Sinusitis is a condition that arises from the filling of the spaces between the skull, nose, and other facial bones with inflamed tissue as a reaction to infectious diseases. Before learning about the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis, it is essential to understand what sinusitis is.

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What is Sinusitis?

 

Sinuses refer to the cavities in the human skull, upper jaw, nose, eyes, and forehead bones. These cavities are normally filled with air and serve various functions, such as filtering, heating, and humidifying the inhaled air, as well as preventing bacterial growth through mucus secretion. The sinuses are lined with thin cell layers. When inflammation occurs in the channels opening into the nose due to various diseases or when the tissues in the sinus walls swell, a condition known as sinusitis develops. There are two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic.

 

Symptoms of Sinusitis

 

Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure in the face and eyes, yellow or green nasal and postnasal discharge, bad breath, sore throat, mild fever, and headaches.

 

Causes of Sinusitis

 

There are many causes of sinusitis. Primary among them are upper respiratory tract infections of viral origin. Allergies, the presence of polyps, enlargement of nasal tissue, structural deviations in the nasal cavity, and an enlarged adenoid can also contribute to sinusitis.

 

Sinusitis and Treatment

 

Sinusitis can be treated with medication or surgical methods, depending on the causative factor. The treatment of chronic and acute sinusitis differs, so a thorough examination by a specialist is crucial before initiating treatment.

 

Acute Sinusitis

 

Acute sinusitis, which is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu, and the common cold, typically manifests with symptoms such as nasal congestion, mild fever, yellow or green nasal and postnasal discharge, headaches, and increased nighttime coughing.

 

Treatment for Acute Sinusitis

 

Diagnosed through a doctor's examination and, when necessary, additional radiological imaging, acute sinusitis is treated with medications such as nasal spray, pain relievers, and antibiotics. Response to treatment is generally faster compared to chronic sinusitis.

 

Chronic Sinusitis

 

Chronic sinusitis, characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure in the face, yellow or green nasal and postnasal discharge, and pain in the head and face lasting for at least 3 months, can make a person feel tired and exhausted. Structural abnormalities in the nose, the presence of polyps, and tumors can also lead to chronic sinusitis. The diagnosis of the disease is made through a physician examination, sinus tomography, or sinus endoscopy.

 

Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis

 

As chronic sinusitis can result from various factors, identifying the underlying cause before treatment is crucial. Sinusitis is often treated with medication, but in cases of resistance and recurrent instances, different surgical methods may be applied.

 

How to Drain Sinuses

 

The drainage of sinuses should not be done hastily with herbal remedies or rapid blowing of the nose. These methods can lead to the spread of existing infections from the nasal region to the ears and the emergence of different health problems. Sinusitis treatment should involve consulting a specialist, and treatment should be organized considering the focal point.

 

How to Relieve Sinus Pain

 

Sinus pain disappears with the treatment of the underlying cause of sinusitis. Medical or surgical methods are necessary to address the pain occurring in the head and face associated with acute and chronic sinusitis.

 

Advanced Sinusitis Symptoms

 

While symptoms of sinusitis may vary from person to person, they often include pain in the face and eyes, nasal congestion, nasal and postnasal discharge, sore throat, bad breath, taste disturbances, fatigue, weakness, and mild fever.

 

Tips to Prevent Sinusitis

 

To prevent sinusitis, practices such as frequent ventilation of the environment, ensuring that the air in the surroundings is adequately humidified, and protection from wind and cold can be applied. Drinking plenty of water, consuming seasonal fruits, and avoiding smoking are other ways to prevent sinusitis.

 
How is Sinus Surgery Performed?

 

Various surgical techniques are applied in the treatment of chronic sinusitis due to structural abnormalities. The type of surgery varies depending on factors such as bone curvature, the presence of polyps or tumors, which are responsible for sinusitis formation. Operations that leave no scars are performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic (camera system) methods.

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