Sinusitis: symptoms, treatment and types of the disease

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinuses) that leads to a disruption of their normal function. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the skull, located around the nose. They play an important role in humidifying and filtering the air entering the respiratory tract. When the mucous membrane of the sinuses becomes inflamed due to infection or other factors, it leads to the accumulation of mucus and difficulty breathing.

Sinusitis can be:

acute (lasting up to 4 weeks)

chronic (more than 12 weeks)

The main causes of sinusitis include:

• Viral and bacterial infections. Frequent rhinitis, caused by colds, can become a trigger for the development of sinusitis, as the infection from the nasal cavity easily passes into the sinuses.

• Allergies. Allergic rhinitis (e.g., to pollen or dust mites) can lead to chronic irritation of the nasal and sinus mucous membranes, causing their inflammation.

• Anatomical features. Deviation of the nasal septum, polyps, or other defects can prevent normal mucus outflow, increasing the risk of developing sinusitis.

• Environmental factors. Polluted air, smoking, and sudden temperature changes can also provoke inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucous membranes.

Special attention should be paid to the autumn and heating season. During this time, many people suffer from worsening respiratory conditions due to changes in the microclimate in buildings.

Interesting fact about the relationship between sinusitis and the heating season. During the heating season, the air in buildings becomes dry, leading to a decrease in the humidity of the nasal and throat mucous membranes. This makes them more susceptible to infections, as the mucus that normally protects the respiratory tract from microbes and allergens dries out and does not perform its function.

Low humidity and difficulty breathing directly affect sleep quality. Lack of night rest causes chronic fatigue and reduces immunity, making the body more susceptible to infections.

What happens if sinusitis is not treated?

The longer you delay seeking medical attention and treating sinusitis, the more acute and unbearable its manifestations will become. Namely: constant headaches in the area of the bridge and forehead, persistent abundant nasal discharge, nasal congestion and ear congestion, decreased sense of smell, increased temperature.

Sinusitis can lead to more serious complications, such as maxillary sinusitis or otitis. In addition, sinusitis often leads to chronic fatigue syndrome, irritability. Frequent respiratory diseases can reduce work capacity, disrupt sleep, and reduce activity.

To minimize the risk of developing sinusitis during the autumn-winter period, it is essential to follow several preventive measures:

• Maintain a normal humidity level. The optimal humidity in the room should be 40-60%.

• Use nasal sprays with hyaluronic acid, for example. It has a lubricating property and the necessary viscosity, which promotes the creation of a protective film in the nasal cavity and long-lasting moisturizing. In the Olyfrin spray, hyaluronic acid is enhanced with vitamin E, which means that in addition to eliminating the symptoms of dryness, the remedy helps fight viruses.

• Drink more fluids. Regular consumption of clean water helps maintain the nasal mucous membranes moist.

• Minimize contact with allergens and polluted air. Allergens such as dust, animal dander, and pollen can provoke inflammation of the respiratory tract.