How to identify and treat sinusitis without a runny nose and stuffy nose?

1 Causes of the absence of a cold

In the inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses, a large amount of mucus is produced. But if its outflow into the nasal cavity is hampered, the runny nose is absent, and the secretions accumulate in the sinus cavity, creating an environment favorable for the propagation of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.

Causes of obstruction of the duct:

• pathology of the structure of the nose;
• of different etiology( polyps, adenoids);
• severe swelling of the mucosa.

Sinusitis without runny nose and stuffiness may occur in different circumstances:

• after a cold-related illness;
• against a background of reduced immunity;
• for chronic or acute forms of diseases of the ear, throat or nose;
instagram viewer
• transfer of infection from the oral cavity or teeth to the nasal passages;
• for pathologies in the cells of the upper layer of the mucosa and the blood vessels of the nose;
• is a specific structure of the nose that can be congenital or arise from mechanical trauma.

2 Symptoms of the disease

Most doctors have no doubt about a positive answer to the question of whether sinusitis can be without a runny nose.

Although the main manifestations in the form of a runny nose and stuffiness will be absent, the remaining symptoms must necessarily cause anxiety and a desire to visit a doctor. These include:

• painful sensations and a feeling of pressure in the nose, forehead and under the eyes;
• swelling of the face, especially in the morning;
• pain in the ears;
• painful sensations in the central part of the face when chewing and talking;
• photophobia.

Adults can quite specifically articulate their feelings, but it is quite difficult for children to do it. Therefore, their complaints can be formulated as follows:

• stuffiness of the ears;
• causeless cough;
• difficult and painful breathing;
• restless sleep;
• hearing loss;
• pain in the eyes;
• general condition worsening( lethargy, constant fatigue);
• pain in the upper jaw.

Temperature measurement can give false information. Sinusitis without temperature occurs as often as with its increase. Therefore, this indicator does not refer to unconditional symptoms.

In children, the disease progresses fairly quickly, causing general intoxication. Therefore, no complaint of ill-health should be ignored.

Regarding the methods of treatment, the first use of drug treatment and only in case of its ineffectiveness resort to operational methods.

At the reception of an ENT specialist, a general history, examination of the mucous membrane, the condition of the blood vessels and sinuses of the nose with the help of special tools will be carried out.

To further clarify the diagnosis and severity, additional examinations can be performed using X-ray, tomography( CT), and puncture. After evaluating all test results, the doctor will be able to select the most suitable drugs and the scheme of their application.

3 Medication Therapy

Medication includes the use of:

• antibacterial drugs;
• products with antihistamine effect;
• decongestants;
• drugs with analgesic effect;
• immunostimulatory drugs;
• vasoconstrictor sprays or drops;
• preparations of the corticosteroid group;
• mucolytics;
• topical products containing essential oils and herbal ingredients.

At the initial stage and easy course of the disease, drugs are used topically, and in more complicated cases, intramuscular injection can be performed.

Also effective is the use of washing and irrigation of the mucous membrane with the help of saline solutions or anti-inflammatory infusions of herbs( marigold, chamomile, St. John's wort).

Good results can be achieved by visiting physiotherapy( inhalation, effects of currents, light therapy, etc.).

The average recovery time can take from 3 to 8 weeks.

4 Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention can be performed in several ways:

• by puncture;
• using an endoscope;
• methods of classical surgery.

The first two methods can be performed even on an outpatient basis with the use of anesthesia of only the operated areas.

Puncture is done with a needle through the nasal passage, while the mucous contents of the sinus are removed, after which the antiseptics are washed. For convenience, the doctor can install a catheter through which special preparations will be treated for 1-2 weeks.

The endoscope is necessary in cases when the disease is caused by small muscular or bone formations.

With this device, inserted into the nose, the doctor clearly sees the tissue that needs to be removed. In this type of operation, laser and other miniature surgical instruments can be used.

Classical technique of surgical intervention for sinusitis involves opening access to the sinus either from the face or through the mouth. Such an operation is performed only in a hospital with the use of general anesthesia.

After any of these operations, the use of antibiotics, as well as preparations of the corticosteroid group, is recommended. Such measures can effectively reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of complications.

5 Traditional methods of treatment of the disease

Alternative techniques can only act as an auxiliary and restorative therapy.

1. Propolis. Heat to a boil 3 liters of water, then add propolis tincture in an amount of 3 tsp. Carry out steam inhalation for 15-20 minutes.
2. Bay leaf. In 150 ml of cold water put 4 leaves. Heat to boiling. The application consists in the imposition of gauze napkins moistened in hot( 60-70 ° C) decoction on the nose bridge and nose wings.
3. Herbal inhalations. For 50 g of dry leaves and flowers of mother-and-stepmother, lavender and St. John's wort boil for 5-10 minutes. Use as a steam inhalation.
4. Salt. Take 2 tsp.honey and salt of the finest grind, mix thoroughly. Apply the mass to the region of the nose and forehead. Top the food film and a warm towel. The duration of action is 2-2,5 hours. Use this method can be no more than 1 time in 7 days.
5. Seabuckthorn oil. Take 0.5 tbsp.l.in the morning and in the evening.
6. Heating. Boil the egg and wrap it in several layers of tissue, warm up the maxillary sinuses, gradually reducing the number of layers. It is necessary to control the temperature to avoid burns.

The use of these drugs is unacceptable without the approval of the attending physician, since uncontrolled self-medication can cause very serious complications.

Is it possible to get infected from another person? To be infected with a genyantritis it is impossible! If a person does not violate the immune response, there are no problems with the blood vessels of the nose, the drainage of the maxillary sinuses is not broken, then contact with the patient can turn out to be just a common cold. But in the presence of any violations it is better to refrain from communicating with a sick person.

Due to the proximity of the maxillary sinuses to the optic nerve, inner ear and blood vessels, the absence of treatment or its delayed onset can provoke:

• inflammation of the meninges;
• eye diseases, up to complete loss of vision;
• deterioration of auditory perception;
• loss of ability to smell;
• inflammation in the muscles of the heart;
• diseases of the nasopharyngeal organs;
• Inflammation in the kidney and urinary system.

6 Preventive measures

The possibility of re-occurrence of sinusitis is somewhat higher than the initial occurrence.

To prevent the onset of this disease, it is necessary: ​​

• to alternate nostrils in sneezing - first to remove mucus from one, then from the second nostril;
• , when using nasal drops, the head should be tilted slightly back and in the direction in which the nasal passage is instilled with the drug;
• timely treat all diseases of teeth and nasopharyngeal organs;
• to conduct medical procedures until full recovery, even with an ordinary cold.

In addition, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle to maintain a high level of immunity.