Sinusitis: main questions and answers –

In addition to flu and cold, the cold season is also a champion in cases of sinusitis, a disease that causes severe nasal congestion and a feeling of pressure in the head. Otorhinolaryngologists Alessandra Zanoni, from Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo, and Julio Gil explain how to escape it or, then, treat it effectively.

What is it?

The mucous lining of the nose and sinuses (cavities around the nose, cheekbones and eyes) becomes inflamed, causing a buildup of secretions and obstruction of the airways.

What are the symptoms and how long do they last?

Pain or pressure in the head, stuffy nose, yellowish nasal secretion, fever and cough are the most common signs. Alteration of smell and taste, bad breath, difficulty sleeping and snoring may also occur. On average, the acute crisis lasts up to two weeks. Sinusitis becomes chronic when symptoms continue for more than three months.

What can cause the problem?

Most cases are triggered by viruses. In winter, sinusitis is mostly due to a cold or flu. However, bacteria and very rarely fungi can also cause the disorder. In any case, a sudden change in temperature, low air humidity and increased pollution in the atmosphere contribute to the onset of the disease.

Who is most susceptible to this inflammation?

People who suffer from respiratory allergies, such as rhinitis, or who have a deviated septum and an enlarged nasal cavity. Low immunity, dental infections and prolonged use of some medications, such as corticoids, are also triggers.

Can it evolve into a more serious condition?

Yes. If not treated correctly, there is a risk of becoming chronic or causing more serious complications, such as the extension of the infection to around the eyes, abscess (concentration of pus) in regions of the skull and even meningitis.

Do home measures help?

It is worth dripping saline into the nose and inhaling to make the secretion thinner, facilitating elimination. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps. Keeping your nostrils always clean, especially with colds, and avoiding situations that trigger rhinitis attacks, such as walking barefoot, sleeping with wet hair and staying indoors with little air circulation, are recommended.

What is the treatment?

Use of remedies that relieve symptoms, such as decongestants, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. In the case of bacterial sinusitis, you need to take antibiotics. Acupuncture can help reduce discomfort, especially when it is related to allergic rhinitis.

How to prevent?

In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is worth avoiding sudden changes in temperature, keeping the nostrils clean and humidified with the help of saline solution, treating rhinitis, cold or flu as soon as symptoms appear, looking for an otorhinolaryngologist and always avoiding self-medication.

In any case is it necessary to leave for surgery?

Yes, when there is no satisfactory response to medication. Surgery is also indicated in some cases of patients with anatomical alterations, such as deviated septum or hypertrophy of the turbinates (internal structures of the nose), which impair secretion output.