How to treat sinusitis, types of disease, causes, main methods of therapy

Treatment of sinusitis in children and adults

Sinusitis – a private case of sinusitis, in which the inflammatory process occurs in the area of the maxillary (maxillary) sinus of the nose. The development of this disease is observed both in adults and in children, and is often associated with the onset of cold weather. The main cause of sinusitis – entry and active development in the maxillary sinus of non-specific microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci) and viruses that enter the sinus cavity from the nose. This process is most often a complication of previous respiratory and viral diseases. Often the causes of pathology are the allergic component of inflammation of the maxillary sinus. Odontogenic sinusitis can be the result of pathological processes in the teeth, gums and surrounding tissues (caries, periodontitis).

Types and symptoms

The acute form of simple catarrhal sinusitis is manifested as:

severe (unilateral or bilateral) nasal congestion, which is aggravated when lying down;
unpleasant feelings of heaviness, heat (the first days), distension in the sinus area;
mucous-serous secretions from the nose (2-3 days after the development of the disease), sometimes in significant quantities when biting;
oppressive headaches;
increased temperature with general lethargy and weakness (intoxication).

Suppurative sinusitis occurs with similar, but more pronounced symptoms. Characteristic signs of the purulent nature of the disease – yellow-green thick secretions with an unpleasant smell. Purulent sinusitis is especially difficult in a child. Increased pain can radiate to the teeth and throat, acquire a throbbing, sharp character.

Allergic sinusitis most often develops during the flowering period, when allergenic dust enters the respiratory tract, when exposed to chemical and household irritants. The peculiarity of this form – rapid development, severe swelling with the appearance of a rash on the skin, signs of conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes and tearing), loss of smell.

With any form, unilateral and bilateral sinusitis occurs.

The chronic form is characterized by periodic exacerbations of the disease, which occur for a long time, but without high temperature and pronounced intoxication.

How to treat sinusitis: conservative therapy

You can start treatment only after consulting an otolaryngologist. Self-medication can be useless, and in the worst case, cause harm. A special problem is the treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy.

With bacterial forms of sinusitis, against the background of the absence of contraindications, the main therapy relies on antibiotics.

At the same time, the following rules are strictly followed:

it is necessary to establish the sensitivity of microflora to drugs. While a laboratory determination is being made, the patient is prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic;
it is necessary to apply the maximum dose of the antibiotic strictly according to the established time, without breaks;
after determining the sensitivity and if there is no effect from the drug taken within 3-4 days, the antibiotic is changed;
with long-term use, an additional prescription of antifungal drugs is necessary (to avoid fungal complications).

Particular care should be taken when prescribing antibiotics in the treatment of sinusitis in children.

How to treat sinusitis of non-bacterial type and what to supplement antibiotic therapy with bacterial form:

with pronounced temperature and pain reaction – anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect and antipyretic properties;
facilitation of nasal breathing is achieved in the first 5-7 days by using vasoconstrictor drops. Longer reception is contraindicated due to the possibility of developing complications;
forms of allergic sinusitis require the selection of an antihistamine;
for severe forms of the disease, the treatment is supplemented by the appointment of corticosteroids.

Treatment without puncture by physiotherapeutic methods

Physiotherapy is used to eliminate the consequences of the transferred acute form and to treat chronic sinusitis.

According to indications, use:

impact on the disease zone by a high-frequency electromagnetic field (UHF);
infrared radiation of the "Solux"
diadynamotherapy (DDT) – impulse impact with a current frequency of 50-100 Hz;
laser therapy;
introduction of drugs into the sinus under pressure, with simultaneous suction of the contents ("cuckoo") using specially designed catheters.

Treatment of sinusitis without puncture is not always effective, in this case the doctor offers more radical means of influence.

Surgical treatment

The indication for this type of therapy is the lack of results of medical measures, as well as advanced, untreated cases. Most often, microsurgical intervention – puncture with sinusitis.

A special needle is inserted into the sinus itself under local anesthesia. Then the cavity is washed, if necessary, medicinal substances are injected into it. This surgical procedure may be repeated.

What to do with sinusitis in case of inefficiency of punctures? According to indications, operations are performed to open the sinus and direct its cleaning (antrostomy).

You can make an appointment with an ENT doctor on the site. The site contains a lot of additional information that may interest the reader.