2-sided sinusitis. Bilateral sinusitis: causes, symptoms and treatment of the disease

Such a disease as sinusitis is known to every person. However, not everyone knows that this pathology has different forms of progression. Bilateral sinusitis is one of the forms of the disease in which an inflammatory process develops in 2 sinuses at once. There are two degrees of disease duration: acute (no more than 3 weeks), chronic (more than 2 months). Bilateral sinusitis is caused by increased body temperature and purulent nasal discharge.
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The main point in the development of sinus pathology is swelling of the mucous membrane, which accompanies the inflammatory process. Due to swelling of the nasal tissues, breathing is impaired, snot does not come out, and a bacterial infection occurs. It affects both sinuses. These phenomena serve as a catalyst for the development of bilateral sinusitis. This pathological process occurs as complications of the unilateral form of this disease.

The factors that contribute to the development of bilateral sinusitis are different.

untreated colds;
rhinitis;
deviated nasal septum;
caries;
adenoids.

In addition to these reasons, pathology can appear due to the entry of various viruses into the human body. It is necessary to identify the disease at the stage of its development in order to cure the pathology without consequences. The bilateral form of the disease is rare; it differs from the unilateral form by more pronounced symptoms.

Signs of pathology of both nasal sinuses:

periodic headaches;
pain in the nasal passages;
nasal congestion;
voice changes;
purulent discharge from the nose appears.

If complications arise, purulent exudate is released. The pathological process can develop into other diseases, for example, brain damage. Bilateral damage to the nasal sinuses can be of several types, regardless of the location of its inflammatory process (frontitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis). Each of these processes requires immediate treatment. The clinical picture of this pathology is the same in children and adults.

Bilateral maxillary sinusitis is caused by the following symptoms:

pain when tilting the head;
nasal distension;
watery eyes;
sinus congestion;
purulent snot;
sleep disorder;
feverish condition.

Bilateral purulent sinusitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

pain when pressing on the nasal passages;
the sense of smell is periodically lost;
purulent discharge from the nose appears;
breathing becomes difficult.

This pathology occurs more often in children than in adults. This is due to the fact that their upper respiratory organs are not fully developed and their immune system is weakened. Many medications are contraindicated for children; only the treating pediatrician should prescribe therapy. Bilateral sinusitis in a child can be eliminated with the help of gentle medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. Elderly people are also at risk; they are more susceptible to developing nasal pathologies due to age-related changes in the respiratory system.

Treating bilateral sinusitis (treatment with pharmaceuticals) should be supplemented with traditional methods to strengthen the effect. In severe cases, the patient may be given a puncture. However, bilateral maxillary sinusitis, which affects both sinuses, is not always curable. Therapy is usually long-term and a rehabilitation period is required.

Drug therapy

There are many ways to treat this pathology. The most optimal therapy is prescribed by an otolaryngologist. All therapeutic measures are aimed at restoring normal breathing through the nose, relieving swelling of the mucous membrane, and eliminating the development of pathogenic organisms.

Use of antibacterial medications. It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and strictly adhere to the course of treatment. If you interrupt the use of drugs, the source of inflammation will not be extinguished and the pathology may become chronic. Often, for inflammation of two sinuses, Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin, and Azithromycin are prescribed.
Treatment with antihistamines. If the disease appears due to an allergic reaction, allergy medication is necessary.
Use of vasoconstrictor medications. When the nasal mucosa swells, the outflow of mucus becomes more difficult, patients are prescribed the drugs “Nazivin”, “Nazol”, “Tizin”.
Medicines to cleanse the nasal passages. To remove snot, you need to take medications “Aquamaris”, “Aqualor”, and their analogues. These medications are prescribed to eliminate annoying symptoms and alleviate the patient’s general condition.
Irrigation of the nasal passages with medications. Such activities will help get rid of accumulated mucus and disinfect the nasal cavity. It is recommended to take ready-made solutions at the pharmacy, or prepare them at home. You can use herbal teas and saline solutions.

Bilateral maxillary sinusitis requires complex treatment. If no methods help eliminate the disease, it is necessary to perform a puncture. This operation will not give a 100% effect, but will increase the chances of cure. Pus will be removed from the sinuses and antiseptic medications will be injected into them. Acute bilateral sinusitis is often treated with a puncture. This form of pathology rarely responds to traditional treatment.

Drops

Therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating maxillary sinusitis include taking nasal drops or sprays that have vasoconstrictors. These medications are produced on the basis of naphazoline, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline:

Sanorin;
Naphthyzin;
Tizin;
Nazol.

They relieve nasal congestion for a certain time and make it possible to use other medications. After eliminating the blockage of the nasal passages, mixed-action drugs are dripped:

Isofra;
Protargol;
Polydexa.

They include antibacterial, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory effects. If there are no contraindications to irrigating the nasal passages with medicinal liquids, the nose is washed with antiseptic solutions.

Antibiotics

Conservative therapy is accompanied by strong medications aimed at eradicating the infection and restoring sinus purity. To choose the most effective antibacterial medication to cure bilateral sinusitis, you need to consider the following data:

history of the disease (reasons for the development of pathology, nature of symptoms);
test results;
patient's age;
the presence of allergic reactions.

Based on such information, it is necessary to determine the effect of the antibiotic on the causative agent of the pathological process. It is possible to find the “culprit” of the disease using bacterial culture. It is also important that the product does not have a negative effect on the body.

It should be remembered that antibiotics have a powerful effect on health and affect the gastrointestinal tract. You should take these medications only when needed.

Symptomatic tablets

With bilateral sinusitis, the symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. To eliminate them, symptomatic treatment is necessary.

Therapy consists of several activities:

drinking plenty of water;
humidification of oxygen in the room;
rational nutrition;
quitting smoking, alcohol;
taking analgesics (Paracetamol, Nurofen).

Such measures will only help relieve symptoms, but not eliminate the disease. They give a temporary effect; each medicine has its own period of action.

For nasal congestion, it is recommended to use vasoconstrictor medications (Naphthyzin, Xylometazoline). They can be used for no more than 5 days.
Sinusitis of a viral nature can be cured with the help of medications such as Euphorbium.
It is also common to use anti-inflammatory drops and sprays, such as “Vibrocil”, “Isofra”, “Pinosol”.
Mucolytic drugs are used to thin the mucus in the nasal passages. They are produced in the form of tablets, capsules or syrups (“ACC”, “Ambroxol”).
The drug Sinupret has received praise. This product is plant-based and contains only medicinal herbs. It is suitable for both children and adults.

These medications will help improve the patient's condition. Additionally, you should take pharmaceuticals that extinguish the source of inflammation.

Washing

Irrigation of the nasal passages for sinusitis helps cleanse the sinuses and remove germs. It is recommended to carry out the procedure regularly, for 10 days or more. Rinsing the nose has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Such solutions are used to irrigate the nasal passages.

Soda. This remedy will help relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and have an anti-inflammatory effect. To make the solution, you need to take half a dessert spoon of sodium carbonate and dissolve it in a glass of water.
Salt. The active components of this solution cleanse the nasal passages and relieve swelling. To make a solution, you need to take two teaspoons of salt and add it to a liter of water.
Herbal decoctions of sage, plantain, chamomile, and calendula are widely used to eliminate swelling of the nasal passages and remove mucus from them. They can be combined. To prepare the solution, take a tablespoon of the raw material, add a liter of water, and let it brew for an hour.
Furacilin. This remedy has an antimicrobial effect, it is relevant for purulent-inflammatory processes. To prepare the solution, take 2 tablets per 2 glasses of water.
Ready-made pharmaceutical solutions. They can be bought at the pharmacy; the preparations are made on a plant basis. For example, “Malavit”, “Rotokan”. These drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Irrigation of the nasal passages should be performed 5-6 times a day. This will help relieve nasal congestion. It is recommended to put vasoconstrictor drops into the nose before the procedure to enhance the effect of the procedure.

Folk recipes

Nature has endowed people with a mass of medicinal plants that are suitable for treating all kinds of ailments. Although homeopathy is subject to devastating criticism from official medicine, its benefits do not go unnoticed. The advantages of herbal therapy are its gentle effect on diseased organs and the absence of side effects.

Onion-based nasal drops will help normalize nasal breathing.

Peel the onion, chop and grind with a blender.
Squeeze out the juice using gauze.
Pour into a used drip container or other accessible container. You can use a pipette for instillation.

You should drip this medicine into your nose, 2-3 drops at a time. The procedure must be carried out 4 times a day. After 2-3 days, the runny nose will go away. Onion juice can cause irritation of the nasal mucosa. If they are too unpleasant to endure, you need to dilute the nectar with water.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are an additional measure in the fight against bilateral sinusitis. They help eliminate inflammation, restore damaged tissues, and strengthen the body's protective functions.

The following events will be relevant:

laser therapy (red and infrared);
ultrasonic influence.
Darsonvalization.

The listed actions are contraindicated for people suffering from a purulent form of the disease, sinus cysts, or the presence of tumors.

Indications for surgery

In some cases, surgery is the only way to cure the disease. Bilateral sinusitis is not always resolved with a puncture; the postoperative period plays an important role.

Indications for puncture.

An ongoing pathological process.
Ineffectiveness of traditional medicines.
If complications begin to appear.
When the infection spreads to other organs.
For closed chronic sinusitis.

Surgery is contraindicated when the patient has endocrine system disorders or infectious inflammation.

Complications of maxillary sinusitis

Many patients with bilateral sinusitis underestimate the disease. Patients ignore doctors' recommendations and do not comply with treatment conditions. Such a careless attitude towards the disease leads to various negative consequences.

If sinusitis is left untreated, inflammation of the lining of the brain often occurs. Meningitis caused by nasal pathology is extremely difficult to treat.
Due to the thinness of the maxillary sinuses, the infection can spread to the eye socket and vision will be affected.
Difficulty breathing is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. This causes problems in the functioning of the kidneys and heart. Problems in the functioning of these organs lead to a deterioration in a person’s overall health.

Any complications can be avoided if you follow your doctor’s recommendations and do not prescribe therapeutic measures yourself. “Side effects” after bilateral sinusitis are much more difficult to eliminate than the disease itself.

Prevention measures

During illness, a person loses a lot of fluid. This is due to the body's fight against infection. After recovery from the disease, it is necessary to drink as much fluid as possible. Toxins and bacteria will come out with water. You also need to boost your immunity.

Doctors recommend drinking ginger tea for preventive purposes. The drink has an immunostimulating effect.
Temper the body with water treatments and contrast showers.
Taking vitamins during outbreaks of respiratory diseases.
Avoiding contact with sick people.
Humidifying the air in the room, maintaining normal room temperature (up to 22 degrees).
Regular walks in the fresh air.

These rules will help not only prevent the development of nasal pathology, but also strengthen the immune system. It is necessary to adhere to such measures regularly.

The most common of all sinusitis is inflammation of the maxillary sinus. Many people suffer from sinusitis, but for some it is bilateral. What is the essence of the disease, why does it develop, how does it manifest itself and is treated - these questions should be answered.

Although bilateral sinusitis is less common than inflammation of one sinus, due to the greater prevalence of the process, it requires extremely careful attention. The mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus is affected mainly by bacterial flora - staphylo- and streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella, and anaerobes. But sinusitis can also be caused by viruses and fungi. And nosocomial cases can be provoked by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In addition to pathogenic agents that enter from the outside, there are already a lot of microbes in the nasal cavity that are opportunistic.

They require certain conditions to reproduce. Reduced activity of local protection, hypothermia, additional damage to the mucous membrane are important factors in the development of sinusitis. But the leading link in this process is blockage of the sinus outlet and defects in mucociliary clearance. This disrupts natural drainage and provokes stagnation of the secretion, in which microbes begin to multiply.

Acute inflammation of the maxillary sinus can become chronic. This transformation is facilitated by a complex of external and internal factors. The former include frequent colds, smoking, occupational hazards, and the latter are represented by individual characteristics:

Adenoiditis.
Nasal polyps.
Deviation of the septum.
Hypertrophy of the nasal concha.

And if structural disorders are localized in both nasal passages, then sinusitis will be bilateral. It is impossible not to mention the influence of dental problems, because the roots of the upper row of teeth are adjacent to the wall of the maxillary sinus. Given the variety of predisposing factors and causes, each case must be subject to careful differential analysis.

The cause of bilateral sinusitis is microbial flora (mainly bacterial), which affects the mucous membrane of the sinuses against the background of concomitant disorders.

Symptoms

Manifestations of the disease are determined by its clinical form. Acute inflammation begins with increased body temperature, malaise, and headache. These are general signs of sinusitis, and local symptoms include:

Nasal congestion.
Decreased sense of smell.
Mucopurulent discharge.
Feeling of heaviness and pain in the upper jaw.

The latter intensify when the head is tilted forward. During examination and palpation, you may notice some swelling on the sides of the nose (reactive), but with purulent complications it will be more pronounced. Against the background of difficulty in nasal breathing, there is dryness of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and oral cavity, and sometimes even stuffy ears and hearing impairment (the result of swelling of the mouths of the Eustachian tubes).

During remission, chronic 2-sided sinusitis manifests itself very sparingly, since the body partly gets used to constant inflammation. The general condition is quite satisfactory, so patients rarely seek medical help. But the exacerbation of the process makes itself felt by fever, increased purulent discharge, and the appearance of headaches.

On examination, the mucous membrane in the area of the middle turbinate is swollen and reddened, covered with a yellowish-green discharge that drains from the mouths of the maxillary sinuses. In addition to inflammatory changes, one can notice accompanying structural disorders (deviated septum, hypertrophy of conchae, adenoids, etc.). But it is not ordinary rhinoscopy that is more informative, but endoscopic examination of the maxillary sinuses.

Additional diagnostics

To confirm inflammation in both maxillary sinuses and establish its cause, it is necessary to use additional methods. The diagnostic process most often includes the following procedures:

Complete blood count (leukocytes, ESR).
Analysis of discharge (microscopy, culture, PCR).
Radiography.
CT scan.
Endoscopy.
Puncture.

These are the main measures necessary to verify the inflammatory process. They are reflected in international recommendations and regional standards. Visual assessment of the condition of the maxillary sinuses in combination with analysis of pathological exudate is the basis of the final diagnosis.

Diagnosis of sinusitis cannot be done without additional laboratory and instrumental methods.

Treatment

Since the inflammation is localized in the sinuses on both sides, it should be treated more intensively. But there will be no fundamental differences from traditional therapy for sinusitis - the same techniques are used. They are aimed at eliminating the purulent focus, restoring the aeration of the sinuses and the function of the ciliated epithelium.

Conservative

The basis of treatment for sinusitis is the use of medications. They are used in the form of local forms (drops, sprays, rinsing solutions) and systemically (tablets, injections). The doctor has the following medications in his arsenal:

Antiseptics (Hexoral, Dimexide, furatsilin).
Antibacterial (Bioparox, chlorophyllipt, Augmentin, Suprax, Sumamed).
Vasoconstrictors (Otrivin, Noxprey, Pinosol).
Secretolytics (Sinupret, Rinofluimucil).
Antihistamines (Suprastin, Loratadine).
Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone).

Acute inflammation with intoxication requires the use of systemic antibiotics, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen to them. Pus from the sinuses is sucked out using Proetz procedures or using a special YAMIK catheter. If this does not give the expected result, then a puncture is performed with further washing of the cavity with antiseptics and antibiotics. And after the acute process subsides, physiotherapy is recommended for the area of the affected sinuses (electric and phonophoresis, UHF, UV irradiation, ozokerite applications).

Surgical

In addition to puncture drainage of the maxillary sinuses, treatment of sinusitis may include more radical methods.

If the purulent discharge from chronic inflammation persists after washing, then the issue of surgical sanitation is resolved. Access to the sinuses is through the nose (endonasally) or through the open route. The first method is minimally traumatic and involves the use of rigid endoscopes and microinstruments. But the most common is still considered radical surgery using the Caldwell-Luc method (trepanation of the maxillary sinus). After the operation, drug support is provided according to standard regimens.

Both unilateral and bilateral sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses. It is caused by various microbes, but mainly by bacteria, and additional factors that facilitate the development of the disease are structural and functional disorders in the nasal cavity. The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and the results of additional research. And treatment involves an integrated approach to eliminating the pathological process.

Sinusitis most often occurs on one side. Symmetrical damage is typical for patients with anatomical abnormalities in the structure of the nose or when the body’s immune defense is suppressed. Men and women suffer statistically equally.

Causes

Bilateral sinusitis is a disease that develops against the background of various pathological conditions. Doctors identify the following provoking factors and causes of the corresponding problem:

Genetic and congenital malformations of individual anatomical structures of the nose or its paranasal sinuses.
Deviated septum. The cause of this problem can be infection, trauma, or surgery.
Massive polypous growths in the nasal passages, which impede the natural outflow of fluid from the sinuses.
Allergic reaction.
Frequent or severe forms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI).

Bacterial infection of the nasal cavity with the spread of microorganisms to the sinuses also leads to the development. Depending on the cause, the approach to treating the disease will differ.

Symptoms

Sinusitis occurs with the mucous membrane being drawn into the pathological process. Depending on the degree of damage to the corresponding structure, the clinical picture may differ.

Common symptoms:

Serous discharge from the nose. Purulent and mixed secretions may be released.
Impaired nasal breathing due to swelling of the mucous membrane.
Increased body temperature.
Discomfort and pain in the bridge of the nose.
General weakness.
Headache.
Sneezing, sometimes reflex cough.

Based on the presence of corresponding symptoms in the patient, the doctor suspects the progression of the pathology and prescribes additional tests and treatment.

Kinds

Sinusitis, which simultaneously affects two symmetrical sinuses, can be divided into acute and chronic. In the first case, the pathology occurs quickly with a pronounced clinical picture. The chronic form of sinusitis is characterized by sluggish progression and mild symptoms.

Depending on the sinuses that are involved in the process, two-sided ones are distinguished:

. The maxillary sinuses are affected.
Frontit. The mucous membrane of the frontal sinuses is drawn into the process.
Ethmoiditis. Individual cells of the ethmoid bone become inflamed.
Sphenoiditis. The sphenoid sinuses are affected.

Depending on the root cause of the disease, sinusitis can be:

Bacterial.
Viral.
Mixed.

The fungal form of pathology develops against the background of immunodeficiency. Separately, they talk about traumatic, drug-induced and allergic sinusitis.

Which doctor treats bilateral sinusitis?

An otolaryngologist diagnoses and treats various forms of the disease. The doctor conducts a set of examinations to accurately differentiate the causes of the pathology and selects the optimal method of therapy for the patient.

When the respiratory tract or cranial structures are involved, a pulmonologist and a neurologist or neurosurgeon are additionally included in the patient’s healing process, respectively.

Diagnostics

To establish the correct diagnosis and select adequate treatment, the otolaryngologist uses a wide range of instrumental and laboratory methods.

It all starts with collecting anamnesis and analyzing the patient’s complaints. Then the doctor examines the nasal passages - rhinoscopy. For more accurate differentiation, use:

X-ray of the skull in various projections.
CT scan.
General blood analysis.

Based on the data obtained, the doctor prescribes specific treatment.

Treatment

Therapy is aimed at clearing the sinuses of purulent or serous secretions and normalizing the drainage function of the corresponding structures.

Conservative treatment involves the use of the following groups of medications:

to reduce swelling - oxymetazoline derivatives ().
if necessary - cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone), protected penicillins (Amoxicillin).

At the same time, auxiliary medical procedures are carried out in the form of UHF therapy. If these methods are ineffective, surgical puncture of the affected sinus is used to remove purulent contents. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. In severe cases of the disease, the patient is hospitalized.

Prevention

To prevent the development of bilateral sinusitis, doctors recommend:

Eat a balanced diet.
Avoid hypothermia.
Treat ENT pathologies in a timely manner.
Humidify the air and regularly ventilate the room.
Avoid injury and chemical damage to the nose.

Sinusitis, which develops in two symmetrical sinuses, is a disease that requires special attention from a doctor. In most cases, the problem can be solved. The main thing is not to delay your visit to the doctor.

Useful video about sinusitis

If you have problems breathing through your nose, and periodic headaches and pain in the bridge of your nose, then you most likely have bilateral sinusitis. We are talking about a pathological inflammatory process that simultaneously affects 2 sinuses. This disease can be caused by fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens. They focus on the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses and create a focus of infection.

Bilateral sinusitis can last more than 2 months and bring severe discomfort to the patient. At first, sinusitis presents as an acute form with pronounced symptoms. Untimely or incorrect treatment transforms it into a chronic form with a hidden course of the disease.

Main causes and symptoms of sinusitis

Often, 2-sided sinusitis acts as a complication of the unilateral form of the disease. Among the factors that provoke it are the following:

adenoids;
acute rhinitis;
chronic rhinitis;
untreated respiratory diseases;
curvature (deformation) of the nasal septum;
infection with bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens;
diseases of the teeth located in the upper jaw.

It is worth noting that acute bilateral sinusitis is uncommon. It is distinguished by the vivid severity of symptoms, severity and duration of the disease (the disease can last two or more months). So, what are the signs that accompany this disease?

First of all, it should be noted that there are regular headaches that get worse in the evening or when bending over. Intense pain is localized in the paranasal sinuses, as well as in the frontal and temporal parts. Difficulty breathing through the nose begins due to congestion in both nostrils.

In addition, the patient complains of copious discharge of clear mucus from the nose, and the voice becomes nasal. Pain is clearly visible when palpating (feeling) the maxillary sinuses.

Diagnostics and therapy

Whatever the form of bilateral sinusitis (acute or chronic), qualified treatment under the guidance of doctors is required. That is why we recommend that at the first symptoms of such an illness, seek professional help as soon as possible. This will significantly reduce the risk of dangerous complications. Before prescribing therapy, the doctor makes a diagnosis. The most effective methods are the following:

Based on the data obtained, an optimal strategy is drawn up that guarantees effective treatment. The most commonly used drug therapy is:

Your doctor may prescribe topical medications to constrict blood vessels. They will help quickly eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane. For this purpose, the following medications are prescribed: “Otrivin”, “Vibrocil”, “Sanorin”, “Naphthyzin” and others.
To normalize body temperature (if it is elevated), antipyretic and painkillers are prescribed (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Paracetamol, and so on).

To make treatment more effective, physiotherapeutic procedures such as electrophoresis and UHF are used. Surgical intervention, as a rule, is required quite rarely when medication has had no effect.

Therapy with antibiotics

Antimicrobial medications are used when other treatments have been ineffective and symptoms have not gone away. Don't forget: deciding on your own which antibiotics to use is not recommended. They are prescribed only by a doctor. The wrong choice of medications can worsen the clinical picture and cause serious complications.

The choice in favor of one or another group of antibiotics will be made only after diagnosing the patient and determining the key cause of sinusitis. The main goal of antibiotic therapy is to destroy the source of infection. Typically, the following medications are prescribed to treat bilateral sinusitis:

At the same time, we should not forget about the duration of the effects of antibiotics on the body. It should not exceed fourteen days from the start of treatment. Otherwise, the intestinal microflora will be greatly affected. And this will cause diarrhea, dysbacteriosis and other unpleasant consequences.

If antibiotic therapy is ineffective, the doctor prescribes the most radical method of treatment - surgery.

Surgical method

If the patient sought help too late, or drug therapy was ineffective, a puncture of the frontal or maxillary sinuses is performed. This procedure is in demand to reduce excess pressure that affects the paranasal sinuses. Puncture allows you to restore normal mucus discharge and eliminate the accumulation of pus.

In some cases, the puncture may not have the desired effect (the inflammatory process remains). Rinsing the nasal passages with special antibacterial solutions comes to the rescue. Washing, like puncture, must be performed in a hospital. Self-medication in this case is contraindicated, as it only aggravates the course of the disease. If you do not consult a doctor and ignore the disease for a long time, it will transform into more serious diseases:

encephalitis;
meningitis;
thrombosis;
osteomyelitis;
otitis media of purulent type;
purulent inflammation of the eyes.

Pay attention to your health, listen to your feelings. If you experience regular headaches or a sudden rise in temperature, visit your doctor. It is possible that you have acute sinusitis.

Folk recipes

At the very beginning of the disease, when sinusitis is not advanced, it can be cured with remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine. The most effective will be the following:

Prevention

Of course, it is impossible to completely insure yourself against bilateral sinusitis. But you can significantly reduce the risk of this disease by adhering to the following simple rules. Take care of your health and your immune system. Start practicing hardening and contrasting souls. This will maximize the body's resistance.

Effective functioning of the immune system will allow the body to independently fight a viral infection. Don't forget to take vitamins (especially in the autumn-winter period, when seasonal flu and cold epidemics rage).

If hardening is not suitable for you, try not to get too cold and avoid drafts. Always keep your feet warm and dress appropriately for the weather and season. Minimize contact with people with colds.

Sinusitis can occur with some regularity. This means that their cause lies in anatomical features (deviated nasal septum, and so on). In this case, the only reasonable solution is to visit a surgeon. Don't forget: only you are responsible for your health. Therefore, take care of it, and then you will not be afraid of any sinusitis.

Sinusitis refers to a disease that affects the maxillary sinuses. They are located on both sides of the nasal cavity in the cheekbone area. When a viral infection occurs, the mucous membrane swells, resulting in a narrowing of the outlet.

All changes primarily affect the maxillary sinuses, since they are located in close proximity to the nasal cavity. Therefore, in medicine it is customary to distinguish unilateral or bilateral sinusitis.

Sinusitis is usually classified as a secondary disease that occurs against the background of other diseases. Most often, its manifestation is caused by influenza infection, untreated runny nose, scarlet fever or tonsillitis.

Bilateral sinusitis is characterized by simultaneous damage to two sinuses. They are usually affected by a bacterial infection in the form of staphylococci, streptococci, and mycoplasmas. First, the patient develops catarrhal symptoms, resulting in swelling of the sinuses and worsening of the outflow of mucus into the nasal cavity. The emergence of such an environment becomes favorable for the growth and reproduction of bacteria. If the patient does not pay attention to the first signs, the discharge becomes purulent.

Also in medicine, it is customary to identify several factors that lead to the manifestation of bilateral sinusitis. These include:

curvature of the nasal septum;
injury to the nasal bones or cartilage;
the occurrence of allergic reactions;
the presence of congenital pathologies in the nasal cavity;
presence of harmful habits such as smoking;
those people who suffer from cystic fibrosis.

Bilateral sinusitis can also occur as a result of severe hypothermia, work in hazardous work, or weakened immune function.
The number of cases of sinusitis increases in the autumn and spring, when there is a sharp change in temperature. In childhood, left-sided sinusitis most often develops; in adults, the disease affects both sinuses.

Symptoms of left-sided sinusitis

Bilateral sinusitis does not always occur immediately. It acts as a complication of right-sided or left-sided sinusitis. This type of disease is characterized by:

congestion of the nasal passages on the left side. However, it does not go away for more than seven days;
swelling of the left side of the face;
pain on the left side, which radiates to the eye socket and jaw;
copious discharge from the left nasal passage.

In this case, very often, in the presence of mucus with purulent contents, a painful feeling occurs in the ear.
Left-sided catarrhal sinusitis manifests itself weakly and is characterized by clear nasal discharge. At the same time, temperatures rarely rise above 37.5 degrees. This form can last two to three days. If the patient does not begin the treatment process, then it turns into a purulent form.

It is worth noting that the symptoms may differ slightly, since it all depends on what course is observed. In acute sinusitis, symptoms of intoxication of the body occur.

If left-sided sinusitis is in its initial stage, the disease can be cured with medication and physiotherapy. In severe cases, left-sided sinusitis is treated by resorting to surgery.

Types of bilateral sinusitis

Bilateral sinusitis is usually divided into two types: acute and chronic.
Acute bilateral sinusitis of both sinuses occurs with partial or complete blockage of the anastomosis that connects the sinuses and the nasal cavity.

There is severe swelling of the facial area and congestion of the nasal passages. All this happens due to the active activity of bacteria. The acute period is characterized by vivid symptoms, but it can easily be confused with the first signs of an influenza infection or a cold.

Chronic bilateral sinusitis is also characterized by damage to both sinuses. But most often it occurs due to an untreated disease.

Symptoms of 2-sided sinusitis

The symptoms of 2-sided sinusitis are similar to those affecting one sinus. But everything is much more difficult. The main features include:

tightness and tension in the sinuses;
swelling and redness of the skin in the affected area;
the occurrence of toothache;
manifestation of pain in the head;
congestion of the nasal passages and difficulty in nasal breathing;
leakage of mucus from one and the other nostrils. At the same time, there is an admixture of pus in it;
cough onset in the morning. This process occurs due to the flow of mucus along the back wall;
feeling of fullness in the eye sockets. Unpleasant sensations subside when taking a lying position;
complete absence of olfactory function.

The patient also experiences an increase in temperature from 37 to 39 degrees, photophobia, decreased performance and loss of appetite. Sinusitis in childhood can be characterized by lethargy, moodiness, poor sleep and constant crying.

Bilateral sinusitis is a more serious condition and can lead to adverse consequences.

The main complications include the development of meningitis, damage to the auditory tube, the manifestation of tonsillitis, tracheitis and bronchitis, and pneumonia. Sinusitis can also affect the heart and kidneys and cause serious pathologies.

Diagnosis and treatment process of bilateral sinusitis

When contacting a specialist, the doctor asks about the patient’s existing complaints. After this, the nasal cavity is examined and the sinus area is palpated. A presumptive diagnosis is made. To confirm it, the patient is prescribed:
X-ray examination. If the patient has bilateral sinusitis, then the sinus areas will be darkened in the picture;
computed or magnetic tomography. This examination method allows you to determine the nature of the discharge and assess the affected area;

taking a smear from the sinus area to determine the causative agent of the disease and its resistance to antibacterial agents. The thing is that sinusitis is caused not only by streptococci and staphylococci, but also by chlamydia, mycoplasma, viral and fungal infections.

A puncture of the maxillary sinuses is also performed. This method is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic. This allows you to remove the plug in the sinus, rinse it and improve the outflow of secretions.

Treatment of bilateral sinusitis involves:
use of vasoconstrictors. These manipulations should be carried out before rinsing the nose. They relieve swelling and constrict blood vessels. You can use Otrivin, Nazivin, Snoop, Nazik. But most often doctors prescribe Rinofluimucil;
rinsing the nasal passages. The procedure can be performed in a hospital setting. She is called the cuckoo. It involves connecting tubes, one of which infuses an antiseptic, and the second pumps out the mucus. Washing is also carried out at home using a saline solution. These manipulations should be performed up to five to six times a day;
gargling and irrigating the throat with antiseptic agents. This is necessary in order to remove all the mucus from the back wall of the throat.

As an additional treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out, which involve laser therapy, solux, and paraffin applications. They are prescribed only when the acute period of the disease has decreased slightly and the temperature has returned to normal.

Some experts suggest treating sinusitis with folk remedies. For internal use, you can drink decoctions of chamomile, sage or calendula. You can drip drops from aloe or Kalanchoe into the nasal cavity. But if the patient has a predisposition to allergic reactions, then these methods should be excluded. As an additional treatment, inhalation can be performed using a nebulizer. Steam inhalations are prohibited at high temperatures and purulent conditions.