What is sinusitis and its main symptoms should know everything, because the disease often complicates the course, both bacterial and viral infections. Knowledge of the basic signs of sinusitis Symptoms of sinusitis: What should I look for   It allows the patient promptly seek medical attention and treat acute inflammatory process. If this is not done, the inflammation goes into a chronic stage and treat it will be much harder.

What is sinusitis and why it begins

Sinusitis - is an inflammatory process in the area of ​​the maxillary sinus - cavity located within the bone of the upper jaw. In most cases, inflammation of the mucous membrane covers only the maxillary sinus, but in some cases may pass as the periosteum and bone of the maxillary sinus.

The illness may be acute and chronic, with chronic processes are more common in adults and acute in children. When inflammation occurs without the formation of pus, then this is called catarrhal sinusitis, with pus - pus.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis in most cases complicates acute respiratory viral infections (ARI, including influenza), childhood infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever) and diseases of the teeth. Sometimes it can develop after trauma or surgery in the upper respiratory tract.

Acute sinusitis starts with a fever, chills, headache, donating to the root of the nose and in the mouth. Pain worse with pressure on areas adjacent to the projecting part of the nose. Pain in acute sinusitis different intensity and uniformity, increasing coughing, runny nose, sneezing, loud conversation and tilt head.

Often there is also tearing, especially in the light intensity that causes patients to cover a bit or screw up your eyes. Nasal congestion can be either one or both sides. After a while, the nose there are abundant mucous (with catarrhal form of inflammatory process) or mucopurulent (purulent inflammation) allocation. On the affected side is usually reduced sense of smell.

If the inflammatory process proceeds to mucosal periosteum appears swelling cheek and sometimes age (usually low, but sometimes the top) on the side of the lesion.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis usually develops in the inadequate treatment of acute inflammation, as well as when there is an obstacle outflow of liquid of the inflammatory maxillary sinus, such as a deviated septum Deviated septum - is not just a cosmetic defect , Closing holes sinuses, or thickening of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities and so on.

Chronic sinusitis occurs more often erased and is manifested in the form of general weakness, fatigue, malaise, decreased performance. Characterized as constant nasal congestion and headaches, worse in the evening and especially at night when the patient takes a horizontal position, and nasal congestion increases. Nasal discharge may be liquid (serous), mucous or mucopurulent. Reduced and sometimes completely broken nose.

During the examination of the patient sees an audiologist in the nasal cavity areas of inflammation and overgrowth (hypertrophy) of the lower and middle turbinates. Hypertrophy shells creates a barrier to the outflow discharge from the maxillary sinus, which contributes to long-term course of the inflammatory process.

Sometimes the growths in the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity polypoid acquire character. Polyps can pave the entire cavity of the nose and down into the nasopharynx.

The course of chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis - the effect on health   undulating with exacerbations and remissions (light intervals). The frequency of exacerbations depends on the immunity of the patient, as well as the presence or absence of obstacles to the outflow of secretions from the maxillary sinus.

As revealed sinusitis

Sinusitis in most cases, can be identified on the basis of specific complaints of the patient and instrumental inspection otolaryngologist who examines the nasal cavity using a special mirror-expanders (rhinoscopy).

To clarify the diagnosis is always carried out X-ray examination - it allows you not only to identify sinusitis, but also to clarify the extent of its spread. Pregnant women who are not desirable to carry out X-rays, the diagnosis of sinusitis can be confirmed by means of transillumination - raying light with changes in the sinus is darkened. Identify possible sinusitis and ultrasound.

It is used as a diagnostic puncture (puncture) of the maxillary sinus, to take on the analysis of emissions. Today fence discharge from the sinuses is often done without punctures, using special catheters.

Confirms the diagnosis as complete blood count, which in acute sinusitis Acute sinusitis - occurs as the inflammatory process   or exacerbation of chronic inflammatory process can be seen signs of inflammatory changes.

Galina Romanenko

OTC cough can be divided into two types: antitussives and mucolytic (expectorant) funds. Dextromethorphan (triaminik, robitussin, etc.) is a widespread antitussive (cough suppressant that is) means. From expectorants can be purchased without a prescription gvayfenizin (mutsineks, robitussin).

How do OTC cough?

Antitussives suppress cough by blocking the cough reflex. Mucolytic means promote expectoration, and airway clearance.

Dextromethorphan - the most common remedy for coughs. Dextromethorphan has no analgesic properties of codeine and non-addictive. It helps with dry spasmodic cough. Gvayfenizin dextromethorphan, and are sometimes used together. They are also available in combination with other drugs, such as pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines. These combination therapies (multisimptomnye cold remedies) are used for complex treatment of several symptoms at once. However, if the main symptom is cough, be careful when contained in combination preparations and antihistamines antikongestanty (means for removing edema Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   mucosa) have a drying effect, whereby sputum may be thicker, and it will be difficult to remove from the airways. This only reinforces the cough.

What are the common side effects of OTC cough?

In adults without health problems are not usually observed side effects of antitussive drugs. However, in some cases, drugs cough can cause irritability, drowsiness and dizziness Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet . Side effects may occur in people suffering from certain chronic diseases and in the elderly and using cough medicine for a long period of time.

As a cough medicine interact with other drugs?

Cough medicines are often taken in combination decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, so it's important to understand how they interact with the active components.

In general, try to avoid drugs intended to address a number of different symptoms simultaneously. For example, you can take cough gvayfenizin, but do not use gvayfenizin in combination with other active ingredients, such as decongestants, antihistamines or acetaminophen unless you are sure you are not taking other medicines that also contain those ingredients. This may lead to an overdose of one of these components.

Who should not take cough medicine?

Most doctors believe that cough caused by the common cold, it is not necessary to treat. Coughing helps to clear phlegm pulmonary way, which is particularly useful if you smoke, have asthma, or emphysema.

If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (antidepressants, prescription) before taking cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, be sure to consult with your doctor.

In addition, some combination cold medicines containing decongestants and cough agent. Do not take these medications if you have high blood pressure or heart disease Heart disease: prevention and prevention . Any cough medicines, including OTC, it is recommended to take after consulting your doctor, as they may have unwanted side effects.

Topical preparations Cough

Camphor and menthol - the most common topical formulations of cough. Flavors of these funds is rubbed into the area of ​​the throat and chest. The anesthetic effect of these drugs flavors cough suppressant, and eliminates shortness of breath with colds. Camphor and menthol also exist in the form of inhalers and menthol are often a part of cough drops.

Combined cold remedies and cough

Many non-prescription medications and cough syrups contain cough suppressants (dextromethorphan) and an expectorant (guaifenesin), along with other analgesics and cough and means. Cough and cold combination means may comprise an antihistamine agent, decongestant, and as an analgesic in combination with an expectorant and / or cough suppressant agent. Combined cold remedies provide the best results if you have all the symptoms of the common cold (body aches, cough, stuffy nose).

Studies show that OTC drugs are combined to treat colds may be ineffective in children and at the same time associated with the risk of severe side effects. In particular, their components can cause young children hallucinations, irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper   and cardiac arrhythmia. Talk to your doctor before giving any OTC drugs for children.