Sinusitis: complications and treatments

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Extract from the article: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities in the bones of the face. It can be very uncomfortable, even painful, and can lead to complications if not treated properly. What are the complications? Are there any treatments?

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Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities in the bones of the face. It can be very uncomfortable, even painful, and can lead to complications if not treated properly. What are the complications? Are there any treatments? 

Chronic sinusitis can be extremely painful, but is usually mild. Except in some cases, when they affect not only the sinuses, but also the eyes, the meninges, or the brain. This is why chronic frontal, ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinusitis, which are much rarer, require special attention to avoid complications.

Complications

The main complication of sinusitis is the spread of the bacterial infection, especially when the sinusitis is prolonged over the long term. The signs that should prompt a consultation are persistent and worsening pain under the eyes. These pains are often present on one side only. They increase when the head is lowered and at night, when sleeping. A pus-like, yellowish or greenish discharge from the nose may be observed.

The infection may spread to surrounding organs including the skin and brain. Other signs of complications include an abscess in the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis can lead to an unpleasant nasal odour, and also prolonged inflammation of the sinuses can cause a loss of smell.

Preventing chronic sinusitis

If you suffer from nasopharyngitis or a cold, there are some tips that you should follow to prevent it from getting worse and leading to sinusitis. Allergens such as dust, pollen, dust mites and moulds should be avoided as they can irritate the sinuses and cause inflammation.

Chemicals and irritants such as cigarette smoke can irritate the sinuses and cause inflammation. Therefore, these irritants should be avoided as much as possible or a mask should be worn if you have to work in an environment where they are present.

Drink enough water to keep the sinuses moist and hydrated, and wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs.

Treatments

The treatment of sinusitis depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation. In most cases, the following treatments can help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis.  Taking antibiotics, as prescribed by a doctor, if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection.  The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the inflammation.

Nasal washing may be recommended to help clean the nasal passages and relieve the symptoms. This is done while taking decongestants which can help reduce sinus inflammation and 'unblock' the nostrils. In the most severe cases of sinusitis, surgery may be required to clear the mucus build-up in the sinuses and prevent complications.

Raymond DZAKPATA

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner Lomé-Togo