Functions of the maxillary sinuses

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Sinuses: structural features and functions

Despite its apparent simplicity, the nose and its sinuses have a complex structure. Why is sinus anatomy so important? This will help to understand the cause of their diseases, as well as avoid dangerous complications.

Table of contents:

Why are paranasal sinuses needed?

The evolutionary origin of the sinuses still remains an incompletely clarified issue.

The paranasal sinuses perform the following functions:

  • Protective. The air in the cavities helps to absorb the force of impact during skull injuries.
  • Baroreceptor. The presence of sinuses allows the body to respond to changes in environmental pressure.
  • Resonator. The paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity influence the volume and timbre of spoken speech.
  • Thermal insulation. Some sinuses are located on the border with organs that are sensitive to changes in heat and cold, for example, the eyeballs and the roots of the teeth of the upper jaw. The sinuses play the role of an “air cushion” that prevents sudden temperature changes during breathing.
  • Moisturizing. Air circulates slowly in the sinuses communicating with the nasal cavity. Due to the fact that it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the sinuses, the inhaled flow is moistened and warmed. For this reason, if the sinuses are affected, treatment should be immediate.
  • Reduction of skull mass. The weight of the bones, despite their relatively large volume, remains small due to the air chambers. The main sinus that plays a role in this is the maxillary sinus.

    • Anatomy of the sinuses and paranasal sinuses

    The nose (in Latin - “nasus”) is an organ consisting of external and internal (cavitary) sections. The basis of the outer part is formed by a group of osteochondral joints in the shape of a pyramid.

    The external nose is covered with skin and has the following structure:

    • the root, also called the bridge of the nose;
    • back - is a continuation of the previous anatomical structure;
    • clivus - lateral nasal surfaces;
    • wings forming nostril openings bordering the outside of the jaw area.

    The nasal cavity took the place between the oral cavity and the anterior cranial fossa. The Latin name is “cavum nasi”. The lateral walls are bordered by the paired maxillary and ethmoid bones. Thanks to the septum, the nasal cavity is divided into two equal parts, communicating with the external environment (via the nostrils) and the nasopharynx (via the choanae).

    The inner lateral walls of the “cavum nasi” are represented by 3 nasal conchas:

    Under each of these peculiar horizontal “plates”, running parallel to each other, there is a nasal passage of the same name. The sinks do not connect to the partition located in the middle. The space formed between them is called the common nasal passage. All structures considered are covered with mucous membrane.

    Each half of the nose is surrounded by air chambers that communicate with them through special openings. The diameter of these canals is so small that swelling of the sinuses can completely block their lumen.

    Due to the peculiarities of their anatomical location, the sinuses are divided into two groups:

    • Front. Includes the sinuses of the maxilla, frontal bone, as well as the anterior and middle cells of the ethmoid bone.
    • Rear. It consists of the sphenoid sinus (main sinus), the posterior cells of the ethmoid bone.

    This division plays a supporting role in the diagnosis of sinusitis, since the frequency of damage and clinical signs of inflammation of different groups of air cavities will differ. For example, the anatomy of the nose and sinuses is such that the likelihood of inflammation of the maxillary sinus is tens of times higher than the sphenoid sinus.

    Types of sinuses

    There are four of them in total.

    Wedge-shaped

    The Latin name is “sinus sphenoidalis”. Localized in the body of the bone of the same name.

    Each sphenoid sinus is formed by six walls:

    • front and back;
    • top and bottom;
    • internal (at the same time serves as an interaxillary septum) and external.

    The main sinus of the nose communicates with the upper nasal passage through an opening. This anatomical location explains the outflow of mucus formed in the wedge-shaped air cavity along the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.

    The Highmorovs

    The maxillary sinuses are the largest. Their average volume is almost 17 cm³ on each side. The ciliated epithelium lining the sinuses causes mucus to move toward the opening that opens into the middle meatus.

    The maxillary sinuses surrounding the nose have an anatomical feature that is important in surgery: on the outer side of the facial wall there is a depression (“dog fossa”). Directly above this structure is the area of ​​exit of the infraorbital nerve. If the plate of the fossa is located deep, then all the walls of the maxillary sinus (except the posterior) will be relatively close to each other. This is fraught with the fact that during a puncture examination, an accidental puncture of this anatomical formation is possible. Such a surgical error can lead to traumatic damage to the orbit and cheek tissue.

    Frontal

    The frontal sinuses are located in the scales of the frontal bone.

    Depending on what anatomical structures the uppermost sinus borders on, it is formed by the following walls:

    • anterior and posterior (facial and cerebral), converging at an angle with each other;
    • orbital (lower);
    • interaxillary (middle).

    The frontal sinus communicates with the middle nasal passage through a canal up to 1.5 cm long. The average volume of each sinus is 4.5 cm³. In some exceptional cases, the frontal sinuses may be absent in the patient.

    Cells of the ethmoid labyrinth

    The ethmoid sinuses consist of air cells of the same bone. Each accessory sinus is localized between two others - the frontal and sphenoid. The number of lattice cavities is individual; it can vary from 8 to 10 (both on the left and on the right). The outer border of the sinus is formed by the orbit (its paper plate). The median wall of the ethmoid bone is the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

    The following option is often observed - the proximity of the air cells to the anterior cranial fossa. In this case, the anatomy of the nose and paranasal sinuses should be especially carefully taken into account during surgical interventions. An accidental error when opening the cells of the ethmoidal labyrinth can lead to penetration of the operating instrument into the cranial cavity.

    Sinus diseases

    The most common group of diseases affecting the paranasal sinuses is sinusitis (inflammatory damage to the airways). An oncological process can be observed much less frequently.

    • Sinusitis. Characterized by inflammation of the maxillary sinuses.
    • Frontit. The frontal sinuses are involved in the pathological process.
    • Sphenoiditis. The sphenoid sinus, which communicates with the nasal cavity, is affected.
    • Ethmoiditis. In this case we are talking about the cells of the ethmoid bone.

    Inflammation of the sinuses can occur in acute and chronic forms. Symptoms of the disease directly depend on where the affected sinuses are located.

    • Increase in body temperature to 38°C.
    • Deterioration in odor recognition.
    • Feeling of nasal congestion.
    • Marked sensation of pressure on the eyeballs.
    • Toothache (when the maxillary sinuses are affected).
    • Swelling of the face on the affected side.

    If the sinuses are inflamed, then treatment is based on the following principles:

    • Drainage. The paranasal sinuses are punctured (pierced) to remove accumulated pus.
    • Antibiotic therapy. It is advisable to treat with such drugs if the disease is bacterial in nature.
    • Vasoconstrictor drops. They are necessary to relieve swelling of the sinuses surrounding the nasal cavity.

    It is very important to know about the peculiarities of the structure and location of the sinuses. This is explained by the fact that any pathology affecting the air cavities can spread to tissues that may be nearby. Familiarity with the anatomical properties of the sinuses will help to promptly detect the symptoms of a particular disease and, therefore, avoid dangerous complications.

    When should you contact an ENT doctor? If, for example, the maxillary sinuses are inflamed, the nose has stopped breathing freely due to swelling and accumulation of mucus - these are serious reasons to visit a doctor. The presence of even “harmless” symptoms does not tolerate self-medication.

    Source: http://moylor.ru/nos/pazuxi-nosa/

    Causes of sinusitis

    If sinusitis is diagnosed, the causes of the disease may be different.

    The disease is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, located in the bone of the upper jaw, which can occur in acute or chronic form. The main function in the development of the disease is performed by pathogenic flora that enters the body during respiration. In addition, the causes of the development of the disease can be painful processes occurring in the oropharynx or nasopharynx.

    The maxillary sinus: its structure and function in the human body

    Everyone knows about such a disease as sinusitis. However, not every person is familiar with what this disease is and what the consequences of its development are. For a clearer understanding of the disease process, it is necessary to study the structure of the maxillary sinus, called the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a cavity that serves for the passage of inhaled air. The sinus is located under the maxillary bone.

    The maxillary sinus is one of the paranasal sinuses, located both inside the nose and under the skull. The entire paranasal sinus system consists of one pair of frontal sinuses located under the frontal bone, one pair of ethmoid sinuses and the sphenoid sinus. All paranasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity through thin ducts. Due to the presence of ducts, the sinus cavity is maintained in a healthy state, air passes through the ducts and the mucus that forms is removed. When pathogenic microflora accumulates in the sinus cavity, the process of inflammation begins, leading to the development of various types of sinusitis. The main functions assigned to the nasal sinuses are the following:

    • creating voice timbre;
    • preparing air for its entry into the lower parts of the human respiratory system;
    • reducing the mass of the facial part of the skull and creating the external features of a person’s face.

    The inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses is one of the types of sinusitis.

    Modern medicine distinguishes two types of sinusitis. At the initial stage, an acute form develops, which over time, in the absence of treatment or insufficient treatment, transforms into a chronic form. Acute sinusitis can be a development of acute rhinitis, scarlet measles and some other diseases. Sometimes the occurrence of an acute form of the disease is associated with the development of dental diseases, such as caries. The chronic form of the disease is a consequence of the occurrence in the body of frequent, repeated exacerbations of infectious diseases or an untreated form of acute sinusitis. It is worth noting that catarrhal sinusitis is a viral inflammation, and purulent sinusitis develops against the background of an infection of a bacterial nature.

    Changes in the nasal cavity that provoke the occurrence of sinusitis

    The main causes of sinusitis are processes of bacterial or viral infection that penetrate into the cavity of the maxillary sinus through the nasal cavity or through the blood circulation. The canal connecting the maxillary sinus with the nasal cavity is covered with mucous membrane.

    When swelling occurs, the canal narrows sharply, which complicates the outflow of mucus from the sinus. When inflammation occurs, it spreads to the mucous membrane covering the walls of the sinus and leads to swelling of the latter. After swelling increases, mucus production increases and accumulates in the sinus cavity due to obstruction of outflow through the lumen of the canal, which is reduced as a result of the inflammatory process, connecting the nasal cavity with the cavity of the paranasal sinus.

    Changes occurring in the mucous membrane reduce the flow of air into the cavity of the paranasal sinus and provoke disruption of the normal functioning of the mucous membrane. Pressure increases in the sinus, which causes pain. Increased production of mucus with impaired outflow leads to the occurrence of stagnation.

    Stagnant mucus is called exudate. Exudate is an excellent environment for the development of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The reproduction of the latter leads to an increase in the body's waste products, which are toxic to the body. The resulting toxins are absorbed into the blood and lead to illness in the body. A person develops a headache, a decrease in appetite, a rise in temperature, and in addition, some other symptoms may appear. Prolonged stagnation of mucus gradually leads to its transformation into pus, which acquires a viscous consistency. After normalization of the ducts, the viscous contents of the sinuses are poorly evacuated from them. This leads to a gradual filling of the cavity.

    In the absence of adequate treatment, purulent contents can penetrate into nearby tissues, causing swelling of the eyelids and their redness. Further development of the purulent process can provoke destruction of the walls of the maxillary sinus and penetration of the contents into the bone tissue. This process causes the development of osteomyelitis.

    The main causes and factors for the development of sinusitis

    A sick person often underestimates the danger of developing a cold and places hopes on the body’s self-healing or on the use of folk remedies to treat colds. Often, this approach to the treatment of colds is not able to cope with bacterial and viral infections that develop in the paranasal sinuses.

    The structure of the maxillary sinuses is such that it allows the infectious process to penetrate into the brain or orbit with a sufficient degree of ease, thereby contributing to the development of complications. When the first symptoms of sinusitis appear, you should urgently contact specialists at a medical institution for qualified assistance. The main causes of sinusitis can be:

    1. Conditions of the body that disrupt the process of nasal breathing. Such conditions in adults include a deviated nasal septum resulting from a nasal injury, the development of vasomotor rhinitis, and hypertrophic rhinitis in the body. In children, the development of sinusitis can be caused by the presence of adenoids and allergies under the influence of various allergens.
    2. Immunity disorders that contribute to the development of chronic illnesses and allergic conditions.
    3. The presence of congenital disorders in the development of structures that make up the structure of the nose.

    The cause of the development of sinusitis can be a phenomenon called bacterial carriage. Very often, when taking a smear from the nasal cavity, it reveals the presence of staphylococcus, which remains in the nasopharynx for a long time and does not manifest itself until a certain moment. Such a favorable moment can be a common cold.

    Prevention of sinusitis

    Doctors have developed a number of methods, the use of which can prevent the development of sinusitis in the human body. When the first signs of illness appear, you need to rinse your nose with a saline solution, which will remove the thick threads of mucus that forms.

    The use of medications aimed at pain relief and swelling should be carried out in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. You need to blow your nose if necessary, gently, without overexertion. Otherwise, the secreted mucus can flow back into the sinus cavity. When blowing your nose, you should not pinch one nostril, creating increased internal pressure in it. To alleviate the condition of the body, it is recommended to apply a hot, damp towel to your face for a few minutes every day.

    To prevent the development of allergic sinusitis, it is recommended to avoid irritants that cause an allergic reaction. You should also avoid exposing your body to irritants such as cigarettes and cigarette smoke. It is not recommended to use household chemicals that can cause increased mucus secretion. Such substances can be various cleaning substances and paints and varnishes that emit an unpleasant odor.

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    Why are the maxillary sinuses needed?

    The paranasal sinuses are air-bearing hollow formations in the bones of the facial skull. In ordinary life, they do not remind of themselves in any way and begin to bother patients only when the inflammatory process develops. “What are the maxillary sinuses for?” - a question that concerns many patients who have experienced sinusitis and do not understand the importance of these formations.

    Structure of the paranasal sinuses

    In order to understand the functions of the maxillary sinuses, it is important to know their anatomical structure. These paired formations are localized in the thickness of the maxillary bone and are shaped like a tetrahedron. The volume of the nasal sinuses in adults varies from 10 to 18 cubic centimeters.

    The air sinuses have a complex structure and consist of 5 bony walls each:

    • Facial (front). The strongest and most protected wall of the sinus is formed by the maxillary bone, covered with fatty tissue on top of the cheek. Available by palpation in the area of ​​the “canine fossa” - between the alveolar process and the lower edge of the orbit.
    • Nasal (medial). Consists of a thin and durable bone plate. Through a small hole in this wall, the maxillary sinus communicates with the cavity of the inner nose.
    • Orbital part (upper). The thinnest and most vulnerable wall. It is richly supplied with blood and contains the infraorbital nerve. It has the most important clinical significance, since most complications after sinusitis are associated with the involvement of this particular wall in the inflammatory process.
    • The posterior wall connected to the cranial cavity. It has access to the pterygopalatine ganglion, maxillary nerve and artery.
    • Bottom wall. It is the bottom of the maxillary sinus, which is formed by the alveolar process of the jaw and, in some cases, the roots of the teeth.

    The inside walls of the paranasal sinuses are lined with thin ciliated epithelium. In the absence of an inflammatory process, microscopic cellular cilia contract and promote the movement of produced mucus, dust and allergens into the nasal cavity with their further removal from the body.

    Functions of the paranasal sinuses

    Why are nasal sinuses needed? Their role in the human body is not fully understood. The main functions are:

    1. Respiratory. In the maxillary sinuses, the inhaled air is further warmed before passing further into the bronchi and lungs.
    2. Secretory. The mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses produces a special viscous secretion that provides air humidification and helps remove pathogenic particles.
    3. Protective. Thanks to the produced mucus containing lysozyme and the movement of the cilia of epithelial cells, microbes are neutralized, allergens and dust particles are removed.
    4. Reflex. When large particles and strong allergens enter, irritation of the epithelium of the sinuses and nasal cavity occurs, which leads to sneezing and mechanical clearing of the respiratory tract.
    5. Resonator. The maxillary sinuses, along with other paranasal sinuses, contribute to the formation of the voice, giving it sonority and individual timbre.
    6. Olfactory. The mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses contains special receptor cells that take part in the recognition of odors.

    In addition, the presence of nasal sinuses helps to reduce the total mass of the facial skull. The air gap they contain reduces the likelihood of serious damage by softening the impact of brute force during falls and impacts.

    Why is this necessary to know? Incorrect or untimely treatment of sinusitis can lead to the development of severe complications - frequent respiratory infections, osteomyelitis, facial paralysis, eye and brain damage. The sinuses perform many important functions, so you should be careful about your own health and prevent the appearance and development of an inflammatory process in them.

    Source: http://elaxsir.ru/anatomiya/gajmorovy-pazuxi-dlya-chego-nuzhny.html

    What reasons underlie the development of inflammation in the sinuses?

    Sinusitis (sinusitis) is an inflammatory lesion of the maxillary or, as they are also called, maxillary sinuses. They are paired cavity formations in the maxillary bone, located on both sides of its outer part. The volume of each of them in an adult is about 30 ml. Normally, the maxillary sinuses are not closed, but communicate with the external environment through small holes located on the side walls of the inside of the nose. In addition to the maxillary cavities, there are also frontal, sphenoid cavities and cells of the ethmoid bone.

    Functions of the maxillary sinuses and causes of inflammation

    The maxillary sinuses, like other similar anatomical formations, are components of the upper respiratory tract and perform a number of functions:

    • Warming the passing air
    • Humidification of passing air using mucus produced
    • Mechanical removal of germs and dust particles
    • Being natural resonators, the maxillary sinuses form the timbre and volume of the voice
    • Thanks to these sinuses, the process of smell improves

    The presence of natural cavities in the thickness of the skull bones reduces the total and specific weight of the skull, thereby reducing the load on the spinal column.

    Numerous causes of sinusitis have approximately the same pathogenesis of the disease. When any damaging agent gets on the mucous membrane of any part of the airways, including the maxillary sinuses, excessive mucus formation occurs. The causative agents in most cases are pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

    The physiological meaning of increased mucus production is quite simple. Together with it, the body tries to remove and wash away everything unnecessary and dangerous from the surface of the respiratory tract. With severe sinusitis, along with excess mucus, the mucous membrane thickens and local edema forms, which closes the hole on the side surface inside the nose.

    As a result, the communication of the maxillary sinus with the external environment ceases, and it takes the form of a closed cavity. The accumulated mucus is not drained (removed) from the sinus. At the same time, it is a breeding ground for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. In response to the growth of the bacterial flora, a new secretion of mucus occurs, and the vicious circle closes - excess pressure is created in the maxillary sinus, and over time the process can take on a purulent-destructive character.

    Provoking factors

    A disease such as sinusitis may be based on unfavorable environmental influences, individual characteristics of the human body, or a combination of these factors. In this case, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses can develop in isolation or act as a complication of some other process. Let's look at the typical causes of this disease.

    • As noted above, most often various bacterial and viral infections (for example, influenza and ARVI) lead to sinusitis. Staphylococcal sinusitis is very difficult, with purulent discharge.
    • Prolonged exposure to cold, damp or, conversely, dry and hot air disrupts the normal functioning of the secretory glands. The same can be said about frequent drafts, inhalation of chemical vapors at work, etc.
    • Most often, sinusitis affects people with weak immune systems. A decrease in the body's protective functions may be observed in the presence of any concomitant diseases. For example, the development of sinusitis can be facilitated by a pathological process in the oropharynx and nearby sinuses. The cause of the disease can also be some eye diseases, pathology of teeth, especially molars. Sometimes infection in the maxillary sinuses can be delivered through the bloodstream from more distant parts of the body. In these cases, a septic (purulent) process should be considered.
    • Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses can develop due to certain features of the anatomical structure of the ENT organs. Congenital failure of the secretory glands, deviated nasal septum, polyps and adenoids in children - all this disrupts the drainage of mucus from the maxillary cavities.
    • The allergic process can also lead to sinusitis. In response to the introduction of an allergen, the body reacts with a set of perverted reactions. In this case, there is a rapid secretion of secretions from the mucous membranes of various organs, including the maxillary sinuses. Sinusitis is especially common in so-called hay fever - seasonal allergic reactions to plant pollen.
    • Sometimes there are completely “exotic” types of sinusitis - tumor, tuberculosis, fungal, radiation. The severity of these processes is determined by the underlying disease.

    Very rarely, the pathogenesis causing sinusitis is caused by reasons that cannot be established in this particular case. Even such cases occur in medical practice, despite the presence of highly qualified ENT specialists and the latest diagnostic methods.

    Depending on the severity of clinical symptoms and the severity of the course, sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Symptoms of sinusitis are local pain, discharge of mucus from the nasal passages, nasal congestion and change in voice due to swelling, fever. If these manifestations are present, you should urgently consult a doctor, as delay can lead to serious consequences that are life-threatening.

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    The structure and location of the maxillary sinuses - symptoms of diseases, diagnosis and treatment in children or adults

    With chronic runny nose, a disease called “Sinusitis” develops, which is accompanied by filling of the maxillary sinuses with mucous contents. The characteristic disease is characterized by a protracted course. Treatment of the pathology can be conservative, but doctors do not rule out surgical intervention. The disease requires consultation and participation of an otolaryngologist.

    What are the maxillary sinuses

    This structure of the respiratory system is also called the maxillary cavity. It is structurally divided into right and left. Such an air cavity contains a mucous membrane consisting of nerve endings, choroid plexuses, mucous glands, and performs a respiratory and protective function. When dangerous pathogens and pathogenic microbes penetrate the maxillary sinuses, an inflammatory process occurs, which urgently needs treatment with antibiotics.

    Anatomy

    The maxillary sinuses are paired cavities, present on the right and left sides. Structurally, there are the following components: two frontal sinuses above the orbit, the same number of ethmoid sinuses to separate the nasal cavity from the brain, anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus, one sphenoid cavity, anastomosis of the maxillary sinus. The inflammatory process can affect any part of the respiratory system, resulting in impaired breathing and weakened immune functions. Diseases occur in childhood and adulthood and require timely medical attention.

    Location

    Photos of patients on medical forums on the Internet clearly show what the maxillary sinus looks like and where it is located. There is a characteristic structure above the molars of the upper jaw, and it has upper, lower, anterior, medial and posterior walls, and epithelial cilia to perform a transport function. Since the mucous membrane contains a minimal number of nerves, goblet cells, and vessels, there is no pain during sinusitis, and the disease at the initial stage is asymptomatic.

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    Functions

    Knowing where the maxillary sinus is located, it is necessary to find out in detail why such a structure is needed and what functions it is characterized by. This once again proves that it is necessary to take preventive measures in time, to pay special attention to the first symptoms of an unpleasant disease, for example, if a runny nose suddenly appears or discharge of suspicious fluid or mucus from the nasal passages. The action of the maxillary sinuses in the respiratory system is as follows:

    1. Sound. Increased vocal resonance.
    2. Baroreceptor. Increasing the sensitivity of the senses to environmental pressure.
    3. Structural. Giving the frontal bone a special shape.
    4. Protective. Thanks to the cilia of the epithelium, rapid removal of pathogenic flora is ensured.
    5. Buffer. Protection of the facial bone from injury, impact, and other mechanical damage.

    Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses

    In case of allergies or penetration of pathogenic flora, an inflammatory process of the maxillary sinuses is observed, which is the main symptom of an unpleasant disease of the respiratory system. If not treated in time, unpleasant symptoms increase rapidly, and more serious complications for the respiratory system and the entire body cannot be ruled out. The patient should be alert to nasal congestion and pus in the sinuses. This is how acute sinusitis develops, requiring immediate examination.

    The mechanism of the inflammatory process during sinusitis is as follows: under the influence of a pathogenic infection in the maxillary sinuses, there is a deterioration in the outflow of mucus and the inflow of the sinus. As a result of such an imbalance, fluid stagnation begins, the formation of mucus with its further difficult removal. The maxillary sinuses fill up even more. In this case, the mucus gradually thickens, dangerous purulent masses form, and a total darkening of the maxillary sinuses is possible. Soon an adult or child notices that their sinuses hurt and timely treatment is required.

    Causes of sinusitis

    Before using official or alternative intensive care methods, it is important to understand the etiology of the pathological process and eliminate the pathogenic factor of sinusitis. Essentially, this is an internal runny nose that interferes with breathing, but does not go out. The main causes of pathology are increased activity of streptococci, staphylococci, fungal infections, other harmful microorganisms and allergens. If nothing is done, the disease becomes chronic and cannot be treated.

    The following factors of the body and environment can become prerequisites for the development of sinusitis:

    • weakened immune system;
    • physiological curvature of the nasal septum;
    • bad habits;
    • prolonged hypothermia of the body;
    • allergic reaction;
    • chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis;
    • water sports;
    • lack of timely treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections;
    • seasonal development of the disease;
    • genetic predisposition;
    • infection by microbes by airborne droplets.

    Signs

    If the maxillary sinuses are inflamed, the patient cannot breathe fully. Signs of a characteristic pathology especially increase in the evening, during sleep. To restore the functioning of the affected sensory organ, it is necessary to undergo a detailed examination, and it is mandatory to take an x-ray to visualize the source of the pathology. To collect medical history data, you should pay attention to the following symptoms of sinusitis:

    • more frequent migraine attacks;
    • unpleasant odor from the mouth and nose;
    • swelling of the ears, face, neck;
    • soreness of the nasal mucosa;
    • discharge of purulent or liquid mucus;
    • general weakness, passivity;
    • increased body temperature;
    • impaired breathing;
    • decreased appetite, sleep phase duration;
    • prolonged nasal congestion.

    Forms of sinusitis

    In every clinical case of sinusitis, there is an increased accumulation of mucus, which fills the maxillary sinuses and disrupts normal breathing. Treatment is administered depending on the nature of the pathology, etiology and modification. In the latter case, otolaryngologists identify the following forms of sinusitis, which are equally prevalent in childhood and adulthood:

    1. Acute sinusitis is accompanied by a jump in temperature, pain under the eyes, nasal congestion, and mucus from the nasal passages.
    2. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by increased unpleasant symptoms at night, the presence of a severe cough, and recurrent rhinitis.
    3. Purulent sinusitis is accompanied by the formation of pus, which first fills the purulent cavities and is then discharged out.
    4. Catarrhal sinusitis is characterized by the formation of gray contents in the maxillary cavities with further removal to the outside.

    Treatment

    If the maxillary sinuses are filled with mucus, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner, but first take an x-ray. When visualizing the affected area, the attending physician recommends taking antibiotics to effectively destroy the pathogenic flora, other medications to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of sinusitis, and physiotherapeutic procedures to restore the affected tissues and the usual functions of the sensory organ. In complicated clinical situations, surgical intervention is appropriate.

    Medicines

    The approach to the emerging health problem is complex and includes several pharmacological groups to alleviate the general condition of the clinical patient. The regimen of conservative therapy depends on the etiology of the pathological process and does not exclude the use of antibacterial drugs. To effectively eliminate discomfort, doctors offer the following medications, according to the patient’s age category:

    • vasoconstrictor sprays and drops, if the maxillary sinuses have become swollen: Otilin, Nazivin, Nasonex, Rinazolin, Dlyanos;
    • antibiotics to destroy pathogenic flora and alleviate the patient’s general condition: Augmentin, Azithromycin, Amoxiclav, Cephalosporin;
    • antihistamines to suppress allergy symptoms: Cetrin, Suprastin, Tavegil, Supradin, L-cet.

    Washing the maxillary sinuses at home

    Conservative treatment methods are complemented by physiotherapeutic procedures at home. For example, to rinse the nasal passages, you can use special medications, including Aquamaris, Humer, Marimer, Aqualor. As an alternative to such expensive treatments, it is recommended to use a salt water solution prepared at home.

    You need to start the procedure by purchasing a thick syringe without a needle, which you first need to fill with a saline composition, and then direct the flow into one nasal passage. Keep your head tilted at the same time. Liquid flows into one nostril and flows out of the other. Carry out similar manipulations with the second nasal passage, effectively ridding the maxillary sinuses of purulent contents. Instead of a saline solution, you can use formulations with the addition of essential oils, for example, eucalyptus.

    Warming up

    Water procedures at elevated temperatures successfully treat inflamed maxillary sinuses. Steam, penetrating into narrowed openings, productively relieves inflammation, expands vascular walls, normalizes impaired breathing, and ensures high-quality cleansing of mucus and stagnation products. The long-awaited period of remission occurs, and the nights become calm, the sleep phase is extended. You can boil the salt or potato composition; the use of alkaline solutions is allowed. To improve local blood circulation, it is allowed to use “Asterisk”.

    Burying

    Sinusitis is associated with a prolonged runny nose, therefore, at the first symptoms of such ailment, it is recommended to buy vasoconstrictor drops or sprays at the pharmacy. Use according to the instructions; before starting the course, be sure to consult with your doctor. The following medications have proven themselves well in this area: Vibrocil, drops with menthol or olive oil.

    Folk remedies

    You can successfully treat the maxillary sinuses using alternative medicine methods, for example, make two identical tampons from cotton wool, moisten them with olive oil with a few drops of propolis or fresh aloe juice, and then place one homemade turunda in each nasal passage for a minute. Inflammation of the ducts goes away after the first procedure, but doctors strongly recommend consolidating the results. Other folk remedies have proven themselves well:

    1. Squeeze the juice of aloe and celandine. Take the ingredients in equal proportions, add the same amount of liquid honey, mix. Place 5-7 drops in each nostril in the morning and evening for 10 days.
    2. Heat water in a saucepan, then pour half a bottle of propolis tincture into the liquid. Stir and cover with a lid. After a couple of minutes, cover your head with a towel, open the lid and breathe heavily in the healing vapors.

    Prevention of inflammation of the maxillary sinuses

    To avoid the inflammatory process, you need to be vigilant about your own health, regularly take vitamins and strengthen your immune system. Mandatory measures to prevent sinusitis are as follows:

    • avoid prolonged hypothermia;
    • ensure high-quality hygiene of the nasal passages;
    • spend more time in the fresh air, eat right;
    • avoid close contact with sick people;
    • maintain health levels with vitamins;
    • promptly treat colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections.

    Photo of the maxillary sinuses

    Video

    The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

    Source: http://sovets.net/12506-gajmorovy-pazuhi.html

    Inflammation of the sinuses: symptoms and treatment. All therapy methods

    The most common ENT diseases include inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis), which occurs as a consequence of more complex forms of respiratory diseases.

    Inflammation of the sinuses poses a threat to the body because these organs perform multiple functions. These include protecting the brain and eyeballs from external negative factors, ensuring breathing, warming and humidifying the incoming air.

    When the paranasal sinuses become inflamed, a person’s breathing becomes difficult, visual disturbances may occur, the timbre of the voice may change, and the moral and psychological state may deteriorate.

    Inflammation of the sinuses: symptoms. Clinical picture

    One of the most common types of sinusitis is sinusitis. The disease usually occurs in the cold season and can develop in both adults and children.

    However, there are a number of other signs that always accompany the course of the disease. They have a lot in common with the symptoms of a common cold. Among them are:

    • congestion and mucous discharge from the nose with a foul odor, sometimes mixed with pus and blood;
    • headache;
    • increased body temperature, chills;
    • pressing pain in the temples, eyes, forehead;
    • difficulty breathing, deterioration of sense of smell and taste;
    • noise and congestion in the ears;
    • swelling of the mucous membranes;
    • general weakness.

    The manifestations of pain depend on the location of the pathological process. If the sinuses and head are blocked and painful, the patient may be diagnosed with inflammation of the frontal sinus. At the same time, he is worried about photophobia, sharp pain in the eyes, and displacement of the eyeball.

    When the ethmoid labyrinth is inflamed, the patient experiences swelling of the eyelids, impaired sense of smell, and his nasal sinuses are clogged.

    Inflammation of the sinuses can occur due to a tooth, more precisely as a result of caries or stomatitis. Pain in the sinuses coming from the teeth occurs due to their pathological changes.

    In some cases, sinusitis is allergic in nature. In this case, the patient experiences mucous discharge from the nose, severe sneezing, itching, headache and general weakness.

    Why do my sinuses hurt: what could it be?

    Determining the cause of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is of paramount importance, since the methods of treating the pathology depend on this. The following factors should be highlighted:

    Pathologies resulting from the penetration of viruses. These include ARVI, influenza, herpes, meningitis, and encephalitis. Diseases caused by viruses are always accompanied by elevated body temperature, headache, muscle weakness, and general poor health.

    Penetration of pathogenic microorganisms against the background of reduced immunity, causing cough, congestion and discharge, and headache. Sinusitis of bacterial origin can develop as a result of untreated teeth.

    Sinusitis can occur as a complication of past illnesses in weakened, elderly patients, against the background of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, AIDS.

    Inflammation of the sinuses occurs as a result of a negative interaction with a specific allergen.

    Swelling, pain under the eye, and headache can be symptoms that accompany fractures and bruises of the nose, as well as unsuccessful operations in the nasal area. In this case, pain in the sinus is the main symptom, and the disease itself occurs without a runny nose.

    The child has

    Sinusitis in children can occur for the same reasons as in adults. Most often it is the result of complications of viral and bacterial diseases; it can be a consequence of chronic tonsillitis, adenoids, and polyps.

    In children, sinus inflammation can occur due to foreign objects entering the nasal passages. In infants, inflammation often accompanies the process of teething, when the body becomes more sensitive and susceptible to disease.

    The child notices a deterioration in appetite and sleep, he becomes restless, irritable, and refuses to breastfeed.

    Swelling of the sinuses

    Swelling of the sinuses occurs due to dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow. Swollen mucous membranes interfere with normal nasal breathing and impair oxygen supply to the brain.

    In addition to infectious irritants, swelling can be triggered by exposure to various household and industrial allergens. These include dust particles, pesticides, and detergents.

    Long-term use of vasoconstrictor drops also negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes. Swelling is a necessary consequence of rhinoplasty.

    In weakened patients, swelling of the nose without pus can occur after a long stay in a room with increased dry air or after swimming in cold water or walking without a hat in the cold season.

    When should you see a doctor?

    Inflammatory processes in the nasal area are often perceived as a minor ailment that will go away without treatment. This misconception leads to the patient turning to a doctor when the disease drags on and becomes chronic.

    To prevent serious complications, it is necessary to visit a doctor if any negative symptoms appear, especially if pus appears in the sinuses, fever, or severe headache.

    In children, the reason to see a doctor should be the baby's restless behavior, mouth breathing, poor sleep and refusal to eat.

    What diagnostics are needed?

    Treatment of sinus inflammation is carried out by a therapist and an otolaryngologist. When making a diagnosis, they conduct a general examination of the patient and listen to his complaints. Other diagnostic measures include:

    • carrying out laboratory tests;
    • radiography;
    • contrast radiography according to indications;
    • puncture of discharge from the sinus and its laboratory analysis.

    After determining the cause of inflammation, treatment begins.

    Inflammation of the sinuses: treatment. Treatment Options

    Treatment methods for pathology are prescribed depending on the form of the disease, taking into account the general condition of the patient, his age, and the presence of other chronic diseases.

    In any case, therapy should be comprehensive. It includes drug therapy and various therapeutic procedures.

    Washing the nasal cavity has a good therapeutic effect. In addition to ready-made pharmaceutical preparations, a saline solution is used, which is easy to prepare at home. When washing, you must follow the rules.

    Each nostril should be rinsed separately, with the liquid flowing out of the other nostril. At the end of the procedure, you need to blow your nose well to free the nasal passages from any remaining solution.

    How to treat sinusitis besides medications? Physiotherapeutic procedures provide a good therapeutic effect. These include electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, and UHF.

    How to treat sinuses with medications?

    For a runny nose and the presence of pus in the sinuses, the following groups of drugs are indicated:

    • antibacterial - a properly selected antibiotic eliminates the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis and promotes rapid recovery (Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Isofra, Bioparox);
    • nasal drops - relieve swelling, improve breathing, eliminate congestion (Otrivin, Nazol, Nazivin);
    • rinsing solutions – free the nasal passages from accumulated mucus (Aqualor, Aquamaris);
    • anti-inflammatory drugs - eliminate swelling and pain, improve breathing (Erispal, Sinupret);
    • mucolytics – dilute the purulent contents, accelerate its removal to the outside (Acetylcysteine);
    • immune-modulating agents – improve the general condition of the body, strengthen the immune system.

    How to relieve congestion with allergic sinusitis? For treatment, antihistamines are prescribed - Loratadine, Cetrin, Zyrtec.

    Procedures

    The method of rinsing the nose in a hospital setting is called “Cuckoo”. This unusual name is due to the fact that during the procedure the patient is asked to repeat the words “cuckoo”. This is necessary to ensure that the liquid does not enter the nasopharynx.

    To carry out the procedure, a vacuum suction with a reservoir is used. The liquid entering through the syringe flushes out accumulated mucus, particles of dust and dirt, and blood clots from the nasal passages.

    Many patients, especially children, do not like the procedure, but it is painless and gives a very good therapeutic effect. Cuckoo is contraindicated for patients suffering from epilepsy, mental disorders, and bleeding disorders.

    It is not given to children under 5 years of age. Cuckoo is not effective for severe forms of sinus inflammation.

    Another method of cleansing the paranasal sinuses is the Yamic catheter. It is also used for mild forms of inflammation. After removing the contents, the medicine is administered.

    These may be antibacterial or mucolytic agents. To consolidate success, this procedure must be completed 5-6 times.

    The use of the Yamik catheter is prohibited in cases of deviated nasal septum, frequent nosebleeds, epilepsy, and in old age. The procedure is not contraindicated for children, but the child will need psychological preparation before undergoing it.

    Surgical treatment

    What to do if antibacterial therapy and other treatment methods do not give the desired results? Usually such patients require surgical intervention. The operation is performed in the following cases:

    • the inflammation became chronic, the patient suffered more than three cases of sinusitis during the year;
    • a CT scan revealed blockage of the sinuses;
    • a course of antibiotics and other medications and physiological procedures did not produce results;
    • the disease is complicated by the presence of a deviated nasal septum;
    • there is a high risk of complications of the disease.

    During the operation, the surgeon removes infected and inflamed tissue, polyps in the nose and sinuses.

    Inflammatory processes can be caused by the presence of a benign formation - a cyst. In this case, surgical treatment is also performed.

    If surgery is refused, therapy is continued using medications and physiotherapeutic procedures.

    Treatment with folk remedies

    Traditional medicine has a number of effective remedies that successfully eliminate the main signs of sinus inflammation. However, such treatment will be effective only in the initial, uncomplicated stages of the disease.

    Here are examples of the most used well-known folk remedies:

    It is also not recommended to completely rely on the effectiveness of folk remedies; they can only be used as an additional method of treatment in complex therapy.

    What complications can there be? Why is it dangerous?

    If left untreated, acute sinusitis inevitably becomes chronic. In this case, the patient has to constantly breathe through the mouth, which increases the risk of developing diseases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis. Bronchitis in turn can lead to asthma.

    Very often, sinusitis is complicated by otitis media. The disease is accompanied by congestion and pain in the ear, and in severe cases, discharge of pus.

    Other complications include conjunctivitis, optic neuritis, and orbital periostitis. The most dangerous complication of sinusitis is sepsis. With weakened immunity, a purulent focus can spread to other internal organs.

    Any inflammatory processes in the nasal sinuses require immediate diagnosis and timely treatment. This is the only way to eliminate inflammation that is dangerous to health in a timely manner and improve a person’s quality of life.

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    Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 12 years

    Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 8 years

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