Help, my sinuses are killing me! Have you ever said this before? If your answer is no, you are very lucky. Because every year millions of liras are spent on sinus problems (nasal fullness, headache and runny nose).
DOES EVERYONE HAVE SINUS?
Yes, even a newborn baby is very small. They have sinuses. These cavities, which are initially pea-sized, are cavities that expand from inside the nose into the facial and skull bones. It continues to grow and expand throughout childhood and young adulthood. They are air pockets. They are covered by the same membrane that covers the inner surface of the nose and are connected to the nasal cavity through openings the size of a pencil head.
WHAT DO THE SINUSES DO?
The sinuses are part of the nasal system that produces normal secretion (mucus). . Normally, the nose and sinuses secrete approximately half a liter of mucus per day. The mucus produced acts on the nasal lining (mucosa), sweeping and washing away dust particles, bacteria, and other airborne particles. This mucus is then filtered back into the throat and swallowed. The particles and bacteria inside are broken down by stomach acid. Many people are not aware of this because it is a normal body function.
WHAT DOES DISCHARGE TO THE BACK OF THE NOSE MEAN?
Inside the nose; It produces more mucus than usual when disturbed by air pollution, allergy-causing substances, smoke, or viruses. This is a clear water-like secretion produced in large quantities to wash away the allergic substance in the nasal membranes. A water-like secretion occurs towards the back of the nose. This is the most important cause of backwash. Another type is mucus sticky and thick. This occurs when the airways are very dry and the membranes cannot secrete enough fluid. In infections caused by bacteria, sticky and viscous mucus is observed, and the color of the mucus may be yellow or green due to pus.
WHAT IS SINUS?
The "-it" suffix refers to infection or inflammation in medicine. Therefore, sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses. A typical case of acute sinusitis occurs as a result of a cold or an allergic attack. It occurs with the secretion of a small amount of mucus. The membranes can swell so much that the small openings of the sinuses are blocked. If air and mucus cannot move easily between the nose and sinuses, mucus accumulates in the sinuses and causes pressure to increase. Depending on which sinus is affected, pain occurs when you press on it on the face or forehead, between or behind the eyes, on the cheeks and upper teeth. A sinus with a closed outlet and filled with mucus is a very suitable environment for bacteria to grow. If the cold lasts longer than usual and the mucus turns green-yellow or has a strange taste, a bacterial infection is likely. In cases of acute sinusitis, pain in the face and forehead can be very bad. Chronic sinusitis develops when the sinus outlet is closed for a long time. Headache is rare, but discharge and bad odor continue. As a result of excessive inflammation, formations called polyps develop. Some cases of sinusitis occur as a result of the infection in the upper tooth passing into the sinus.
IS SINUSITIS DANGEROUS?
The majority of sinusitis cases respond to medical treatment and are not dangerous. However, an infection within the sinus is very close to both the eye and the brain. It is very rare for the infection to spread to the eye or brain. Mucus flowing from infected sinuses is not healthy for the lungs. Thus sinusitis; It either aggravates or causes bronchitis, chronic cough or asthma.
WHAT IS SINUSITIS HEADACHE?
During a cold or when the nasal lining is swollen and the nose is runny or the nose is filled with mucus. Headache that occurs on the face, cheeks, forehead or around the eyes is probably sinusitis pain. Sinus infection causes this. Another type of sinus headache occurs when the plane descends to land. This is especially noticeable if you have a cold or active allergies (this is called a "Vacuum Headache"). Unfortunately, there are many other causes that can be confused with a sinus headache. For example, migraine and other vascular headaches or tension headaches can be confused with sinusitis because they cause pain in the forehead and around the eyes and can also cause a runny nose. However These types of headaches come and go in a short time without medical intervention. They differ from sinusitis, which lasts a long time without medical intervention and can only be corrected with antibiotic treatment. However, the occasional headache that causes nausea and vomiting is more likely a migraine headache. A doctor should be consulted for the diagnosis of severe, frequent and long-lasting headaches.
WHO ENCOUNTERS WITH SINUS PROBLEMS?
Actually, anyone can have a sinus infection, but some groups are more sensitive.
Those with allergies: An allergy attack, like a cold, causes swelling of the mucosa, closure of the sinus channels, obstruction of mucus flow and bacterial infection. Those with structural nasal disorders that prevent good breathing and mucus flow: For example, a broken nose or septum deviation (septum is a cartilaginous structure between the nostrils that divides the nose into right and left. When it bends to one side, it is called deviation.) >Frequent infection exposed: School teachers and healthcare personnel are susceptible. Smokers: Tobacco smoke disrupts the natural resistance mechanism of nicotine.
WHAT WILL THE DOCTOR DO FOR MY SINUSES?
Your doctor will ask you about your breathing, the color and smell of your nasal discharge, and what events occur (at what time of day or in what season). ) will ask questions about what caused these findings. Be prepared to describe your headache; When and how often it happens, how long it lasts, and whether it is associated with nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, or nasal congestion. The Ear Nose and Throat specialist will examine your ear, nose, mouth, teeth, and throat, paying particular attention to the appearance of the mucosa and the nature of the secretion. He or she will examine the sensitivity in your nose. In some cases, an x-ray of your sinuses may be necessary. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis made by your doctor. Infections may require antibiotic treatment or surgical intervention, sometimes both. While acute sinusitis usually responds to antibiotic treatment, chronic sinusitis usually requires surgical intervention. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), which has been applied in recent years, is a simple technique used to solve these diseases. The results were quite successful. �r. If the findings are due to allergy, migraine or another reason similar to sinusitis, your doctor will apply an alternative treatment plan.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY SINUSES?
Check this if you have allergies. Use a steam humidifier when you have a cold. Sleep with the head of your bed more elevated. Decongestants can be used, but they may be risky for those with high blood pressure, as the chemicals in them can act like adrenaline. They are also stimulants that cause insomnia. Consult your doctor before use. Stay away from pollutants that irritate your nose, especially cigarette smoke. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Try to limit your contact with people you know have the infection. If this does not work, take some precautions (washing hands, not using shared towels and aprons). Many over-the-counter sinus medications are available, but it is not right to use them without a proper diagnosis. It is best to use the medications prescribed by your doctor who has examined you and knows your complaints.
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