Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
The nose and the paranasal sinuses are an important part of the human respiratory system. Inflammatory processes in these areas can seriously reduce quality of life. The most common conditions include rhinitis, sinusitis, maxillary sinusitis and frontal sinusitis.
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It may be acute or chronic. Most often it develops:
- as a result of viral infection (a common cold),
- as a result of allergic reactions,
- because of climatic and environmental factors.
Symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Reduced sense of smell
Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Its most common forms are:
- Maxillary sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses)
- Frontal sinusitis (inflammation of the frontal sinuses)
- Ethmoiditis (inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses, located between the eyes)
- Sphenoiditis (inflammation of the more deeply located sphenoid sinuses)
Symptoms:
- Prolonged nasal congestion
- Pain in the face (particularly across the forehead and cheeks)
- Thick nasal discharge (yellowish or green)
- Headache
- Fever
Diagnosis and treatment:
An accurate diagnosis may call for:
- Nasal endoscopy
- Digital X-ray or CT imaging
- Allergy testing
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition:
- Medical treatment (antibiotics, nasal sprays, antihistamines)
- Physiotherapy
- In severe cases, surgery (for example FESS — functional endoscopic sinus surgery)
If diseases of the nose and sinuses are not treated in time, they can become chronic and affect other organ systems. Consult a specialist as soon as you notice symptoms.