Sinuses are air-filled spaces located around the nose and eyes. Like the nostrils, the inside of the sinuses is lined with
mucosa. Sinusitis is the inflammation of this mucosa
lining the inside of the sinuses around the nose.
There are around 10-20 large and small sinuses in humans. Each sinus has drainage channels that open into the nose, individually or in groups
. The nasal mucosa passing through these channels covers the inside of the sinus all around, just like the whitewash of a room. Under normal conditions, this mucosa produces a clear secretion, just like saliva or tears, and flows it into the nose through these channels, ensuring that the respiratory tract is moist. Sometimes an upper respiratory tract infection and sometimes allergies cause sinusitis.
There Are Four Types of Sinuses
Ethmoid sinus: These sinuses are located around the bridge of the nose and consist of many small cavities. It is present at birth
and continues to grow until adolescence.
Maxillary sinus: It is located in the cheek on the sides of the nose. This sinus is also present at birth and continues to grow until adolescence.
Frontal sinus: It is located in the forehead bone on the upper side of the nose. This sinus develops around the age of 7.
Sphenoid sinus: It is located in the face behind the nose. This sinus does not fully develop until adolescence.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses around the nose. These infections usually occur after a cold or allergic
edema. There are three types of sinusitis:
Acute sinusitis
It may last 3-4 weeks after the onset of the disease. It occurs in a short time and heals easily
with appropriate treatment.
Subacute sinusitis< br /> There is no immediate improvement at the beginning of treatment, but it continues for 3-4 weeks to three months.
Chronic sinusitis
As a result of recurrent acute infections or infections that have not been adequately treated before
develops. Symptoms persist for more than three months.
What causes Sinusitis?
In some cases, a sinus
infection occurs following an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or a cold. income. In URTI, swelling in the nasal and sinus mucosa (especially in the drainage canal) blocks the flow of secretion from the sinus to the nose, causing sinus irritation. It causes water retention and secondary bacterial infection (sinusitis). Allergies can also cause sinusitis by causing swelling of the nasal tissue and increased mucus production.
There are also some other conditions that can cause sinusitis by preventing the normal secretions in the sinuses from flowing out:
- Enlarged adenoids
- Nasal traumas
- Foreign substances stuck in the nose
- Abnormalities in the nose structure
- Cleft palate
- Inflammations in the teeth
When the flow of secretions in the sinuses is blocked due to the situations listed above, bacteria may begin to multiply in the sinus. This causes inflammation of the sinus, that is, sinusitis.
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Symptoms of sinusitis may vary depending on the age of the child. Additionally, although each child may experience symptoms in very different
forms, the most common symptoms are as follows:
In Young Children
- Runny nose (thick green or yellow) lasting longer than 10 days runny nose, but there may also be a clear
discharge)
- Night coughs
- Occasional daytime coughs
- Swelling around the eyes
- Sinusitis-related headaches are rare in children under 5 years old.
In older children
- Runny nose or cold symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
- Postnasal drip
- Gagging or vomiting due to postnasal drip
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Malaise
- Sore throat
- Decreased sense of smell
p>- Swelling around the eyes (usually worse in the morning).
Since the symptoms of sinusitis may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases or medical conditions,
should always consult a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.
/p>
How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
In addition to taking a detailed medical history and physical examination, diagnosing sinusitis may also include:
Culturing nasal or sinus discharge: To assist in diagnosis. bacteria or other Laboratory tests are performed to show whether microorganisms are growing.
Sinus x-rays: X-ray is not a typically used diagnostic method, but it can be helpful in making a diagnosis.
Computed tomography (CT). scan): It is a diagnostic imaging method that uses x-rays and computer technology together to produce detailed images of the body.
Blood tests
How is Sinusitis Treated?
Sinusitis treatment depends on many factors and the treatment to be applied is determined individually for each child. For this
reason, you should definitely discuss your child's condition and treatment options with your doctor.
The aim of sinusitis treatment is to kill the bacteria that grow in the sinus with impaired drainage, and to clean the sinus by providing
drainage.
In acute sinusitis, Antibiotics to kill bacteria, nasal drops to ensure drainage, some oral nasal decongestants and nasal cleaning may be sufficient.
In chronic and recurrent sinusitis, addressing anatomical and functional disorders in the nose
is required. This usually involves surgery. Before the decision for surgery, a sinus
tomography must be taken to accurately determine the pathology and pathologies that cause sinusitis.
Treatment may include the following:
Antibiotic treatment as deemed appropriate by the doctor. Antibiotics usually need to be used for 10-14 days and sometimes
for a longer period of time.
Painkillers that the doctor deems appropriate
Using a cold steam machine in the child's room
Nasal saline drops or sprays
Anti-inflammatory or cortisone nasal sprays
Decongestant nasal sprays (for short-term use only)
With Sinusitis What should patients pay attention to?
Patients with sinusitis should be protected from viral diseases such as cold and flu. Since it is difficult to protect
from such factors, flu vaccination can be tried.
Allergies should be under control in those with allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Contrary to popular belief, headache occurs after going out with wet hair, Neuralgia, which occurs as a result of cold scalp rather than sinusitis or muscle tension pain.
It is unsafe for patients with recurrent sinusitis to enter the pool.
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