too long, be sure to consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.
2. Maintain hygiene and room conditions to prevent infection.
3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if symptoms occur, as delay can lead to serious consequences.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are very similar to those of the common cold: runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and headache. However, after prolonged treatment with a cold, the symptoms do not disappear, but intensify.

Allergic rhinitis can be caused by a variety of allergens such as pollen, dust, lint, or just a change in the weather. It can affect anyone, but children and teenagers are most commonly affected.

If you notice symptoms of allergic rhinitis, be sure to consult an otolaryngologist. Diagnosis of the disease can be based on a patient interview and a series of allergic tests.

• Allergic rhinitis is often treated with antihistamines, which primarily inhibit the release of histamine, a substance released during allergic manifestations.
• In addition, your doctor may recommend drugs that constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa.
• It is important to avoid contact with the allergen. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a thorough study of each case and identify the cause of the disease.

In any case, at the first signs of allergic rhinitis, you should immediately contact the clinic in order to avoid possible complications.

Recurrent sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent flare-ups occurring more than twice a year. It occurs with frequent recurrences of acute sinusitis or adverse environmental conditions.

Reinfection can occur not only due to improper treatment of acute sinusitis. Symptoms of the disease can also occur due to hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa, smoking, allergies and other causes. Recurrent sinusitis can significantly impair a person’s quality of life, so it is important to correctly diagnose and treat this pathology.

In addition to common symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache and fever, recurrent sinusitis causes additional problems. Some of them can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious complications. For example, there may be increased pressure in the nose, which adversely affects vision and hearing. There may also be epistaxis, swelling of the face, soreness in the cheeks and teeth.

• Thus, the treatment of recurrent sinusitis requires an integrated approach. After the diagnosis of the disease, antibiotics, vasoconstrictor drugs, mucolytics and other medicines are used to help eliminate the symptoms of inflammation and open the airways.
• It is important to understand that without preventive measures and treatment, sinusitis relapses can occur quite often and lead to dangerous diseases.

Therefore, to prevent the recurrence of sinusitis, it is necessary to take measures to strengthen the immune system, monitor the purity of the air, avoid smoking and reduce contact with allergens.

Acute otitis media

Acute otitis media is an inflammation of the ear that can occur as a complication of sinusitis as a result of infection in the ear. Acute otitis media is accompanied by severe pain in the ear, hearing loss and fever.

Diagnosis of acute otitis is carried out on the basis of the results of a medical examination of the ear, as well as a general analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used for treatment.

Complications of acute otitis can be very serious. Uncontrolled infection can lead to the destruction of the auditory ossicles and nerves, impaired CSF flow and the development of meningitis.

• At the first symptoms of acute otitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo a full treatment.
• Self-treatment attempts can lead to a worsening of the situation and the development of complications.

To avoid complications of acute otitis media, good personal hygiene is essential, including properly cleaning the ears and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

Leukocytosis and eosinophilia

Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood, which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. With sinusitis, white blood cells may increase due to the body’s fight against infection.

Eosinophilia is an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood. Eosinophils play an important role in the regulation of the immune system. They can be activated during allergic reactions and tissue inflammation. Patients with sinusitis may experience eosinophilia due to an allergic reaction to the allergens that cause the disease.

The presence of leukocytosis or eosinophilia may indicate the severity of the disease and is one of the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. Also, in the presence of leukocytosis or eosinophilia, the doctor may decide that a more in-depth medical examination is necessary.

Atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis is a complication that may occur in the treatment of sinusitis. This is a disease of the nasal mucosa, in which its gradual and irreversible thin transformation occurs.

The main symptom of atrophic rhinitis is an unpleasant smell from the nose, which appears due to stratification of the mucous membrane. Patients also experience frequent crusting and severe dryness of the nasal cavity.

In the treatment of sinusitis, vasoconstrictor drugs are actively used, which can aggravate atrophic rhinitis. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, it is urgent to contact a specialist who will prescribe an effective treatment and help avoid complications.

Methods of treatment of atrophic rhinitis

Method	Description
Hygiene measures 902 82	Regular moistening of the nasal cavity with special sprays and drops, frequent rinsing of the nose and mouth.
Antimicrobial use	Antibacterials help prevent inflammation and further mucosal destruction.
Surgical intervention	Indicated in cases where conservative methods fail and the progression of the disease reaches a critical stage.

Complications during surgical treatment

Damage to the eyeball. During surgery to open the frontal sinus, there may be a risk of damage to the eyeball. This is due to the fact that the sinus is in close proximity to the orbit. The risk of this complication is greatly increased if the patient has an anatomical feature, such as a deformity of the frontal bone.

Bleeding. Surgery to remove sinusitis can cause bleeding that can be difficult to stop. In some cases, it can lead to severe blood loss and even death of the patient.

Infection. There may be a risk of infection after surgery. This can occur due to the development of a bacterial infection at the site of the wound. In order to avoid this complication, the patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs and thorough wound hygiene is carried out.

Tissue swelling. Surgery may result in tissue swelling that may last for several days. In some cases, the swelling may be so severe that it makes it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Fistulas. There may be a risk of developing fistulas after surgery, i.e. abnormal passages between the sinus and other organs or tissues around it. Fistulas can cause severe pain and are difficult to treat.

Thus, surgical treatment of sinusitis can cause various complications. In order to prevent these risks, it is necessary to contact only qualified specialists and follow all the doctor’s recommendations after the operation.

Impaired sleep and quality of life

Complications of sinusitis are not limited to physical manifestations such as shortness of breath, runny nose, headache or reduced activity. For many patients, busy schedules, missed deadlines, and increased demands at work or school can make normal sleep not only insufficient, but downright impossible.

As a consequence, especially in chronic sinusitis, there is an inability to concentrate on work or study, which leads to decreased productivity and prolonged mental disorders. All this further complicates the life of patients.

Starting with the treatment of sinusitis, proper attention must be paid to sleep regularity and quality of life. It can be physical activity, proper nutrition, or a good night of rest without disturbing sleep. Doctors may also prescribe special medications that can help improve a patient’s sleep and quality of life.

• Healthy sleep is one of the most important aspects of good health, and sinusitis patients cannot afford to neglect it
• Special weekend routines also help restore strength and health
• Many people who suffer from sinusitis report that they sleep better after taking medication

Q&A:

What complications can occur with sinusitis treatment?

Various complications can occur in the treatment of sinusitis, which depend on many factors, including the type of sinusitis, the age of the patient, the presence of comorbidities, etc.

What complications can occur in the treatment of acute sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis can be complicated by infection in the eyes, brain, and other organs, as well as orbital abscess, meningitis, and sepsis.

What complications can occur in the treatment of chronic sinusitis?

In chronic sinusitis, complications can occur in the form of the spread of infection to other parts of the face, as well as the development of polyposis rhinosinusitis, bone necrotic sinusitis, and even malignant tumors.

What complications can occur in the treatment of sinusitis in children?

Complications associated with the treatment of sinusitis in children include orbital and intracerebral abscesses, meningitis and sepsis.

Can sinusitis treatment cause an allergic reaction?

Yes, sinusitis treatment can cause an allergic reaction to the medications used to treat it, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Which drugs can cause side effects in the treatment of sinusitis?

Antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids, and other drugs may be used in the treatment of sinusitis and may cause side effects such as allergic reactions, intestinal dysbiosis, liver damage, etc.

Can self-treatment of sinusitis lead to complications?

Yes, self-treatment of sinusitis can lead to complications in the form of incorrect choice of drugs, insufficient dosage, incorrect diagnosis, etc. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor and get professional help.

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causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – health articles

11/10/2022

Sinusitis is an infectious and inflammatory process affecting the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. May be viral, bacterial, fungal or allergic in nature. Common symptoms that characterize the course of sinusitis include fever, pain in the projection of the paranasal sinuses, difficulty in nasal breathing, serous-purulent discharge from the nose.

Causes

In most cases, the occurrence of sinusitis is caused by allergies or a simple infection – bacterial or viral (ARVI, acute respiratory infections), in more rare cases – mycoplasma or fungal. As a rule, the infection first of all spreads to the nasal mucosa (rhinitis), after which it affects the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses (rhinosinusitis).

The main point in the progression of sinusitis is the blockage of the channel through which the sinus cavity communicates with the nasal cavity. Such blockage usually occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa, accompanying rhinitis and runny nose. After a blockage has occurred, the air from the isolated paranasal sinus is replaced by an inflammatory fluid in which the bacteria that cause inflammation multiply. Based on this, we can say that an important condition for the treatment of sinusitis is the normalization of adequate communication between the nasal cavity and the cavity of the inflamed paranasal sinus.

In some cases, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, adenoids, chronic tonsillitis or rhinitis, caries may be the likely cause of frequent exacerbations of sinusitis.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms depends on the type, form and extent of the disease. Manifestations of sinusitis are local and general.

General signs: weakness, weakness, fatigue; fever: in acute sinusitis, a febrile temperature is noted (up to 38.9 ⁰ C and above), in chronic – subfebrile, not rising above 37.5 ⁰ C, or normal; loss of appetite; cephalalgia – pain in the head; sleep disturbance.

Local signs characteristic of any type of sinusitis: runny nose with nasal congestion and secretions of a different nature; difficulty in nasal breathing; coughing, sneezing, other manifestations of infection; loss of smell; dryness of the epithelium of the nasal cavity.

Diagnosis

The gold standard for diagnosing sinusitis in adults is the isolation of large numbers of bacteria from the paranasal sinus by puncture.

This test is not recommended for diagnosing sinusitis in children. In children, the diagnosis is based on the manifestations of the disease and ENT examination.

Of the additional methods of examination of the paranasal sinuses, ultrasound, radiography in direct and lateral projection, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance are used. An informative method is endoscopic examination of the paranasal sinuses.

Treatment

First of all, in the treatment of sinusitis, pain sensations are removed, which are very disturbing for the patient. For this, painkillers are prescribed. At the same time, vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed that can stop the outflow of discharge from the nasal passages.

If sinusitis is of bacterial origin, then a whole arsenal of antibiotics is used to treat it. In a severe form of the disease, a three-stage antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

In case of a mild course of the disease, fusafungine is recommended locally by inhalation four times a day for ten days. In this case, systemic antibiotic therapy is not canceled. In chronic sinusitis, the same drugs are prescribed, but in small doses and for a longer period (sometimes therapy may be required for up to six weeks, inclusive).

If the disease is viral, antibiotics do not help, so anti-allergic drugs and anti-adhesion drugs are prescribed.

Among the non-drug measures for the treatment of sinusitis, the following are used:

• therapeutic punctures with probe-needles to diagnose the disease and drain the purulent cavity. Such punctures are carried out every other day. Pus and mucus are washed out of the sinus with a solution of dioxidine, potassium permanganate, miramistin. In the case of frontitis, the sinus is washed every day through a specially installed device
• flushing with a sinus catheter (insertion of a catheter into two nostrils and flushing of the sinuses with a special medicine). Washing is carried out according to the Kozlov-Markov method, which allows you to remove all the pathological discharge from the sinus and place the medicine inside.

As a rule, surgical treatment of sinusitis is resorted to if: antibiotic therapy has not brought results, there is a threat to the patient’s health, fistulas between the sinus and its cavity are blocked, the disease has passed into the chronic stage.