THINGS TO WONDER ABOUT SINUSITIS
Why does sinusitis occur frequently in winter months?
Because we get colds and flu more often in winter months. The inflammation in the nose and nasal passages quickly spreads to the adjacent sinuses.
What exactly is sinusitis, what are its symptoms?
“Sinusitis is an air-filled disease located between the facial bones. It means inflammation of the cavities - sinuses. It often develops after a cold. It may cause headaches on the forehead, neck or face. It may be accompanied by dark green postnasal drip, nasal congestion, and impaired smell and taste.
So how do we understand sinusitis in a young child? Is it absolutely necessary to have a film made?
We do not recommend having a film made for children unless it is necessary. Of course, young children cannot directly tell that they have a headache, but they can show it with their behavior. Parents should take into consideration unusual temperament changes such as holding their head, rubbing their cheeks, or pulling their hair. Since they frequently swallow postnasal drip, nausea and vomiting may occur, and a bad breath is often present.
What could be the cause of recurrent sinusitis despite drug treatment?
They often experience If you have sinusitis, there is definitely an anatomical problem in the nose. Bone curvature, nasal flesh growth, polyps facilitate the formation of sinusitis. Allergy sufferers and smokers are also at risk. Of course, there may be other reasons besides these, then it may be necessary to investigate the person specifically.
What do you mean by other reasons?
For example, dental implants. In recent years, as dental implants have become more common, we have begun to encounter dental-related sinusitis more frequently. When placing an implant in the upper jaw, the sinus wall may be damaged, the sinus cavity may become prone to infection, and if this situation is not noticed, the person may experience recurrent sinusitis attacks.
Can any doctor make the diagnosis? Or should you go to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist?
Actually, you can even diagnose sinusitis yourself. If you have a runny nose and headache that lasts for more than 10 days, you may think you have sinusitis. you will know. But for the right treatment, you must go to an Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases specialist. It is very important to evaluate the nose and sinuses with angled endoscopes. Remember that inadequate treatments can lead to chronic sinusitis, in which case surgery becomes necessary.
What do you do in the treatment?
First of all, we apply antibiotic treatment. We can also give medications that will reduce edema and discharge in the nose. It is important to clean the discharge in the nose regularly. Staying away from cigarette smoke shortens the recovery time.
So, let's say that the headache did not go away despite the treatment and it got worse day by day, what kind of process awaits us?
Sinusitis that does not benefit from drug treatment and lasts longer than 12 weeks requires surgical intervention. Structural problems such as deviation in the nose, polyp or turbinate swelling must be resolved in the same session.
Can you give information about Sinusitis Surgeries?
Usually from time to time under general anesthesia. We also perform endoscopic sinusitis surgery with local anesthesia. Polyps and other structural problems that block the sinuses opening to the nose are corrected and widened. Juniors are usually discharged on the same day. Return to work time varies between 2-7 days.
What kind of discomfort can sinusitis cause if no precautions are taken?
The most important complication of inadequate treatment is eye-related. If the inflammation spreads to the eyeball, pain, redness and swelling occur around the eye. If this condition is missed, it may lead to blindness. Urgent surgery may be required. Meningitis is also a complication that can be fatal. The most common intracranial complication today is inflammation under the brain membrane.
What do you recommend to us to prevent sinusitis?
– First of all, protect yourself from the cold, in cold weather. Wear a beret, do not go out with wet hair, do not be exposed to air currents.
– In case of prolonged flu and cold, be sure to see a doctor.
– In case of flu infection, perform lavage to keep your nose open. Ocean waters can be used. Add a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of boiled and cooled water. You can clean your nose with the mixture you have prepared. Get an ENT examination to understand whether there are structural problems such as curvature, nasal constriction growth and polyps.
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