What is a sinus?
Sinuses are air spaces around the nose. They are named according to their location (frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid).
The sinuses open into the nasal cavities through special channels and are filled with air. The nasal cavities and sinuses are covered as a whole with a covering layer (mucosa) with the same properties. This layer constantly produces a cleansing secretion and this secretion is discharged into the nasal cavity through the sinuses' own channels through the vibrating hairs on the layer.
Sinusitis is the name given to infection/inflammation of the sinuses. It is usually called "Rhinosinusitis" because the same covering layer is affected as a whole.
The development of infection in the sinuses occurs as a result of some disorders in the functioning of the sinuses, such as blockage of the special channels of the sinuses, dysfunction of the vibrating hairs, accumulation of the secretion made in the sinus, as a result of which a favorable environment for bacterial growth is formed.
The most common cause of sinusitis is upper respiratory tract infections. During the infection, the channels of the sinuses opening into the nasal cavity are blocked due to the swelling of the covering layer. The cause of infection can be bacteria or viruses. Another cause of sinusitis is allergy.
Other factors that increase the tendency to sinusitis include tooth root inflammations, curvatures of the middle part of the nose, polyps occupying space in the nasal cavities, foreign bodies, nasal tampons and tumors.
In addition, pressure changes that may occur during swimming or airplane travel can also cause sinusitis by blocking the channels of the sinuses.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Pain: In acute sinusitis, it can be felt in different areas depending on the affected sinus, it can be felt in the cheeks, upper teeth, forehead, around the eyes, between the eyes, in the back of the head. There is an increase in pain when the head is tilted forward. In chronic sinusitis, there is usually no pain.
Sensation of pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, weakness, fever are other symptoms.
How is sinusitis treated?
Acute sinusitis is usually treated with medication, antibiotics, nasal sprays and painkillers. The recommendations of the doctor organizing the treatment and the duration of antibiotic use must be followed. In addition, plenty of fluids should be taken, smoking and smoke should be strictly avoided.
In chronic sinusitis, surgical treatment is applied in recurrent acute sinusitis that does not respond to drug treatment. The most common sinus surgery is "functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)". In this surgery, it is possible to reach the diseased sinus and clean the sinus without making incisions in the face and mouth, and if there is a disorder that increases the tendency to sinusitis, it is also corrected.