Sinusitis is a type of respiratory system disease that is increasingly common. It is mostly found in people who frequently catch colds or have chronic colds. If you already have allergies, you are more likely to develop sinusitis. Not only that, unbelievable causes such as tooth root infection or flying on an airplane while having a cold… can also cause sinusitis.
“Sinusitis” Infection inside the nasal cavity
Sinus refers to the air cavities beside the nose. Inflammation of the sinuses is caused by bacterial or fungal infections inside the nasal cavity, causing the sinus cavities to be blocked and clogged. The accumulated bacteria cause mucus or green pus to build up inside the nasal cavity.
Unbelievably… these things can also cause “sinusitis”
- Frequent or chronic colds Having colds throughout the year and taking cold medicine without recovery can easily trigger sinusitis.
- Having allergies as a chronic condition When encountering foreign substances, it causes itching inside the nasal cavity, leading to frequent nose rubbing and blowing, which may trigger blockage in the sinus cavities causing inflammation.
- Abnormalities in the nasal cavity Can easily cause blockage of the sinus cavities, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or foreign objects in the nose, which are common in young children.
- Tooth root infection It is possible that inflammation of the upper tooth roots, which are close to the base of the sinus in the cheek area, can spread until the infection reaches the sinus cavities.
- Airplane travel Even if you feel you only have a mild cold, there is a risk of sinusitis if you fly on an airplane where rapid changes in air pressure occur.
- Using nasal sprays Without proper medical consultation, it may cause drug dependency, chronic nasal mucosa swelling, and reduced sense of smell.
- Heavy smoking, frequent swimming, or deep diving can also increase the risk of sinusitis.
Sinusitis & Cold are “different” – recognize by these symptoms
- Pain in various parts of the head such as the cheeks, both eyes, forehead, or both eye sockets. The pain is dull, sometimes accompanied by dizziness, and worsens when bending the head down.
- Constant nasal congestionCold medicine does not relieve it, forcing mouth breathing. Notice that mucus or phlegm is yellow-green due to inflammation. Sometimes mucus flows out unknowingly or drips down the throat. In severe cases, a foul smell can be detected inside the nasal cavity.
- High fever with chillsAccompanied by headache and facial pain.
- Chronic cough lasting a long timeCough with phlegm even after recovering from a cold.
Examination and treatment of sinusitis
Diagnosis of sinusitis which has symptoms similar to a cold, uses a special instrument called a SINUSCOPE to examine inside the nasal cavity. It helps locate the site of sinus inflammation and the cause of abnormalities in the sinus cavities. This examination is painless and quick, allowing the doctor to clearly see inside the nasal cavity.
Common treatments for sinusitis Besides taking medication to relieve symptoms, in severe cases or when medication is ineffective, the doctor may consider surgical treatment.
Endoscopic sinus surgery
Surgery involves inserting an endoscope through the nostrils to examine and target the nasal and sinus tissues or the skull base, combined with other appropriate surgical instruments inserted through the nostrils for the operation. In some cases, a computer navigation system may be used to guide or target the surgery, with the device attached or mounted on the patient’s head. For repairing cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the nose, fat from the abdomen or tissue from the thigh may be used to seal the leak. Any tissue or fluid removed during surgery becomes the doctor’s property and may be sent for further medical analysis.
