Sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

The sinusitis (frontal sinusitis) is one rarer form of sinusitis, Sometimes she appears isolated. In other cases, the mucous membrane in one or more of the other paranasal sinuses is also inflamed. For example, sinusitis may be accompanied by inflammation of the ethmoid sinus (ethmoid sinusitis). Sometimes all the paranasal sinuses are inflamed. Then doctors speak of a pansinusitis.

Sinusitis: causes

The causes of sinusitis include one chronic ventilation disorder the frontal sinus – for example, in the case of a severely damaged nasal septum or nasal polyps. Even infections in the nose and swimming pool visits (“bath sinusitis”) can cause sinusitis. The causative agents of inflammation are then often bacteria (like Streptococcus pneumoniae) or virus, sometimes too mushrooms. allergies can also cause the inflammation.

Sinusitis: Symptoms

At a acute sinusitis develop severe, stinging, pulsating or piercing pain within a few hours over the affected front and around the eye. The symptoms increase when the patient bends his head forward, sneezes or coughs. The inflamed area also reacts sensitively to touch. Other possible symptoms of acute sinusitis are slimy-purulent cold, one impaired sense of smell and Pain while chewing, If the inflammation spreads in the direction of the eye, conjunctivitis may develop.

Rather uncharacteristic symptoms show up in one chronic sinusitis: a headache in the sense of dull tension or chronic half-face forehead headaches are included. In addition, will Odors diminished or misperceived (Hyposmia or cacosmia). It may too slimy-purulent nasal secretions form.

Note: The typical type of sore throats associated with chronic sinusitis is less pronounced (almost) absent in the chronic course, ie when the disease lasts for more than 12 weeks.

Possible complications For example, frontal sinusitis may include swelling or abscess formation in the upper lid, purulent inflammation of the orbit (orbital phlegmon), meningitis, and brain abscess.

Sinusitis: diagnosis

First, the doctor raises the medical history (Anamnesis): Among other things, he asks the patient about the nature, extent and duration of the complaints.

Then follow one physical and ENT examinationThe doctor, for example, taps the front wall of the frontal sinuses. In addition, he asks the patient to bend the upper body quickly forward or to hop on a leg – both triggers pain in a frontal sinus inflammation or intensifies existing pain. The doctor examines the inside of the nose using nasal reflexology (rhinoscopy): In the middle nasal passage, mucus and pus marks are found in sinusitis.

In addition, the doctor examines the eyes, He pays attention, inter alia, to water retention in the upper eyelid (upper eyelid edema) and signs of conjunctivitis.

With help of a imaging process the paranasal sinuses are shown in more detail, for example, by X-ray examination or – even better – computed tomography (CT).

In individual cases, it may also be useful to have a Pus smear and / or one blood sample to examine in the laboratory. In chronic sinusitis and suspicion is also a allergy test carried out.

Does the doctor suspect that the sinusitis leads to bone marrow inflammation of the frontal bone (Stirnbeinosteomyelitis), the metabolic activity of the bone tissue is examined. This happens by means of a nuclear medicine examination (either bone scintigraphy or SPECT). If other complications are suspected, appropriate examinations are carried out for clarification. If there is evidence of meningitis (meningitis), the doctor takes some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and has them analyzed in the laboratory.

Sinusitis: Treatment

As with other forms of sinusitis, the treatment aims to restore secretion drainage and ventilation to affected sinuses even in sinusitis. This is especially important decongestant and expectorantdrugs and – in case of bacterial infections – if necessary antibiotics.

If this conservative treatment can not adequately relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, the frontal sinus is opened to eyebrow height with a drill (Beck-bore). So you can aspirate secretions and pus and rinse the cavity with antibiotics.

Sinusitis: home remedies & alternative medicine

In addition to conventional medical measures, home remedies can also support the healing process of sinusitis (or other form of sinusitis). These can be, for example, inhalations with certain medicinal plants. For example, thyme is suitable because of its strong germ-inhibiting and expectorant effect. Also inhalation with chamomile tea can be beneficial: The old medicinal plant has an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, some patients use homeopathy, Ayurveda and other complementary therapies for sinusitis. If you are interested, you should seek advice from an experienced therapist.

Read more in the article “sinusitis: home remedies”.