Sphenoiditis - what it is, causes, symptoms in adults, treatment of acute and chronic forms. In what cases is surgery prescribed?
Sphenoiditis is an inflammation of the sphenoid sinuses, which are one of the four pairs of paranasal sinuses. Isolated sphenoiditis is extremely rare (in 1-2% of all cases of acute and chronic sinusitis). Most often, sphenoiditis occurs as a result of inflammation in the adjacent ethmoid sinuses, which is called “ethmoiditis.”
Sphenoiditis is the most dangerous inflammation of the sinuses when compared with the consequences of inflammation of other paranasal sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are located at the base of the skull, and purulent inflammation of these sinuses progresses extremely quickly and causes severe complications.
Sphenoiditis: causes
Predisposing factors for IS include forceful entry of water into the nose during swimming and snorkeling, allergic rhinitis, sinonasal polyps, bronchial asthma, septal deviation, average/superior concha anomalies, radiation therapy, immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus and cocaine abuse.
- Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and throat –
these include: acute and chronic rhinitis bacterial, viral or allergic nature, deviated nasal septum, chronic congestion nose, polyps and tumors in the nasal passages, adenoids.Inflammation of nearby formations can also lead to sphenoiditis:
→ (inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses),
→ (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses),
→ (inflammation of the frontal sinuses),
→ tonsillitis.
- Swimming –
In some cases, water entering the nose during swimming and diving can also lead to the development of sphenoiditis. According to statistics, this cause accounts for about 10% of all cases of sphenoiditis (website)Sphenoiditis: symptoms
Sphenoiditis practically does not have any “original” symptoms, so the diagnosis of this disease is quite difficult. Most often, patients may be bothered by the following symptoms:
- headaches (especially in the back of the head, crown, temples, near the eyes),
- runny nose,
- blurred vision (possibly)
- fever, severe weakness, fatigue,
- pain in different parts of the face,
- mucopurulent discharge from the nose,
- drainage of mucus and pus down the back of the throat.
How is sphenoiditis diagnosed?
Undoubtedly, patient complaints (symptoms) are important in making the correct diagnosis, however, a final diagnosis of “sphenoiditis” can only be made by relying on additional examination methods.
Additional methods include, for example, nasal endoscopy. However, nasal endoscopy alone is also not enough, because In approximately 50-60% of cases, endoscopy does not reveal anything pathological. Conventional radiography of the skull is not very informative and, as a rule, useless.
The only methods that can definitely determine sphenoiditis are computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -
Sphenoiditis: treatment
Acute and chronic sphenoiditis is treated by an ENT doctor. If the symptoms are moderate and there are no signs of complications, conservative therapy is carried out. If the inflammation is severe and there are symptoms of complications, or conservative therapy does not bring success, a surgical operation is decided upon.
Main directions conservative therapy: firstly, relieve nasal congestion, eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve the discharge of inflammatory exudate from the sphenoid sinuses using sprays for the common cold, secondly, antibiotic therapy (the use of corticosteroids is also possible).
Recommended sprays for runny nose –
ordinary vasoconstrictor drops for runny nose and any sinusitis, do not use for more than 2 or 3 days. The reason for this is that traditional spray components stop working effectively after 2-3 days, addiction develops to them, and they gradually begin to have the opposite effects.For sphenoiditis it is optimal to use the following means for a runny nose:
Drugs that accelerate the cleansing of sinuses from pus and mucus –
the plant components of these preparations stimulate the function of the ciliated epithelium on the surface of the mucous membrane, which leads to more quick cleansing sinuses (which are lined from the inside with mucous membrane and communicate through small openings with the nasal cavity) from mucus and pus accumulating in the sinuses.
Antibiotics for sphenoiditis –
Depending on the severity of the inflammation, antibiotics may be prescribed orally or intravenously. Most optimal choice The antibiotic for sphenoiditis is Amoxicillin in combination with Clavulanic acid. Preparations containing this combination, for example: “Amoxiclav” or “Augumentin”.
Sphenoiditis is a rare but insidious pathology caused by inflammation of the sphenoid sinus. This is one of the forms of sinusitis, the most acute and actively developing. The most harmless cold and an untreated runny nose can cause sphenoiditis. When bacteria and viruses enter the nasal membrane, inevitable pathological processes begin.
The affected mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus can negatively affect the neighboring anatomical formations: optic nerves, bone septa and brain. Such dangerous localization of inflammation often leads to serious complications. You can protect yourself from the consequences. It is enough to know about the symptoms, and at the first suspicion of health problems, consult a doctor.
How to recognize sphenoiditis? First alarming symptoms
There are frequent cases of asymptomatic disease during early stages. But even in the absence of complaints and pronounced signs, the disease continues to develop. Sphenoiditis is dangerous due to its invisibility and similarity of symptoms with other diseases.
With sphenoiditis painful sensations can occur in the temples, forehead and eyes. There is discomfort in the nose. The patient begins to feel weak, performance decreases, and insomnia may appear. Mistaking these symptoms for a common cold, many refuse the help of doctors and begin treatment with the usual methods.
Except medications, resort to traditional medicine. Treatment at home can help relieve inflammation, but it should not be uncontrolled. Ignoring medical care for sphenoiditis is always a risk. Wasted time and lack of results often results in unpleasant complications.
Headaches accompany most inflammatory processes in ENT diseases, but Sphenoiditis can be distinguished by aching pain in the back of the head. It is not strong, goes away with painkillers, but can return.
An accurate diagnosis can only be made good specialist, in this case, a simple examination, study of complaints and symptoms will not be enough. A number of studies will be required, in particular, x-rays of the sinuses and computed tomography.
What causes the disease? Causes and features of sphenoiditis
Symptoms of sphenoiditis can be a variety of infectious diseases, but the main provoking factor is abnormalities in the structure of the sphenoid sinus. It's all about her anatomical features, any deviations can lead to obstruction of the excretory tract. Let's highlight the most common ones:
- Congenital pathologies of the excretory tract: asymmetry, the presence of additional holes and septa;
- The appearance of a cyst blocking the excretory tract;
- Deviation of the nasal septum;
- Tumors in the nasal sinus;
- Foreign objects in the sinus;
- Presence of polyps;
- Too narrow or, conversely, large exit paths.
There can be several causes of the disease. Their elimination leads to complete recovery.
Types of disease and main symptoms of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis can be acute or chronic. At proper treatment the patient recovers quickly enough and does not encounter complications. You can find out about the disease by pronounced signs, the following symptoms are characteristic of acute sphenoiditis:
- Pain in the occipital, frontal, temporal region;
- Dizziness;
- Thick, profuse discharge from the nose;
- Impaired sense of smell;
- A sharp increase in temperature;
- Malaise, weakness, feeling of depression;
- Drowsiness.
The cause of chronic sphenoiditis can be tumor formations, venereal, viral, and bacteriological diseases. Recognize chronic stage The disease is not difficult if inflammation appears at least 2 times a year and is accompanied by purulent discharge.
Having discovered alarming symptoms, go to the doctor. Sphenoiditis can be successfully treated, and timely therapy helps get rid of the disease.
Treatment of sphenoiditis
To avoid the appearance and development of the disease, doctors advise hardening the body, be sure to continue to treat nasal diseases, and protect yourself from viral infections. But if the diagnosis of “sphenoiditis” has already been made, the patient’s task is to follow the specialist’s recommendations.
After detecting the disease and determining the stage, the doctor prescribes treatment, the purpose of which is to rid the patient of the infected mucus accumulated in the sinuses. Typically, therapy begins with antibacterial drugs and drugs that have a vasoconstrictor effect. They generously irrigate the nasal mucosa. In the acute form of the disease, antibiotics, physiotherapeutic procedures, nasal lavage, mucolytics and secretolytics are prescribed. The procedures are carried out until the complete cessation of purulent discharge.
Chronic sphenoiditis is treated with probing. This is a rather complex but effective procedure performed using sinus catheters. IN extreme cases When no treatment methods bring results, the patient is prescribed surgery. An endoscopic device is inserted into the nasal cavity. Pus is removed by opening the sphenoid sinus.
Sphenoiditis and traditional medicine
It is possible to treat the disease at home with folk remedies, but only with the permission of a doctor. This is the only condition and wish for those who various reasons avoids doctors and decides that he can handle it himself. In the case of a disease such as sphenoiditis, there is a risk of harming health and aggravating the situation.
Among the famous folk remedies, which are used for inflammation of the sphenoid sinus, onion-potato drops have proven themselves to be effective. Onion and potato juice are mixed in equal proportions and dripped into the nose twice a day. You can add melted honey.
Many people know about the benefits beet juice and actively use this folk remedy in the treatment of sphenoiditis. Beet juice is diluted with water, a little salt is added and the nasopharynx is washed with the resulting mixture.
To treat sphenoiditis at home, you can use instillation oils: sea buckthorn, eucalyptus, menthol. Drops of celandine juice cause sneezing and remove mucus. To rinse the nose, use decoctions of string, chamomile and sage. Inhalations using honey and garlic are very effective.
Means traditional medicine do not cure, but complement treatment. With their help you can relieve inflammation and eliminate swelling, but you can get rid of the disease only with complex treatment with the participation of an experienced doctor.
Good day, dear readers!
In today's article we will look at a disease such as sphenoiditis.
Sphenoiditis ( lat. sphenoiditis) – inflammatory disease mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus, the cause of which is most often an infection spread from the posterior cells of the ethmoid labyrinth.
The disease sphenoiditis, or as it is also called sphenoidal sinusitis, belongs to a group of diseases called -. Sinusitis also includes -, and (runny nose).
The danger of sphenoiditis lies in the fact that the sphenoid sinus is located deep in the skull, where it is adjacent to such important organs in the human head as the optic nerves, pituitary gland and carotid arteries. And so, as inflammation of the sphenoid sinus often occurs infectious nature, pathogenic microflora can significantly harm the functioning of all of the above vital organs.
Infection, due to the distant and deep location of the sphenoid sinus, rarely penetrates into it, which is why sphenoidal sinusitis is rare disease, however, this fact does not give us the right to treat this disease lightly. Moreover, due to the fact that the paranasal sinuses (sinuses) are located in close proximity to each other, the infection usually affects several sinuses at the same time. Thus, sphenoiditis is often accompanied by sinusitis, ethmoiditis and/or frontal sinusitis.
Sphenoiditis is difficult to treat with medication, so surgery is often used.
Symptoms of sphenoiditis
Among the main symptoms of sphenoiditis are:
- constant and aching, sometimes painful, with a predominance of pain in the back of the head or deep in the head, which almost does not go away, even when taking painkillers;
- blurred vision, with attacks of double vision;
- pain and pressure in the eyes and parietotemporal region;
- elevated body temperature – up to ;
- irritability;
- sensations of discomfort in the depths of the nose and nasopharynx;
- secretion of secretion flowing down the back wall of the pharynx into the stomach;
- difficult nasal breathing;
- impaired sense of smell;
- unpleasant odor from the nasopharynx.
For chronic sphenoiditis characteristic feature are viscous purulent discharge in the nasopharynx, with the formation of purulent crusts.
Complications of sphenoiditis
Complications include: brain abscess and others that are life-threatening.
Causes of sphenoiditis
The main cause of sphenoiditis, like other types of sinusitis, is bacterial, fungal and other types.
Other causes of sphenoiditis include:
- Anatomical disorders of the structure of the sinuses, congenital or acquired: curvature of the nasal septum;
- The presence of polyps, cysts, tumors in the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus;
- Foreign bodies entering the nasal and paranasal sinuses;
- Untimely or improper treatment of other types of sinusitis - runny nose, sinusitis, ethmoiditis;
- Weakened immune system;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements in the body ();
Also, diseases such as and can be an indirect cause of sphenoiditis.
Usually, when obstacles to normal air exchange in the sphenoid sinus are removed, the symptoms decrease, and with additional drug treatment, the functionality of this part of the head is normalized, and the person recovers.
Types of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis is classified as follows:
Downstream:
Acute sphenoiditis. The course of the disease is acute, with severe headaches in the back of the head, fever, difficulty breathing and heavy discharge, flowing down the back wall of the nasopharynx into the stomach. The main cause of acute sphenoiditis is viral, bacterial and other types of infection.
Chronic sphenoiditis. Clinical picture The disease either worsens or subsides. Symptoms include constant aching pain in the back of the head and the “depth” of the head, slight elevated body temperature (37°C), discomfort in the nasopharynx, difficulty breathing, disorders visual function, purulent discharge and formation of purulent crusts, unpleasant odor. Among the causes, the most common are anatomical disorders in the structure of the sphenoid sinus, congenital or caused by various injuries, neoplasms and other pathologies. Also among the reasons are weakened immunity and others that are not fully cured. Chronic sphenoiditis may be the result of an acute form of this disease.
By localization
- Left-handed
- Right-handed
- Bilateral
By form:
- Exudative:
- Catarrhal;
- Purulent; - Productive:
- Polypous, cystic;
- Parietal-hyperplastic.
By etiology:
- Traumatic
- Viral
- Bacterial
- Fungal
- Mixed
Diagnosis of sphenoiditis
Diagnosis of sphenoiditis is made using the following methods:
- Examination of the patient;
- Endoscopic examination;
- Laboratory research of the secretion;
For the treatment of sphenoidal sinusitis, drug therapy and symptomatic treatment are usually used.
Treatment of sphenoiditis is aimed at:
- reduction of swelling of the sphenoid sinus;
- removal of purulent secretion from the sphenoid sinus;
- destruction of infection;
- restoration of normal functionality of the sphenoid sinus.
1. To relieve swelling Vasoconstrictors are used in the sphenoid sinus and to normalize nasal breathing. They also promote the outflow of pathological secretions from the sphenoid sinus. Among the vasoconstrictors we can highlight: “Naphthyzin”, “Farmazolin”, “Noxprey”, an adrenaline solution soaked in a strip of gauze (apply for 20 minutes).
2. Sinus rinsing. After “opening” the sphenoid sinus, it needs to be washed. For lavage, the “movement” method using the YAMIK sinus catheter has proven itself to be excellent. Usually, after the first such procedure, the patient feels significant relief. The essence of the procedure is to introduce a drug through one channel into the sinus or nasal cavity, and through another channel, all pathological secretions are drawn out of the sinuses. They have proven themselves well as cleaning agents. antibacterial drugs: solutions of furacillin, chlorophyllipt.
3. With purulent discharge, depending on the causative agent of infection, are used the following antibiotics: “Ampiox”, “Augmentin”, “Duracef”, “Rovamycin”, “”, “”, or intramuscularly - “”.
4. To preserve intestinal microflora, which is usually disrupted when taking antibacterial agents, probiotics are used: “Bifikol”, “Lactobacterin”, “Linex”, “Probiovit”.
5. To prevent an allergic reaction for medications, antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs are used: “Diazolin”, “”, “Tavegil”.
Symptomatic treatment of sphenoiditis
At elevated temperatures. If the body temperature does not exceed 38°C for 5 days, it is not brought down, because this is the immune system’s response to the presence of an infection in the body, which is literally “burned out” at elevated temperatures. If the temperature has crossed the mark of 39°C, or remains at 38 degrees for more than 5 days, antipyretics are used: “”, “”.
For headaches Painkillers are used: Askofen, Aspirin.
Surgical intervention (operation) for sphenoiditis
Surgery for sphenoiditis is usually prescribed in following cases:
— If access to the sphenoid sinus is closed;
— Drug therapy did not bring the expected result;
— The inflammatory process occurred in humans for a long time;
— The patient often has repeated acute forms of sphenoiditis;
— The patient began to develop complications from this disease.
Surgery to treat sphenoiditis can be performed in 2 ways:
1. Endonasal. Modern method using endoscopes and microsurgical instruments. Its essence is to expand the natural anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus under optical control through the common nasal passage, after which all pathogenic secretions are removed from the sinus with further sanitization.
2. Extranasal. The sphenoid sinus is opened by removing the posterior part of the nasal septum or the middle turbinate with the posterior cells of the ethmoidal labyrinth. This method is used less and less.
Prognosis recovery in acute sphenoiditis it is favorable, in chronic it is less positive. However, dear readers, remember that in any case, there is always a chance for recovery. Sometimes all you need to do is turn to God!
Folk remedies against sphenoiditis
Since the sphenoid sinus is located deep in the head, the use of folk remedies can cause serious complications, so ENT doctors do not recommend treating sphenoiditis at home.
To alleviate the condition, only mild sinus lavage can have a beneficial effect. saline solution- 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 glass of warm boiled water.
Prevention of sphenoiditis
Which doctor should I contact for sphenoiditis?
The main infectious agents include streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria, viruses and fungi. Sphenoiditis appears as a complication of influenza, scarlet fever, sore throat, and even simple rhinitis in the presence of predisposing factors. In their absence, any penetration of infection into the sphenoid sinus causes mild inflammation, which quickly subsides.
However, infection itself does not play a decisive role in the development of sphenoiditis. For the development of infection, those factors are also necessary against the background of which pathogenic microbes, having penetrated the mucous membrane, will give rise to the infectious process.
Predisposing factors
The main predisposing factors for sphenoiditis are narrowing of the outlet of the sphenoid sinus and reduced general immunity.Common causes of narrowing of the natural excretory duct are:
- anatomical narrowness of the sphenoid sinus and its small size;
- congenital anomalies of the nasal cavity and sinuses ( curvatures, additional partitions, absence or overgrowth of ducts);
- congenital or acquired ( in case of injury) curvature of the posterior part of the nasal septum;
- space-occupying formations in the sphenoid sinus ( );
- volumetric formations of the nasopharynx in close proximity to the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus ( cysts, polyps, malignant tumors );
- foreign bodies, which enter the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus during a sharp inhalation.
Mechanism of infection development
Penetrating infection affects the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus, destroying epithelial cells, thereby causing inflammation of the mucous membrane. The presence of factors that lead to a narrowing of the natural excretory duct contributes to reduced air exchange and the progression of the inflammatory process. With prolonged inflammation, infiltration and swelling of the mucous membrane occurs with blockage of the outlet of the sphenoid sinus. Thus, the air exchange of the sinuses stops and the release of inflammatory exudate becomes difficult. In conditions of oxygen starvation, it develops intensively anaerobic infection, which produces purulent discharge. The inflammation is progressing. When the sphenoid sinus anastomosis is completely blocked, pus accumulates and completely fills its cavity.Sphenoiditis can occur without the direct influence of an infectious agent on the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus. Long lasting inflammatory process nasopharynx against a background of reduced immunity and without adequate drug treatment can lead to massive swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx clogs the outlet of the sphenoid sinus from the outside, reducing the flow of air into the sinus. At volumetric formations the outlet may also be blocked in the nasopharynx or sphenoid sinus.
The mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus begins to intensively absorb oxygen from its cavity, releasing in return carbon dioxide. Due to the clogged outlet, carbon dioxide accumulates in the cavity and affects detrimental influence on mucosal cells. Cells are damaged and accumulation inflammatory infiltrate followed by swelling of the mucous membrane and inflammation.
In some cases, the infection can enter the sphenoid sinus from internal environment body, with damage to the sphenoid bone. This is observed in the bone form of tuberculosis, syphilis, and osteomyelitis. The infection destroys the sphenoid bone to the periosteum and spreads into the thickness of the mucous membrane with subsequent inflammation and swelling.H
Symptoms of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis appears blurred general symptoms, so it’s difficult to correct diagnosis. Often patients suffer from this pathology for decades without appropriate treatment. Symptoms of sphenoiditis are:
- headache;
- asthenovegetative manifestations;
- pathological discharge from the sphenoid sinus;
- impairment of vision and smell.
- damage to the cranial brain nerves.
Headache
With sphenoiditis, one of the first symptoms is headache. Due to the accumulation of fluid and air in the sphenoid sinus, pressure on the tissue increases and bone structures equipped with sensitive nerve receptors. In addition to the bursting pressure, the sensitive receptors are also affected by toxins released during cell breakdown as a result of prolonged inflammation. Depending on the degree of filling of the sphenoid sinus and the opening of the outlet, the headache varies in intensity and location. In most cases, the headache is of moderate intensity, aching, without precise localization. Patients describe it as pain inside, in the center of the head. With the gradual filling of the sphenoid sinus with purulent contents, the pain is localized in the parietal region and gradually moves to the occipital region. Sometimes the pain radiates ( gives away) into the temple, deep into the orbit, less often - into the base of the skull.The intensity of pain increases when the outlet is blocked and the outflow of pathological secretion from the sphenoid sinus is disrupted. In severe cases, with a massive accumulation of pus, pressing pain appears in the depths of the orbits. Patients complain about burning pain behind the eyes, as if squeezing out the eyes.
Patients especially often note increased pain in a hot room or in the sun in summer. In conditions with elevated temperatures and dry air, the evaporation of pathological secretions increases. This leads to the appearance of crusts on the surface of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus, which can clog the outlet.
Headache with sphenoiditis is not relieved by almost any analgesics ( painkillers).
Asthenovegetative manifestations
With sphenoiditis, especially chronic, asthenovegetative disorders come to the fore. The sphenoid sinus closely borders the structures of the central nervous system ( meninges, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, skull base). A prolonged inflammatory process, active development of infection and massive destruction of cells of the mucous layer leads to the accumulation of large amounts of toxins. These toxins penetrate the nervous tissue at the base of the brain, causing various asthenovegetative ( neurological) symptoms.Asthenovegetative disorders are:
- sleep disturbance;
- decreased appetite;
- skin sensitivity disorder ( paresthesia);
- memory impairment;
- dizziness;
- persistent low-grade fever ( within 37.1 – 37.9 degrees);
- hyperemia of the skin of the face;
- general weakness and malaise;
- irritability.
Pathological discharge from the sphenoid sinus
One of the main symptoms of sphenoiditis is pathological discharge from the sphenoid sinus.With a pronounced inflammatory process and the active development of infectious microflora, pathological fluids begin to accumulate in the sphenoid sinus. Initially, abundant mucous discharge appears. When an infection occurs, especially an anaerobic one, the discharge becomes purulent. Purulent discharge accumulates in the sinus cavity until it finds a way out. Usually due to increased internal pressure pus begins to seep through the outlet and flow down the back of the throat. Purulent discharge can dry out and form hard crusts on the surface of the pharynx, which constantly irritates the mucous membrane. The secretion is difficult to cough up. The patient feels discomfort and irritation in the depths of the nose and throat, and often tries to cough. Sometimes there is an unpleasant smell of purulent secretion, which is felt only by the patient. During an instrumental examination of the nasopharynx, the ENT doctor notes hyperemia of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and pathological discharge in the form of strips of pus on the back wall of the pharynx.
Impaired vision and smell
Often, with sphenoiditis, the first symptoms with which the patient consults a doctor are blurred vision and smell.The sphenoid sinus anatomically borders the optic chiasm ( optic chiasm) and the olfactory part of the nose.
When the inflammatory and infectious process from the sphenoid sinus moves to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the olfactory receptors of the nose are affected. The patient ceases to perceive odors correctly. In severe cases, anosmia occurs ( loss of smell).
The inflammatory and infectious process from the sphenoid sinus can spread to the fibers of the optic nerves. Due to prolonged inflammatory edema, ischemia occurs ( decreased blood supply) nerve tissue. As a result of these pathological changes, neuritis develops in more than ten percent of cases. optic nerve, which appears with various visual disturbances. Visual acuity decreases, scotomas of various sizes appear ( black dots in the field of vision).
Damage to cranial nerves
The sphenoid sinus borders the cavernous sinus, which contains the cranial nerves ( III, IV, VI and V pair). The inflammatory process can penetrate into the cavernous sinus through the cells of the ethmoid labyrinth and cover nerve fibers III, IV, VI and V pairs cranial nerves. With neuritis of the abducens nerve ( VI pairs of cranial nerves) double vision appears. Defeat oculomotor nerve (III pair of cranial nerves) is characterized by omission upper eyelid, and the trochlear nerve ( IV pair of cranial nerves) – strabismus.Trigeminal neuritis ( V pairs of cranial nerves) most often manifests itself as a violation of the sensitivity of the facial skin.
All visual, olfactory and nervous disorders usually disappear after complete cure sphenoiditis.
Diagnosis of sphenoiditis
Examination by an ENT doctor
For prolonged headaches and pathological discharge from the nose, the patient must consult an ENT doctor. He interviews, examines the patient and identifies those symptoms that are diagnostic criteria for sphenoiditis.Survey
The doctor asks the patient questions about how the disease began and what symptoms dominated the clinic. So, if the disease began abruptly, with a rise in temperature, chills and severe headache in the occipital region, then this will speak in favor of acute sphenoiditis. If the patient has already suffered from sphenoiditis more than once, but did not fully treat it, then this will indicate a chronic form of the disease.
The doctor pays special attention to what diseases the patient still suffers from. So, if a patient suffers from sinusitis or ethmoiditis, then there is a high probability that the infection has spread to the sphenoid sinus from the sinuses affected by these diseases. In general, any inflammation of the mouth and nose ( amygdalitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis) will talk about the possible development of sphenoiditis.
This is explained by the close proximity of the affected cavities and their connections. Even a common cold that the patient recently suffered may indirectly indicate sphenoiditis.
Since infection alone is not always enough to develop sphenoiditis, the doctor asks the patient about the presence of predisposing factors. This is the presence of polyps, cysts that could contribute to the narrowing of the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus. Injuries that could cause a deviated nasal septum also play an important role.
During the interview process, the doctor still pays the main attention to those symptoms that bother the patient.
The symptoms that an ENT doctor identifies for sphenoiditis are:
- pain in the back of the head or parietal part of the head;
- mucopurulent discharge;
- disorders olfactory function or the presence of a perverted sense of smell;
- double vision, photophobia, decreased visual acuity - with complicated sphenoiditis.
The isolated course of sphenoiditis rarely manifests itself with external symptoms. If sphenoiditis occurs with other sinusitis, then externally the patient may acquire certain features. For example, with concomitant ethmoiditis, swelling and redness of the outer eyelid is observed. When you tap on the bridge of your nose, pain appears. With other sinusitis, tapping reveals pain in the cheekbones and forehead.
Important diagnostic symptom When examining the patient, there is a purulent viscous discharge that flows down the back wall of the pharynx. During rhinoscopy, the doctor examines the nasal mucosa, nasal passages and turbinates, the vault of the pharynx and the posterior surface of the soft palate.
Rhinoscopic signs of acute sphenoiditis:
- swollen and red nasal mucosa;
- accumulations of pus in the upper nasal meatus between the middle turbinate and the septum;
- purulent crusts in the choanae, nasopharynx
Rhinoscopic signs of chronic sphenoiditis:
- the presence of viscous discharge that flows down the back wall of the pharynx;
- pale, emaciated mucous base of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
Probing or puncture of the sphenoid sinus is carried out with diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. To do this, after preliminary anesthesia, a needle is inserted into the nasal cavity at an angle of 30 degrees. This manipulation is carried out by an experienced specialist, guided by certain topographical landmarks. A sign of a needle getting into the sinus is a “sinking” sensation. Direct evidence of sphenoiditis is purulent or mucous contents when washing this sinus.
Today this procedure is carried out using special endoscopic equipment.
Laboratory tests
The presence of an infectious process in the body is also indicated by changes in general analysis blood.Leukocytes
The first blood parameter that responds to the infectious process is the leukocyte formula. First of all we're talking about about promotion total number leukocytes in the blood. This phenomenon in laboratory medicine is called leukocytosis. Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of leukocytes to more than 9 x 10 9.
With purulent sphenoiditis, leukocytes will increase due to neutrophils, with viral sphenoiditis - due to lymphocytes.
In addition to the number of leukocytes, the leukocytes themselves also change. Thus, during infection, the number of young, undifferentiated leukocytes increases. These include myelocytes and metamyelocytes. This phenomenon in laboratory diagnostics is called shift leukocyte formula to the left.
Leukocytosis and a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left are the most constant indicators of the infectious process in the body.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR)
This laboratory parameter shows the ratio of plasma proteins. Its measurement is based on the ability of red blood cells to settle under the influence of gravity. Indirectly, this indicator serves as an indicator of the inflammatory process. So, during inflammatory reactions of the body itself of various etiologies ESR increases by more than 10 - 15 millimeters per hour. In chronic sphenoiditis, elevated ESR may be the only laboratory indicator of infection. In acute cases, SOE increases simultaneously with leukocytosis.
Hemoglobin
The concentration of hemoglobin in the blood does not always change during acute inflammatory processes. As a rule, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration of less than 120 grams per liter is observed only in severe acute infections. More anemic syndrome ( decreased hemoglobin concentration) is typical for chronic infections, including with long-term, sluggish chronic sphenoiditis. Along with hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells may also decrease.
Radiological signs
X-ray examination is mandatory in the diagnosis of sphenoiditis. X-rays of the sphenoid sinus are performed in several projections in order to obtain the greatest information content.
Main radiological sign Sphenoiditis is a darkening of the sphenoid sinus or the so-called “veil”. Most often, this veil is not limited to the sphenoid sinus alone, but also extends to the labyrinths of the ethmoid bone.
This study can determine not only indirect signs pus or mucus in the sphenoid bone, but also those conditions against which sphenoiditis developed. Thus, an x-ray of the sphenoid sinus shows a narrow anastomosis, a small size of the sinus, polyps in it, and a deviated nasal septum. If X-ray examination uninformative, the doctor recommends a computed tomography scan. It reveals signs of inflammation in the sphenoid sinus in 99 percent of cases.
Treatment of sphenoiditis
Treatment of sphenoiditis includes eliminating the infection from the body and the conditions that contributed to its development. Therefore, the basic treatment for sphenoiditis is antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are prescribed locally ( in the form of drops) and systemically in the form of injections or tablets. Antibiotics are selected wide range from the class of penicillins and cephalosporins. The drug of choice is amoxicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. For allergic reactions to these drugs, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, clarithromycin, co-trimoxazole are prescribed. In addition to antibiotics, local vasoconstrictors are prescribed, which eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and reduce the amount of mucus secreted. Antipyretics, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed.
Drugs for the treatment of sphenoiditis
| Drug name | Mechanism of action | Directions for use |
| Amoxicillin | The drug is effective against most microbial associations that cause sphenoiditis. | From 500 mg to 1 gram three times a day. The maximum dose is 4 to 6 grams per 24 hours. |
| Amoxiclav | Combination drug, consisting of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which neutralizes bacterial enzymes. | One capsule each ( 625 mg) every 8 hours a day. |
| Azithromycin | Suppresses the synthesis of proteins, which are a structural component of most bacteria. | Once a day, 250–500 mg one hour before meals. |
| Cefaxon | An antibiotic from the 3rd generation of cephalosporins, which has an effect even on bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics. | The contents of one 500 mg bottle are diluted in 2 - 3 ml of lidocaine solution and injected deep into the muscle. Injections are given every 12 hours, that is, twice a day. |
| Clarithromycin | In addition to the antibacterial effect, it has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. | 500 mg capsule twice a day. Children are recommended to take 250 mg capsules for 10 days. |
| Co-trimoxazole | A combined drug from the sulfonamide class. It disrupts the synthesis of folic acid, which is used by bacteria for their vital functions. | One to two capsules twice daily for 14 days. |
| Sinupret | A herbal preparation that reduces inflammation at the site of infection and normalizes the secretory function of the epithelium of the air sinuses. | Two tablets three times a day or 50 drops also three times a day. |
| Vibrocil | Constricts the vessels of the mucous membrane and thus eliminates its swelling. It also has an antiallergic effect. | 3 drops or 2 injections into each nasal passage every 8 to 6 hours. |
| Snoop | Restores airway patency, facilitating nasal breathing. | By pressing on the bottle, make one injection into each nostril. The procedure is repeated three times a day. |
| Ibuprofen | Has a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Relieves fever. | One or two ( 400 – 800 mg) capsules three times a day. |
It must be remembered that antibiotic therapy should always be accompanied by the prescription of antifungal agents. As a rule, antimycotics ( for example, fluconazole) are prescribed on days 5 and 7 of antibiotic treatment. This is done in order to avoid the development of candidiasis. Probiotics are also prescribed to normalize intestinal flora ( for example, Linux).
Since the infection itself does not play a decisive role in the development of sphenoiditis, sometimes treatment is accompanied by surgery. This can be either a puncture of the sphenoid sinus or an operation aimed at restoring a deviated septum, which was one of the causes of sphenoiditis.
Much attention is paid to increasing immunity in a patient suffering from sphenoiditis, since, as a rule, the development of all sinusitis, including sphenoiditis, occurs against the background of weakened immunity. For this purpose, it is recommended to take Echinacea tincture, Immunal, Imunofan.
Nutrition and lifestyle with sphenoiditis
The patient’s lifestyle with sphenoiditis should help alleviate the manifestations of the disease and prevent its exacerbation.- balanced diet;
- carrying out activities aimed at boosting immunity;
- organization of certain living conditions;
- treatment of diseases and elimination of factors contributing to the development and progression of the disease.
Dietary rules for sphenoiditis
Patients with inflammatory processes in the sphenoid sinus must adhere to a number of rules regarding diet.The basic principles of alimony that should be followed are:
- refusal of foods and drinks that may cause complications of the disease;
- inclusion of products that ensure the normal functionality of all body systems;
- compliance with meal schedule recommendations;
- compliance with the recommended volume of fluid.
Products containing large number lactose are:
- milk;
- whey;
- butter;
- cheese, cottage cheese, feta cheese;
- condensed milk;
- ice cream
Drinks and dishes that negatively affect the nasal mucosa are:
- beer and other low-alcohol drinks;
- vodka, cognac and other strong alcoholic drinks;
- coffee, cappuccino, coffee latte;
- Pepsi, Coca-Cola.
Useful foods for sphenoiditis
Along with food, a person suffering from sphenoiditis must receive the proper amount of energy and nutrients in order for the body to fight the manifestations of the disease.Elements that should be included in the patient’s diet are:
- minerals;
- complex carbohydrates;
- lactobacilli, bifidobacteria.
During the period of illness, a person’s need for vitamins increases, because they contribute to the normalization of all vital processes of the body. The diet of a patient with sphenoiditis should contain foods rich in essential vitamins to combat this disease.
The vitamins necessary in the treatment of sphenoiditis and the products that contain them are:
- vitamin A (increases the resistance of the respiratory system to infections) – fish oil, beef liver, carrots, eggs;
- vitamin B1 (normalizes the functioning of the immune system, improves digestion, helps resist stress) – wheat and oat bran, pork, wheat ( solid);
- vitamin B2(improves vision and reduces eye fatigue, takes active participation in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates) – peanuts, almonds, beef, dairy products;
- vitamin B3 (normalizes the functionality of the digestive system, helps increase energy in the body) – lean meat, dates, avocados, liver, kidneys;
- vitamin B4 (promotes the removal of harmful substances from the body, improves concentration, improves mood) – egg yolks, liver, sprouted wheat, peas, lentils, oatmeal;
- vitamin B5 (increases the barrier functions of mucous membranes) – soybean, beef, pork liver, buckwheat, apples;
- vitamin B6 (normalizes the functionality of the nervous system) – pine nuts, beans, walnuts, fish ( tuna, sardine, mackerel), beef liver;
- vitamin B8 (regulates neuromuscular excitability) – bran, beef by-products ( kidneys, liver, brains), veal, beef, pork, legumes, cabbage;
- vitamin B9 (promotes the production of serotonin - a hormone that helps fight depression and improves appetite) – green salad, parsley, cabbage, green vegetable tops, mint, carrots, pumpkin;
- vitamin B12 (reduces irritability, promotes concentration and improves memory) - beef liver, kidneys, egg yolk, herring, salmon;
- vitamin C (weakens toxic effects substances that are formed in the body during infectious diseases) – tomatoes, rose hips, sweet pepper, cabbage ( cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli), sea buckthorn;
- vitamins of group D (contribute to the successful treatment and prevention of colds) - fish ( sardine, herring, tuna), fish liver ( cod, halibut), fermented milk products;
- vitamin E (increases the body's endurance, reduces fatigue) – vegetable oil ( soybean, sunflower, olive), walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, dried apricots;
- vitamin P (increases resistance to infections, promotes the absorption of vitamin C) – rose hips, apricots, blackberries, lemon, orange, buckwheat, black currants.
Vitamins are elements that are quickly destroyed under the influence of factors such as air, water, and heat treatment. To preserve the value of these beneficial substances, you must adhere to a number of rules.
The principles of cooking and storing food that will prevent the destruction of vitamins are:
- should not be stored in light leafy vegetables;
- Products with vitamin C should not be cooked in metal containers;
- All products should be washed in running water;
- Food should be cleaned and cut immediately before cooking;
- Vitamins are most destroyed by heat treatment such as frying;
- When cooking, you need to immerse vegetables in boiling water;
- adding sugar, salt, vinegar or citric acid Helps preserve vitamin C.
The diet of a patient with sphenoiditis should include meals rich in protein, because it contains amino acids responsible for accelerated regeneration new cells. Some amino acids undergo a breakdown process, during which the energy needed by a sick person is generated. With a lack of protein, the body's resistance to infections decreases, emotional background, performance decreases.
High protein foods are:
- soybean, soy products (milk, meat, cottage cheese);
- peanuts ( should be consumed raw or dried; during frying, the beneficial substances in it are destroyed);
- hard cheeses;
- peas, beans;
- chicken breast, veal, beef;
- fish;
- cereals ( buckwheat, oatmeal);
- chicken eggs.
Minerals are necessary for humans for the normal functionality of all body systems. The lack of macroelements and microelements negatively affects human immunity, since they take part in metabolism, regulate water balance organism, activate enzymatic processes and participate in many other important reactions.
Minerals and products containing them, which must be included in the diet for sphenoiditis, are:
- zinc (necessary element for the functioning of the immune system, takes an active part in the fight against infectious diseases) – beef chicken liver, pine nuts, peanuts ( raw or dried), meat ( beef, lamb, pork);
- chromium (reduces anxiety and fatigue) - fish ( tuna, capelin), beef liver, shrimp;
- chlorine (helps remove toxins and waste from the body, improves digestion) – mackerel, anchovies, crucian carp, rice, chicken eggs;
- phosphorus (normalizes mental activity, takes part in the processes of energy production for the body) – soft cheeses ( camembert, brie), cheese, flounder, horse mackerel, mackerel;
- sodium (has great value For proper operation digestive and excretory systems ) – seaweed, mussels, sardines, sea crayfish;
- manganese (participates in the process of energy production, necessary for the healthy functioning of the nervous system) – hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, spinach;
- cobalt (supports the immune and nervous systems) – squid, tuna, sardines, sea bass, semolina;
- calcium (has an anti-inflammatory effect, increases the body's barrier functions) – hard and processed cheeses, feta cheese, almonds, garlic, cottage cheese;
- potassium (helps remove toxins from the body, helps prevent depression) – dried apricots, beans, seaweed, prunes, raisins;
- iodine (is part of hormones that regulate energy metabolism and normalize the activity of the nervous system) – seaweed, squid, hake, persimmon, buckwheat;
- iron (improves the body's defense against bacteria, takes part in the neutralization of harmful substances that enter the body) – pork and beef liver, spinach, lentils, buckwheat and barley, oatmeal;
- bromine (calms down nervous system ) – wheat, barley, beans, peanuts, almonds.
Complex carbohydrates have high nutritional value and low sugar content. When they are consumed, the body receives a long-lasting feeling of satiety and a large amount of energy.
Foods high in complex carbohydrates are:
- bread products made from flour coarse;
- durum wheat pasta;
- potato;
- peas, beans, lentils;
- cereals ( wheat, barley, buckwheat);
- wild rice;
- unsweetened fruits and vegetables.
The role of lactobacilli is that they decompose milk sugar and synthesize lactic acid, which inhibits the development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the body. Bifidobacteria, in the course of their life activity, secrete substances that not only inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, but also improve absorption nutrients. Also lactobacilli and bifidobacteria stimulate immune system, making it easier for the body to tolerate the manifestations of sphenoiditis.
Another reason why these elements need to be included in the patient’s diet is their beneficial effect on the digestion process. Bacteria break down food components and play a major role in restoring the intestinal mucosa and microflora. Quite often, treatment of sphenoiditis is carried out with antibiotics, which can provoke dysbacteriosis. To reduce the negative effects of drugs on the body, you should eat these beneficial bacteria.
Products that contain beneficial lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are:
- yogurt;
- kefir;
- soft cheeses;
- cottage cheese;
- sour cream;
- curdled milk.
Meal schedule for sphenoiditis
With sphenoiditis, as with any other disease, the body requires a large amount of strength to fight the manifestations of the disease. To avoid wasting a lot of energy on digesting food, portions should not be large. In order not to reduce the total amount of food that needs to be consumed per day, the daily schedule should include 5 to 6 meals.You should not have dinner or a snack later than two hours before going to bed. This can cause heartburn, due to which the mucous membrane becomes inflamed and the patient's condition worsens.
Drinking regime
During illness you should consume more water than usual, in order for the body to cope with intoxication. Lack of fluid can cause the mucous membranes to dry out and the outflow of fluid from the paranasal sinuses to worsen. per day healthy person you should drink about 2 liters of water ( 30 milliliters of liquid per 1 kilogram of weight). If the condition worsens due to illness, another half liter of water must be added to the norm. You should drink non-carbonated mineral water, black and green tea. You can also consume various herbal drinks.- Tea with honey and lemon– you should brew weak green or black tea, add 1 teaspoon of lemon and 3 – 4 slices of lemon. Before adding honey and lemon to tea, you need to cool it a little.
- Tea with raspberries and linden– 1 tablespoon each of dried linden flowers, dry leaves and fresh raspberries should be brewed with 2 glasses of water. Raspberry berries and leaves can be substituted raspberry jam.
- Rose hip decoction– Pour 3 tablespoons of dried rose hips into half a liter of boiling water and leave to steep overnight. You need to drink half an hour before meals.
- Cranberry juice– Grind fresh cranberries with sugar in a ratio of 3 to 1. Before use, 2 tablespoons of the mixture are poured into 2 cups of boiling water and drunk instead of tea.
- Dried fruit decoction– for a liter of decoction you will need 100 grams of a mixture of dried apples, pears, apricots, prunes, and raisins. Add apples and pears to boiling water, and after half an hour add all other dried fruits. You can add honey, sugar, and lemon juice to the finished compote.
- Ginger tea– for 1 glass of boiling water you should take 1 tablespoon of natural honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, half a teaspoon of fresh ginger root, grated. Mix all ingredients. You can add cinnamon and mint to your tea to taste.
Raising immunity
Weakened immunity is often the cause of sphenoiditis. Therefore, patients with frequent manifestations of this disease need to pay attention to measures that will help strengthen the immune system.Activities that increase immunity are:
- hardening of the body;
- maintaining a daily routine;
- development of resistance to stress.
Hardening the body
Hardening improves a person’s ability to adapt and endure without stress low temperatures and other aggressive factors environment. Compliance with the hardening system contributes to the development of endurance and stability. Strengthening the body should be done during periods when a person is healthy.Hardening methods include:
- Aerotherapy – this method includes air baths and long walks fresh air. Air hardening is not required preliminary preparation and is the simplest and most accessible. To increase the effect of aerotherapy, procedures should be carried out in areas located near parks, squares, and reservoirs.
- Heliotherapy– strengthening the body by influencing it sun rays. To avoid burns and heatstroke, you need to start with a minimum amount of time in the sun, gradually increasing it.
- Walking barefoot– when walking without shoes, a person’s feet are stimulated biologically active points, which normalizes the functionality of many organs and systems of the body.
- Water hardening– includes procedures such as dousing, wiping, contrast shower, winter swimming ( swimming in ice water).
- You need to start hardening after a preliminary consultation with a doctor.
- It is necessary to begin strengthening the body with gentle and short-term procedures.
- The principle of gradualness should be observed, which applies to both the temperature regime and the duration of the procedures. When water hardening, you need to start with water at room temperature, reducing it by 1 - 2 degrees with each subsequent session. The duration of initial sunbathing should be 10 - 15 minutes, subsequently they should be increased by 5 - 10 minutes and brought to 1 hour.
- All hardening activities must be carried out regularly, without making long pauses between sessions. If the break was forced, you should return to hardening with more gentle procedures.
- If possible, it is worth combining the effects of air, sun or water on the body with exercise. This will increase the effectiveness of hardening.
- The main guideline for strengthening the body is the patient’s sensations. In case of malaise, lethargy and pain, hardening should be stopped or switched to lighter procedures.
- Sufficient time should be allowed between procedures to allow the body to regain its strength.
Daily routine rules
Timely rest and healthy sleep are the basic principles that will allow the body to restore strength and fight sphenoiditis. Chronic lack of sleep negatively affects the immune system, so sleep should be between 7 and 8 hours a day.Rules that help improve the quality of night rest are:
- Two hours before going to bed, you should stop mental stress, stop thinking about work or everyday problems.
- The bedroom should not contain factors that distract attention ( flashing light bulbs or appliance displays, loud clocks, and other noisy objects).
- The bed and bedding should be comfortable and not cause discomfort during sleep.
- Before going to bed, it is necessary to ventilate the room, leaving open windows for 5 – 15 minutes depending on the time of year.
- You need to go to bed and wake up according to a schedule, non-compliance with which causes stress for the body.
- A warm shower or bath will help you relax and sleep soundly.
- You shouldn't overeat before bed. It is also recommended to stop smoking two hours before falling asleep, because tobacco stimulates the nervous system.
- You need to sleep in complete darkness, as this promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms.
Stress management
A stressful state suppresses the body's immune system. Also, with this disease, due to difficulty in nasal breathing, a lack of oxygen occurs, as a result of which the patient experiences increased fatigue, irritability and nervousness. Therefore for successful treatment With sphenoiditis, the patient needs to cope with experiences and negative emotions.Rules that contribute to the development of stress resistance are:
- relaxation;
- positive emotions;
- limiting the amount of alcohol consumed, tobacco products, caffeine;
In stressful situations, the body experiences muscle tension. Proper muscle relaxation can reduce the level of anxiety you experience and resist stress. One of the relaxation methods is a set of exercises according to Jacobson, which consists of alternating tension and relaxation of body parts. To be able to get rid of muscle tightness in stressful situations, you should train from 10 to 20 minutes a day.
Laughter and release negative factors
To keep the patient’s emotional background normal, sources of worry and anxiety should be minimized. Watching films and programs with negative content, heavy music, unpleasant memories– all this can be abandoned in order to improve the patient’s condition. It is necessary to try to change the attitude towards those factors that cannot be excluded.
Positive Impact Laughter affects a person, therefore, when treating sphenoiditis, preference should be given to films, books and programs of a humorous nature. Doing what you love lifts your spirits. Hobby is not only a source positive emotions, but also allows you to expend energy that accumulates under stress.
Refusal bad habits
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that keep the nervous system on edge. Therefore, when consuming these products, a person becomes more sensitive to various factors and more difficult to tolerate stressful conditions. It should be noted that abruptly giving up cigarettes and coffee is also stressful for the body, so the amount of caffeine and nicotine should be reduced gradually. A good alternative is to switch to decaffeinated coffee and weaker cigarettes.
When drinking alcohol, a person experiences relaxation. But after a while, after the alcohol in the body is processed into formaldehyde, a feeling of anxiety may arise. In addition, alcohol reduces the effect of medications. Therefore, any alcoholic beverages should be avoided during treatment of sphenoiditis.
- maintaining a certain level of humidity ( 60 – 70 percent);
- rinsing the nose to prevent dry mucous membranes;
- prevention of hypothermia;
- when going outside, the nose should be protected from strong gusts of wind and frost;
- communicating with people who are suffering colds, should be kept to a minimum.
Combating comorbidities
In order to prevent sphenoiditis, the factors against which this pathology develops should be promptly eliminated.Diseases and disorders, the identification and elimination of which will help prevent inflammation of the sphenoid sinus mucosa, include:
- caries and other dental diseases;
- rhinitis;
- flu;
- narrow nasal passage and other pathologies of nasal anatomy;
- hit foreign objects into the sphenoid sinus of the nose;
- acute respiratory viral infections;
- tumors of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinuses.
Consequences of sphenoiditis
Because the sphenoid sinus is located near many vital structures, inflammation can lead to serious complications. The consequences of sphenoiditis are:
- damage to the cranial nerves, including the optic chiasm;
- spread of infection into the cranial cavity;
- spread of infection to other sinuses;
- infection of the orbital cavity.
Damage to the cranial nerves, including the optic chiasm
Due to the close location of the cranial nerves, the infectious process often spreads to them. In this case, the III, IV, V and VI pairs of cranial nerves may be affected. If the third pair of cerebral nerves is damaged, the patient experiences double vision, impaired movement of the eyeball outward, as well as up, down and inward. If the IV pair of nerves is affected, then only downward and sideways eye movements are impaired.If the infection involves the trigeminal nerve ( V pair) then the sensitivity of the skin of the face, teeth, and chewing muscles is impaired.
Most severe consequences develop if the optic chiasm is involved in the inflammatory process. This is accompanied by the appearance of blind spots in the field of view ( cattle), blindness in one half of the visual field ( hemianopsia), and in severe cases, complete loss of vision ( amaurosis).
Spread of infection into the cranial cavity
Sometimes the infection breaks into the cranial cavity through the natural openings in the sphenoid sinus. At the same time, bacteria ( or viruses, if the inflammation is of viral etiology) can affect both the brain substance itself and its membranes. In the first case, encephalitis develops, and in the second, meningitis. In both cases, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply. Lethargy occurs, including stupor, blood pressure drops, vomiting, and photophobia appear.As a rule, the spread of infection is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, which is immediately diagnosed by doctors. IN in rare cases (against the background of severe immunosuppression) an infection that has penetrated the skull can be localized and persist for a long time.
Spread of infection to other sinuses
Usually the infection penetrates into the sphenoid sinus from other sinuses, most often from the maxillary or ethmoidal sinus. However, the disease can develop in a different scenario. Inflammation from the sphenoid sinus through natural anastomosis or through the bloodstream can spread to other airways. Thus, several sinuses can be involved simultaneously with the development of so-called pansinusitis.Infection of the orbital cavity
This complication most often develops against the background of sphenoiditis involving the ethmoidal labyrinth. Since the latter anatomical structure is in direct contact with the orbital cavity, microbial flora very easily penetrates into this cavity. In this case, retrobulbar ( located behind the eye) abscesses, phlegmons. These accumulations of pus further put pressure on the eyeball, causing it to bulge. When soft tissues are involved in the inflammatory process, the skin around the eyes becomes swollen and red. Movement of the eyeballs is difficult, the patient tries to keep the eye closed.Sphenoiditis is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid paranasal sinus. In 70% of cases, sphenoiditis is combined with inflammation of all mucous membranes of the nose. Today in the world from of this disease About 15% of the adult and 20% of the child population of the world suffers. If therapy is not started in a timely manner in 97% of cases in children preschool age sphenoiditis causes serious complications. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent of the disease is pneumococcal infection. Haemophilus influenzae and various types of staphylococcus can also act as a provocateur of the disease. To treat sphenoiditis, it is worth using folk and traditional ways, which allows you to significantly speed up recovery. However, you should remember that home remedies are in no way a substitute for traditional treatment.
Reasons for the development of sphenoiditis
The cause of the disease, of course, is the penetration of the pathogen into the body. However, in order for it to develop and penetrate the mucosa, predisposing factors must be present that weaken the body’s defenses. Only in the case of a combination of causes provoking the disease and penetration of its pathogen does sphenoiditis occur. To predisposing to this disease conditions include:
- congenital narrowness of the sphenoid sinus;
- anatomical defects in the structure of the nose;
- nasal injuries;
- curvature of the posterior nasal septum;
- cysts in the nasal cavity;
- polyps in the nasal cavity;
- tumors in the nasal cavity;
- tumors in the nasopharynx located near the exit of the sphenoid sinus;
- foreign objects in the nasal cavity;
- poorly treated viral diseases;
- severe hypothermia.
If several provoking factors are combined at once, the onset of sphenoiditis can be especially rapid.
Symptoms of sphenoiditis
Since the symptoms of sphenoiditis are quite vague and general, it is not always possible to make the correct diagnosis quickly and accurately even experienced doctors. It is for this reason that to confirm this disease it is often prescribed additional examination. Symptoms of sphenoiditis include:
- headache - it has a bursting character and can be varying intensity. Pain syndrome in most cases it is moderate and without clear localization, most often patients complain of pain inside the head in the center;
- sleep disorders;
- irritability;
- loss of appetite;
- general weakness;
- malaise;
- memory loss;
- dizziness;
- persistent increase in body temperature to a maximum of 38 degrees;
- copious discharge from the nose - at the beginning of the disease it is mucous, and as it develops it turns purulent;
- loss of smell;
- visual disturbances of various types;
- impaired sensitivity of the skin.
If symptoms occur that even slightly resemble the manifestation of sphenoiditis, it is imperative to seek medical help for urgent full treatment.
Complications of sphenoiditis
In the absence of therapy during a period of decreased immunity, the inflammatory process very quickly spreads to neighboring tissues, and then the following diseases are provoked:
- postorbital abscess;
- phlegmon of the orbit;
- optic neuritis;
- destruction of bone tissue;
- meningitis;
- brain abscess;
- sepsis;
- arachnoiditis.
All complications are serious, and when they occur, the patient’s condition begins to rapidly deteriorate. Without urgent medical intervention, such consequences can even lead to death.
Folk remedies for the treatment of sphenoiditis in children
Since complications with sphenoiditis arise very quickly and pose a particular danger to the patient, it is possible to use home therapy methods only in consultation with the attending physician and only as an additional treatment to the main one. All the remedies given below will also be effective for adult patients if the dosage is doubled.
It is useful to rinse the nose with chamomile decoction. To prepare it, pour 1 tablespoon of plant material into 200 ml of water and, putting it on fire, bring to a boil. After this, the broth is infused under the lid for 1 hour. Next, the drug is filtered out and taken to rinse the nose 3 times a day. For 1 procedure, use the entire decoction. The duration of this treatment is at least 14 days. Thanks to rinsing, it is possible to speed up the cleansing of the sphenoid sinus and shorten the period of illness.
Beet juice and melted honey can also have a therapeutic effect. For treatment, mix 1 tablespoon of beet juice with 1 tablespoon of melted honey. Next, both components are stirred very well until a homogeneous mass is formed. The resulting medicine is used for nasal instillation 4 times a day. 3 drops of this composition should be administered into each nasal passage. The duration of therapy should not exceed 14 days.
Rinsing the nose with a weak saline solution will help in the treatment of sphenoiditis. To prepare it in 1 glass warm water dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of food sea salt. After the salt has dissolved, the composition is carefully filtered through cheesecloth. Then the solution is used in full for 1 wash. During the day, the procedure is repeated 3 times. Treatment is continued throughout the period of drug therapy.
Rosehip decoction is also useful for illness. To prepare the medicinal composition, you need to take 3 tablespoons of crushed dry rose hips and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The drug should be infused in a thermos for 8 hours. Next, the infusion is filtered and taken 30 minutes before meals, 1/2 cup 5 times a day. This maintenance therapy is carried out for a month.
Cranberry juice, prepared cold, is also recommended in the treatment of sphenoiditis. To get this tasty and healthy drink you need to mix cranberries with granulated sugar in a ratio of 3:1 and grind well. After this, the resulting mass is poured with warm boiled water- at the rate of 2 tablespoons of crushed cranberries per 500 ml of water. The resulting drink is drunk throughout the day instead of tea. Fruit juice should be consumed throughout the entire period of illness.
Folk remedies for sphenoiditis in adults
In adults, self-medication of the disease is also not allowed, and all traditional therapy is carried out exclusively in combination with drug treatment.
Ginger tea with honey and lemon juice is very useful in the treatment of sphenoiditis. This drink can significantly improve immunity, as well as eliminate most pathogens. To prepare the medicinal composition, you need to take 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated ginger root and mix it with 1 tablespoon natural honey(preferably linden), 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 250 ml of hot water. Infuse this medicine for 30 minutes in a thermos. Next, the tea is strained and drunk in full. This drink is drunk up to 5 times a day. If the patient has irritation of the stomach or intestines, this tea should be consumed exclusively after meals. It is taken throughout the course of the main treatment.
It is useful to instill drops into the nose made from the juices of potatoes and onions. For treatment, you need to take 1 tablespoon of both juices and mix well. Instill this remedy in the morning and evening, 4 drops into each nasal passage. The duration of therapy is 10 days. Intense burning after instillation - normal phenomenon and it shouldn't be scary.
It wouldn't hurt to rinse your nose with beet juice. For the procedure, you need to take 120 ml of freshly squeezed juice and mix it with the same amount of warm boiled water. Next, dissolve 1 teaspoon in the resulting composition. table salt. Rinse your nose with this medicine 3 times a day. For 1 wash, use 1 portion of the solution. The course of treatment is 10 days.
Sea buckthorn oil can also be used in treatment. For therapy, it is instilled 4 times a day, 2 drops into each nostril. This treatment is continued for 7 days.
Prevention of sphenoiditis
In order to prevent the development of such serious illness As for sphenoiditis, you need to know how to prevent it. To maintain health you need:
- do not allow the nasal mucosa to dry out;
- avoid prolonged stay in places with high concentration tobacco smoke and exhaust gases;
- stop drinking alcohol;
- stop drinking caffeine (coffee negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes);
- promptly treat chronic nasal diseases;
- promptly treat chronic throat diseases;
- fully treat viral infections;
- carry out systematic hardening of the body;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- eliminate pathologies in the structure of the nose.
Only by following the rules of prevention can you protect yourself from sphenoiditis, which not only ruins life, but in especially severe cases can be fatal.
