Sinuses are the spaces in the bones around the nose and eyes; Inflammation of the mucosa lining these spaces is called sinusitis. There are 10-15 sinus cavities on the forehead, behind the cheeks, on the edges of the nose and at the back of the nose. Sinuses have drainage channels that open into the nose individually or in groups. These holes opened in the nose also allow the sinuses to ventilate. The nasal mucosa passing through these channels covers the inside of the sinus all around. Under normal conditions, this mucosa produces a clear secretion and flows it into the nose through these channels, keeping the respiratory tract moist.

The nose and sinuses always contain bacteria and viruses that can cause inflammation. However, inflammation does not always occur in a normally functioning sinus. If there is a condition that prevents the sinus from functioning normally, sinus inflammation (sinusitis) easily develops. Apart from bacteria and viruses, fungi also rarely cause inflammation. Sinusitis most often develops after upper respiratory tract infections such as cold and flu. In such infections, the holes of the sinuses opening into the nose are closed due to edema, so sinus secretions cannot drain into the nose and the ventilation of the sinuses is impaired. In this case, inflammation easily develops in the sinus. In addition, conditions such as "allergy, bone curvature in the nose, adenoid, foreign body, flesh growth" also increase the possibility of getting sinusitis. People with low body resistance for other reasons also get sinusitis more easily.

Sinusitis symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from those of a cold or allergic rhinitis; For this reason, many people do not need to see a doctor. Instead, they try to treat themselves with cold or allergy medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. However, unlike colds and allergies, bacterial sinusitis is a disease that must be diagnosed by a doctor and treated with appropriate antibiotics.

The symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis are different. Complaints are more severe in acute sinusitis. One of the complaints that disturbs the patient the most is pain. Pain depends on the type of inflamed sinus; It occurs in the form of headache, facial pain, and pain around the eyes. Tenderness is often observed when pressure is applied to or tapped on the affected sinus. Pain usually increases with bending forward. In chronic sinusitis, complaints are milder, although they last longer. Pain is less frequent and sometimes almost non-existent. The patient is most disturbed by postnasal drip and associated sore throat and cough. Apart from this, there is also nasal congestion, a feeling of fullness in the face and bad breath. Patients with chronic sinusitis may sometimes experience acute episodes. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, decreased sense of smell, postnasal drip, fever, pain in the jaw and teeth, bad breath, nosebleeds, swelling of the eyelids and face. Cough is a symptom of both acute and chronic sinusitis. Fever is a sign of a general infection or early complications. In children's sinusitis, the same symptoms as those seen in adults may be observed, but often the symptoms are less. Unilateral nasal discharge, especially in adults, should always raise the suspicion of sinusitis. The secretions are colorless and of varying consistencies, but can often be yellow-green or mixed with blood. Usually odorous, it drains both from the front of the nose and into the nasopharynx. Spread to the lower respiratory tract causes coughing, bronchitis, or hoarseness. Nasal congestion may occur continuously or intermittently.

There are a few things that patients can pay attention to in order to avoid sinusitis or to be easily treated if they do. It is possible to protect from this disease by taking precautions such as not staying in the cold, not keeping your hair wet, ensuring the humidity and temperature of the environment they live in are suitable, not being exposed to cigarette smoke, and staying away from substances such as dust and smoke that may cause allergies.

The aim of sinusitis treatment is; It is to destroy bacteria and open the sinuses opening into the nose. If these holes are not opened, sinus inflammations cannot be eliminated. Bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics. Antibiotics are selected taking into account the bacteria that cause sinusitis. Culture and antibiogram are very rarely used methods for antibiotic selection. Antibiotic treatment should last at least 10 days, sometimes even 15-20 days. Apart from this, tablets or sprays used for decongestant purposes to open the sinus holes, painkillers, and if there are conditions such as allergies that help with sinusitis, appropriate medications are given. Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 5 days. In cases where there is no response to medications, the presence of other factors that facilitate sinusitis is investigated and treated appropriately. However, sometimes surgery may be required.
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