What causes excessive eye watering. How is epiphora diagnosed. What are the treatment options for watery eyes. Can sinus infections affect your eyes. How do sinuses impact eye health. What are the symptoms of sinusitis affecting the eyes. When should you see a doctor for eye watering.

Understanding Epiphora: The Condition of Excessive Eye Watering

Epiphora is a condition characterized by excessive tear production, causing the eyes to appear constantly watery. This can significantly impact daily life, requiring frequent wiping of tears and potentially leading to discomfort and embarrassment. While tear production is a natural and essential process for maintaining eye health, epiphora occurs when this mechanism becomes overactive or when tears cannot drain properly.

Individuals suffering from epiphora may experience additional symptoms, including:

• Yellow discharge from the inner corner of the eye
• Pain or redness in the inner corner of the eye
• Blurred vision
• Irritation and discomfort

Common Causes of Epiphora: From Foreign Objects to Infections

Epiphora can result from various factors, ranging from minor irritants to more serious underlying conditions. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and management of the condition.

Foreign Objects and Eye Irritation

One of the most common causes of temporary epiphora is the presence of foreign objects in the eye. Dust, dirt, or other small particles can cause scratches on the eye’s surface, leading to excessive tearing as a protective mechanism. How does the eye respond to foreign objects? The eye produces more tears to flush out the irritant and soothe any potential damage to the cornea.

Infections and Inflammation

Various types of infections and inflammatory conditions can trigger epiphora. These include:

• Allergies
• Sinus infections
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)

During these conditions, the body’s inflammatory response can lead to increased tear production as a means of protecting and lubricating the eye.

Tear Duct Obstruction

The lacrimal duct, also known as the tear duct, is responsible for draining tears from the eye to the nose. When this duct becomes obstructed, tears cannot drain properly, leading to excessive watering of the eyes. What causes tear duct obstruction? Blockages can result from various factors, including:

• Congenital abnormalities
• Age-related changes
• Trauma to the nasal area
• Infections of the lacrimal system

Improper Eyelid Positioning

The eyelids play a crucial role in distributing tears across the surface of the eye and facilitating proper drainage. Conditions affecting eyelid position or function can contribute to epiphora:

• Ectropion: Outward turning of the eyelid
• Entropion: Inward turning of the eyelid
• Eyelid laxity

These conditions can interfere with the normal flow of tears, leading to excessive watering and potential irritation from misplaced eyelashes.

Diagnosing Epiphora: A Comprehensive Approach

Accurate diagnosis of epiphora is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Eye care professionals employ various diagnostic techniques to identify the underlying cause of excessive tearing.

Clinical Examination

A thorough eye examination is the first step in diagnosing epiphora. This may include:

• Visual acuity testing
• Slit-lamp examination of the eye’s surface and eyelids
• Assessment of tear production and quality
• Evaluation of eyelid position and function

Tear Drainage Testing

To assess the function of the tear drainage system, doctors may perform tests such as:

• Dye disappearance test: Measuring how quickly fluorescent dye clears from the eye
• Irrigation and probing: Examining the patency of the tear ducts

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to evaluate the structure of the tear drainage system and surrounding tissues. These may include:

• Dacryocystography: X-ray imaging of the tear ducts
• CT or MRI scans: Detailed imaging of the sinuses and orbital structures

Treatment Options for Epiphora: Tailored Solutions for Tear Management

The treatment of epiphora varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. A personalized approach is essential for achieving optimal results and improving quality of life for those affected by excessive tearing.

Conservative Treatments

For mild cases or those caused by temporary irritants, conservative treatments may be sufficient:

• Artificial tears to lubricate the eye and reduce irritation
• Warm compresses to improve tear drainage and reduce inflammation
• Gentle massage of the tear ducts to promote drainage

Medical Interventions

When infections or inflammatory conditions are the root cause, medical treatments may be prescribed:

• Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications for allergies or chronic inflammation
• Nasal decongestants for sinus-related epiphora

Surgical Procedures

In cases of structural abnormalities or persistent tear duct obstructions, surgical intervention may be necessary:

• Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): Creating a new tear drainage pathway
• Eyelid surgery: Correcting malpositioned eyelids
• Endoscopic procedures: Addressing sinus-related causes of epiphora

The Connection Between Sinuses and Eye Health: Unraveling the Relationship

The intricate connection between the sinuses and eyes can lead to various ocular symptoms when sinus problems arise. Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehensive eye care and overall health management.

Anatomy of the Sinus-Eye Connection

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located near the eyes and nose. There are four main pairs of sinuses:

• Maxillary sinuses: Located below the eyes
• Ethmoidal sinuses: Between the eyes
• Sphenoidal sinuses: Behind the eyes
• Frontal sinuses: Above the eyes

This close proximity to the eyes means that sinus conditions can directly impact ocular health and function.

Sinusitis and Its Ocular Manifestations

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, can lead to various eye-related symptoms:

• Eye pain or pressure
• Eyelid swelling
• Excessive tearing (epiphora)
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

How does sinusitis affect the eyes? The inflammation and congestion associated with sinusitis can put pressure on the surrounding tissues, including those around the eyes. This pressure can lead to discomfort, altered tear drainage, and changes in vision.

Recognizing Sinus-Related Eye Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Distinguishing between normal eye watering and symptoms that require medical attention is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing potential complications.

Common Sinus-Related Eye Symptoms

Be aware of the following symptoms that may indicate sinus involvement in eye discomfort:

• Pain behind or around the eyes
• Feeling of pressure in the eyes or face
• Persistent eye watering
• Swelling or puffiness around the eyes
• Changes in vision, including blurriness or double vision

Red Flags: When to Consult a Doctor

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe eye pain or pressure
• Sudden changes in vision
• Fever accompanied by eye symptoms
• Persistent symptoms lasting more than a week
• Eye redness with discharge

Why is prompt medical attention important for these symptoms? Early intervention can prevent potential complications, such as vision loss or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Epiphora and Sinus-Related Eye Issues

A comprehensive approach to managing epiphora and sinus-related eye problems can improve overall eye health and quality of life. Incorporating lifestyle changes and preventive measures alongside medical treatments can yield better long-term outcomes.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes in daily habits can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency of episodes:

• Maintaining proper hygiene, including regular hand washing
• Using air purifiers to reduce airborne irritants
• Staying hydrated to promote healthy mucus production
• Avoiding known allergens or irritants

Nutritional Support

Certain dietary choices can support eye and sinus health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation
• Vitamin C and other antioxidants for immune support
• Zinc for promoting wound healing and immune function

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate many health conditions, including those affecting the eyes and sinuses. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in enjoyable hobbies or activities

How does stress management impact eye health? Reducing stress can help balance the body’s inflammatory response, potentially alleviating symptoms related to epiphora and sinus issues.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Epiphora Management

As medical science advances, new treatments and approaches for managing epiphora and related conditions continue to emerge. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope and new options for those struggling with persistent symptoms.

Innovative Surgical Techniques

Advancements in surgical procedures are making treatments more effective and less invasive:

• Microendoscopic techniques for tear duct surgery
• Laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy
• Balloon dacryoplasty for tear duct dilation

Biologic Therapies

Research into biologic treatments shows promise for managing inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes and sinuses:

• Targeted antibody therapies
• Growth factor treatments for tissue regeneration
• Stem cell therapies for lacrimal gland restoration

Personalized Medicine Approaches

The future of epiphora treatment lies in tailored approaches based on individual patient characteristics:

• Genetic testing to identify predispositions to certain conditions
• Biomarker analysis for targeted treatment selection
• AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning

How might personalized medicine change epiphora treatment? By tailoring treatments to an individual’s specific genetic makeup and biomarkers, healthcare providers may be able to offer more effective and efficient interventions, reducing trial and error in treatment selection.

As research continues and new treatments emerge, individuals suffering from epiphora and sinus-related eye issues can look forward to improved management options and potentially better outcomes. Staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers remains crucial for navigating these evolving treatment landscapes and finding the most effective solutions for each unique case.

No More Crying Eyes: What is Epiphora and How Do We Treat It?

Everybody knows that your eyes create tears. They occasionally water to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and free from foreign objects. But what does it mean when your body begins to produce tears excessively? Unfortunately, there might be a serious underlying issue. Excessive eye watering is also known as epiphora, and is a condition where either one or both eyes overproduces tears and makes it appear as if you are constantly crying. This can impact your daily life by forcing you to constantly wipe away tears.

If you suffer from excessive tearing, then you may also be suffering from some of these other symptoms including yellow discharge from the inner corner of the eye and pain or redness in the inner corner of the eye.

What Causes Excessive Tearing?

The symptoms of epiphora can be caused by a variety of things, including infections, irritations or improper eyelid placement.

– Foreign objects:
If a foreign object like dust or dirt enters your eye, it may cause scratches leaving your eye feeling watery and uncomfortable.

– Infections and Inflammation:
Whether you are under the weather from allergies, a sinus infection or other eye related infections, these can all be causes of epiphora. Allergies and infections trigger an inflammatory response in your eye creating excessive tearing to help keep your eye comfortable.

– Tear duct obstruction:
The tear duct, also know as the lacrimal duct, is where your tears drain to your nose. If this becomes obstructed for any reason, your tears are not able to drain properly. This blockage causes the extra water leave as tears rather than drain through your nose.

– Improper eyelid positions
Your eyelid is responsible for pushing the tears across your eye with each blink. If your eyelid is not shaped properly, then it cannot effectively push tears towards the tear duct. If your eyelashes/lid are turned in then they can create more irritation as they move across the eye.

So You Might Have Epiphora? How Can We Help?

Since there are so many possible causes of epiphora, each patient requires a personalized treatment plan. Inflammation and irritation can be treated using antibiotic drops. Rinsing your eye and using a warm compress can also help reduce irritation. To fix tear duct obstructions, an endoscopic procedure is typically necessary.

The key to finally put an end to excessive eye tearing is a personalized treatment plan. The severity and cause of epiphora determines which course of treatment is best for you. At Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, we promote personalized treatment plans. Our rhinologist, Dr. Kuperan, is fellowship trained in performing endoscopic procedures and providing relief to all patients so they can start living their best life again. If you suffer from epiphora, then feel free to contact us for a consultation today at 832-720-6673.

How Do Sinuses Affect Your Eyes?

By Allie Johnson; reviewed by Sonia Kelley, OD, MS

Can a sinus infection affect your eyes?

A sinus infection (sinusitis) can cause pain around your eyes, eyelid swelling and other symptoms that can affect your vision. Get eye pain and vision changes checked out by an eye doctor as soon as possible to avoid vision loss and other eye health issues.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which are hollow spaces near your eyes and nose. The sinuses make mucus, which drains out through your nose. Typically filled with air, sinuses that are blocked fill with fluid. This extra fluid promotes germ growth and the potential development of a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

The maxillary sinuses (below your eyes) are most likely to get infected. A maxillary sinus infection may cause pain below the eyes and in the cheeks. You also have sinuses: 

• Between your eyes (ethmoidal)

• Behind your eyes (sphenoidal) 

• Above your eyes (frontal) 

Infected sinuses may cause you to experience the following symptoms:

A sinus infection may clear up in less than a month with treatment. However, some patients may develop chronic or recurring infections.

Eye symptoms

In addition to eye pain or pain behind the eyes, there are other eye symptoms that may be caused by infection-related sinus pressure. These may include:

• Eye pain – You may feel pain behind or around the eyes. This may feel like pain in your eyes or a headache behind your eyes.

• Eye watering – A chronic infection can lead to watery eyes (epiphora). But these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. A cold or allergies may cause eye watering and a feeling of stuffiness or pressure. A cluster headache can similarly cause pressure, watery eyes and a stuffy nose. 

• Swollen eyes – You may also experience eyelid swelling and eye puffiness. This can occur when the sinuses between and below your eyes become inflamed and clogged with mucus. The swelling typically goes away as your condition improves with treatment.

Sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis can also cause blurry vision, vision loss and other problems due to optic nerve damage caused by chronic inflammation, although this is rare. 

SEE RELATED: Pressure behind the eye

Can you get a sinus infection in your eyes?

In some cases, a sinus infection can spread to the eyelid, skin and soft tissues.

Periorbital cellulitis, also known as preseptal cellulitis, can occur when the area around the eye, including the eyelid, becomes infected.

Orbital cellulitis can occur if the eyeball itself, and the tissues around the eyeball, become infected. Periorbital cellulitis cannot develop into orbital cellulitis because a fibrous tissue surrounding the eyeball serves as a barrier. 

Both of these conditions are more common in children than in adults. Periorbital cellulitis is more common and less dangerous than orbital cellulitis. Both conditions can cause red, swollen and painful eyelids. Fever may sometimes occur with periorbital cellulitis, although it is more common in orbital cellulitis. It is important to note that periorbital cellulitis does not typically affect vision or eye movement. 

In addition to the symptoms above, symptoms of orbital cellulitis may include:

• Fever

• Malaise (general sense of being sick or uncomfortable)

• Headache

• A bulging eye (exophthalmos)

• Blurry vision

• Double vision

• Eye pain, especially when moving the affected eye

You may be able to treat periorbital cellulitis at home with oral medications under close supervision of an ophthalmologist. Orbital cellulitis requires hospitalization and IV antibiotics. It is important to see a doctor right away if you think you or your child may have either condition.

Other sinusitis complications that can affect the eyes

There are other complications of infected sinuses that can affect your vision, though most are rare. It’s still a good idea to know about these problems so you can get medical care right away if necessary.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare but dangerous condition. It usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other. The most common symptoms are fever and headache, which may appear along with eye issues.

Several eye-important arteries and nerves pass through the cavernous sinus, so damage to this area can result in a number of eye complications. 

Symptoms of CST may include:

• Pain around the eye

• Swelling of the eyelids

• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

• Double vision (diplopia)

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

• Vision loss

Less common symptoms may include confusion, face numbness, a stiff neck or coma.

It’s crucial to seek treatment right away because CST can be life-threatening and may cause blindness in up to 15% of cases. Treatment for CST typically requires antibiotics, antifungal medication and medicine to help prevent blood clots.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a rare complication and a medical emergency. The most common symptoms of meningitis include sudden headache with fever and a stiff neck. 

Meningitis symptoms may also include:

It’s important to see a doctor right away if you suspect meningitis because the condition can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is key to recovery.

When to seek emergency medical care 

If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect sinus issues that may be affecting your eyes, you may need to see a doctor right away. 

Seek emergency medical care if you have:

• High fever

• Stiffness of the neck

• Breathing difficulty

• Confusion 

• Blurry vision or other vision changes

• Eye swelling and pressure

• Severe pain in or around the eyes

• Swelling around one or both eyes

If in doubt about your symptoms, it’s best to seek emergency care right away to protect your overall health as well as your eye health and vision.

Eye pain. MedlinePlus. April 2022.

Sinusitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed April 2022.

Sinus infection (sinusitis). Cleveland Clinic. June 2020.

Pain in the quiet (not red) eye. American Family Physician. July 2010.

An association between acquired epiphora and the signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective case-control study. American Journal of Rhinology. March – April 2003.

Cluster headache. MedlinePlus. Accessed April 2022.

What’s causing eyelid swelling after my sinus infection? American Academy of Ophthalmology. September 2018.

What to do about sinusitis. Harvard Health. January 2020.

Optic nerve changes in chronic sinusitis patients: correlation with disease severity and relevant sinus location. PLOS One. July 2018.

Preseptal and orbital cellulitis. MSD Manual Professional Version. August 2021.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis. StatPearls. November 2021.

Intracranial suppurative complications of sinusitis. Scandinavian Journal of Surgery. February 2016.

Bacterial meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 2021.

Page published on Friday, June 3, 2022

Medically reviewed on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

symptoms, signs and methods of treatment in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

Fungal body of the paranasal sinuses: symptoms, signs and methods of treatment in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

Surgery Clinic

›

ENT Surgery

›
Fungal body of the paranasal sinuses

Apply online

Description of the disease

Fungal body of the paranasal sinus, or mycetoma, is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses provoked by fungi. Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are the most common pathogens.

The fungal body is formed by aspergillus colonies. Outwardly, it resembles a ball of 1 mm in diameter, consisting of an amorphous substance (like plasticine) of gray-black or gray-yellow color. Colonies are formed inside the paranasal sinus when a fungal spore enters its mucous membrane.

Every day a person comes into contact with a huge number of microorganisms, including fungi. Aspergillus spores are released into the air from decaying organic material. Under certain conditions, their concentration in the air can be very high. However, during normal functioning of the immune system, pathogens are not able to penetrate the body cavities. This is possible with serious immune disorders or with a decrease in the protective functions of the mucous membranes as a result of their damage.

According to morphological parameters, the fungal body of the sinus is one of the forms of mycotic sinusitis. The disease is characterized by a sluggish, often asymptomatic course, and is manifested by nonspecific signs. In advanced cases, fungal colonies fill the entire sinus and can even spread to other parts of the respiratory system, including the lungs.

The disease is associated with a low risk of complications. Only in the presence of severe concomitant pathologies and immune disorders, the pathogen can penetrate into the systemic circulation and spread throughout the body, which leads to the emergence of secondary foci. In severe situations, aspergillus is able to penetrate into the brain, provoking the formation of abscesses.

Species

Fungal sinusitis can occur in two forms:

• invasive, when pathogens penetrate tissues, destroying them;
• is non-invasive, while fungal colonies grow on the surface of tissues without penetrating deep (this is the type of fungal body).

Invasive fungal infections can develop at lightning speed, leading to serious consequences, or proceed chronically, gradually destroying tissues. The fungal body of the paranasal sinus, due to the oligosymptomatic course, may remain undiagnosed for several years of its existence.

Symptoms

At the beginning of development, the fungal body of the paranasal sinus does not manifest itself clinically. As the number of fungi increases, the activity of the inflammatory process increases. The patient may experience unilateral nasal congestion, discharge from one nostril may appear. The nature of the pathological secret can be different – watery, mucous, purulent or curdled.

With an increase in the size of the fungal body inside the sinus, pressure increases, which is manifested by uncomfortable sensations in the area of ​​​​the projection of the sinus and orbits. Symptoms of secondary sinusitis are possible – a feeling of fullness, purulent discharge, loss of smell, nasal voice, etc.

Causes

Fungal spores can be aerogenically spread and germinate in the sinuses when a person is in an environment in which the air contains high concentrations of the pathogen for a long time (for example, when working in grain, vegetable warehouses and other similar enterprises). Fungal sinusitis is most susceptible to people with a state of immunosuppression, which is observed in malignant tumors, HIV infection, exhaustion of the body, endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus, etc.

Much more often, the fungal body of the sinus occurs after unsuccessful dental treatment of the upper teeth (from canines to 3 molars). The fact is that the periodontium of the tops of the roots of the teeth and the sinus mucosa are separated by a thin bone plate, and sometimes the roots of the teeth penetrate into the sinus cavity. During treatment at the dentist, the instrument can penetrate into the sinus. The perforation of the filling material into the sinus is not excluded, since often when fungal masses are removed, filling particles are found among them. The damaged mucosa cannot fully resist pathogens, resulting in favorable conditions for the development of fungal inflammation.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the fungal body of the sinus begins with a survey of the patient, collecting complaints and anamnesis. At the next stage, anterior and posterior rhinoscopy is performed, during which the condition of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity is determined. Computed tomography is performed to assess the structure of the accessory sinuses. The fungal body is visualized on the pictures as a blackout focus with a granular structure, often with a radiopaque element in the center (filling). According to tomograms, it is possible to determine the localization and prevalence of education.

Methods of treatment

The fungal body of the paranasal sinus is treated exclusively by surgery. Antifungal drugs of local and systemic action are ineffective in mycetoma. First, an operation is performed to remove the fungal masses, then drug treatment is prescribed.

Surgical treatment

To remove the fungal body, a low-traumatic endoscopic maxillary sinusectomy is performed. During the intervention, an endoscope (a special instrument equipped with an optical system, a light bulb, and a channel for instruments) is inserted into the nasal cavity. At the first stage of the operation, the doctor expands the anastomosis (the natural opening through which the sinus communicates with the nasal cavity). Next, the endoscope is inserted into the sinus cavity, examined, and using miniature surgical instruments, the fungal body is carefully separated from the mucosa. At the end of the operation, the cavity is washed with antifungal agents.

After endoscopic sinusotomy, no scars remain on the face, because. all manipulations are performed through natural openings (nasal passages and sinus fistulas).

Conservative treatment

Performed only after surgery. Its task is to prevent the recurrence of the disease and to correct the identified violations.

Prevention

To avoid the development of fungal sinusitis, it is necessary to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract in a timely manner, as well as to engage in general improvement of the body and strengthening the immune system. If you need to stay in an environment with a high concentration of fungal spores, you must use personal protective equipment.

Medical expert opinion

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation period lasts 1-3 weeks, depending on the degree of damage to the sinus and the volume of the operation.

At the recovery stage, it is recommended to regularly carry out hygiene of the nasal cavity, to abandon intensive sports, excessive physical exertion and thermal procedures.

Question and answer

An otorhinolaryngologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathology.

The disease is not considered particularly dangerous, but the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi in the body increases the risk of possible complications. Therefore, surgical intervention is recommended to be carried out in a planned manner as soon as possible after diagnosis.

No. It is necessary to eliminate fungal colonies surgically and then carry out treatment aimed at preventing relapse. Otherwise, at the end of drug therapy, the fungus will continue to develop further.

Sources

Go to license section
Go to legal information

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.

Runny nose rhinitis – how to cure?

Contents:

• Risk of chronic rhinitis
• Medical treatment of the common cold
• Actions in case of a runny nose

Runny nose and methods of treatment

Runny nose, or scientific rhinitis, is now becoming a real threat to the normal existence of mankind. The causes of a runny nose are different. This includes immunity weakened as a result of a passive lifestyle, an unfavorable environment, exposure to allergens – plant pollen, animal hair, exposure to synthetic substances. The result is always the same – inflammation of the nasal mucosa, discharge and watery eyes, general malaise.

It should be understood that rhinitis is not a disease. Manifestations of a runny nose are a symptom that the body is being attacked by harmful foreign elements – infection, cold air, dust, allergens. In this case, the nose acts as the first protective barrier on the way of harmful factors into the internal organs. At the same time, the mucus secreted by the nose is aggressive towards undesirable, “foreign” elements.

Most people treat the common cold with disdain, believing that the symptoms will go away on their own. It is believed that rhinitis cannot lead to death or disability. This is a dangerous delusion. In fact, a minor runny nose sometimes leads to the most severe complications, a hospital bed, disability. Of course, sometimes a healthy body copes with rhinitis on its own, usually within a week. But this is more the exception than the rule.

It should be understood that not every sneeze or any discharge from the nose is a threat to the body. Liquid discharge from the nose, or the so-called snot, is a normal reaction of the body to harmful external factors. The mucous secretions contain interferon and lasocymin – substances that fight infection. In a normal state, the body is able to produce these substances in the required amount.

It is not watery discharge that should cause concern, but thickened and dried mucus, which is a sign that the body can no longer cope with a bacterial infection on its own. It is very important not to miss this moment and start fighting the infection immediately.

Risk of chronic rhinitis

Prolonged discharge or persistent nasal congestion is a serious threat. This is usually a harbinger of possible complications, the flow of a common cold into a dangerous disease, most often sinusitis. Sinusitis is when one or more of the paranasal sinuses become inflamed. According to the site of inflammation, the following varieties are distinguished:

Sinusitis – a lesion of the maxillary nasal cavity. Manifestations of the disease with this variety are headache in the forehead, difficulty breathing through the nose, fever, chills and fever. Untimely treatment leads the state of the disease from the acute phase to chronic sinusitis. Signs of chronic sinusitis are persistent headaches.

Frontitis – damage to the frontal sinus. In this case, edema occurs in the sinus, purulent processes may occur. External manifestations of frontal sinusitis are severe headaches, nasal discharge with an unpleasant odor, respiratory failure, eye pain.

Ethmoiditis is usually characterized by inflammation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Typical manifestations of ethmoiditis are constant pain in the bridge of the nose at the base of the nose, general headache, swelling of the eyelids. Often manifestations of pain of a neuralgic nature. Discharge passing from serous to purulent.

Sphenoiditis is a more complex phase of ethmoiditis. In this phase, the inflammation reaches the back of the cribriform labyrinth. In this case, the headache is localized in the parietal part of the head, inside it, on the back of the head and in the orbit. Purulent discharge drains to the inside of the nasopharynx.

From the above, we can conclude that the consequences of ordinary, prolonged rhinitis can be the most terrible. Therefore, at the first sign of a protracted runny nose, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment of the common cold with drugs

Usually, most people try to get rid of the common cold on their own, using various various “fashionable”, widely advertised remedies. The effect of such treatment is usually zero and there is a negative result. As a result, the disease only develops. It must be remembered that if the disease is the result of a cold, then you will not find effective medicines on your own.

Conventional antibiotics, so loved by many, can only fight bacteria. They are powerless against viruses. Do not abuse folk remedies and methods. However, everything is not so sad. Modern pharmacology provides a large selection of drugs for the common cold. The so-called vasoconstrictor drops are very effective, which reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa and facilitate breathing. The use of such drops is indicated at the stage of thickening of mucous secretions.

Please consult your doctor.

Such drops are taken no more than 3 times a day, the duration of administration is no more than 5-7 days. Long-term use of the drug leads to addiction, the body requires increasing doses to affect the edema. In this case, the body loses the ability to independently secrete protective enzymes. More sparing are the so-called drops with essential oils. They can be used for a long time.

It must be remembered that the above remedies fight the symptoms of the disease, they do not treat the cause itself. Effective treatment of the common cold fights the cause of the disease. Any medicine should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Actions in the event of a runny nose

At the first symptoms of the disease, use folk remedies. For most cases, this is sufficient. If after three days the symptoms do not disappear, it is possible to take immunomodulators. In case of thickening of mucous secretions, it is necessary to use vasoconstrictor drugs that prevent the occurrence of complications. If there is no improvement after a week, see a doctor.

An even better solution is to see a doctor at the first sign. This is guaranteed to lead to getting rid of the common cold.

Information checked by an expert

Vyacheslav Alekseevich Vasiliev

Chief physician.