What is sinusitis?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Sinusitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the sinus mucosa, a common and frequently occurring illness. Its onset is often due to diseases of the nasal cavity such as nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates, or nasal cavity tumors that block the sinus ostia, all of which can lead to sinusitis. Patients with sinusitis typically experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and headaches. Usually, a diagnosis requires sinus CT scans, either plain or enhanced, to confirm the occurrence of sinusitis. Once diagnosed, most cases of sinusitis can be alleviated with oral medication. However, a small number of patients who are difficult to cure may need surgery to open the sinus ostia and maintain drainage, thus curing the sinusitis.

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Symptoms of recurrent sinusitis

The symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are essentially the same as those of sinusitis itself. Symptoms can be divided into local symptoms, which are those of the nasal cavity, as well as some systemic symptoms, because the recurrence of sinusitis often follows a cold that leads to an acute recurrence. The nasal symptoms mainly include nasal discharge, primarily consisting of yellow pus-like mucus. There may also be nasal congestion or a sensation of the nose being blocked, as well as headaches. The location and severity of the headache depend on which sinus is more severely inflamed, which also affects where the headache is felt. Additionally, there may be a disturbance in the sense of smell, which refers to a reduced sensitivity to smells, or a reduced ability to smell or weak sense of smell. Systemic symptoms mainly include lethargy, feelings of headache and weakness, lack of concentration, and a general lack of energy. Overall, the symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are similar to those of initial sinusitis, with most being the same.

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What IV fluids are used for sinusitis?

Sinusitis, which we now clinically refer to as sinusitis. When sinusitis acutely flares up, our main treatment is to administer anti-infection medications and corticosteroid drugs. This includes oral medication treatment or intravenous infusion therapy. Clinically, our main approach is the aforementioned medication treatment, and we also conduct CT scans and surgical treatments based on the patient's condition, of course, assessing symptoms before proceeding. Before surgery, preoperative medication preparation is also needed, which involves some infusion therapy, using these medications, including cephalosporin antibiotics and corticosteroid drugs. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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What is the method for examining sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane or cavity of the sinuses. Clinically, the examination of sinusitis includes two aspects: one is the clinical examination, such as anterior rhinoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, the opening of the sinuses, and the nasal passages; on the other hand, some imaging examinations can also be used, such as sinus CT examination, which is very important, and if necessary, sinus MRI can also be performed; there are also some other examination methods, such as nasal resistance examination, examination of sinus and nasal secretions, etc. Therefore, there are quite a few examination methods, among all the examination methods, the most important are the nasal endoscopy and sinus CT examination.

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Is hot compress useful for sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Hot compresses do not have a clear therapeutic effect on the condition itself, but they may help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose. Patients with sinusitis should visit an otolaryngology clinic after the onset of symptoms for examinations such as nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the severity of the disease. Most patients need to consider treatment with oral medications and nasal sprays. During the treatment process, it is necessary to have regular follow-ups to observe the effectiveness of the treatment. If the results of standardized medication treatment are not satisfactory and the clinical symptoms are severe, then surgical treatment should be considered. After surgery, regular follow-up visits are also necessary to monitor for any recurrence.

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Can you smoke with sinusitis?

Patients with sinusitis are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes have a relatively strong irritation and may affect the treatment of sinusitis, as well as increase the degree of inflammatory response. Some patients may also suffer from acute upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, patients with sinusitis should visit an ENT specialist as soon as they experience symptoms, undergo a nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients can consider conservative treatment. Common treatments include nasal spray medications, oral medications, and rinsing the nasal cavity with saline. Regular follow-ups during the treatment process are needed to observe the treatment effects.