Sphenoiditis - what it is, causes, symptoms in adults, treatment of acute and chronic forms. In what cases is the operation indicated?
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 the purulent inflammation of these sinuses progresses extremely rapidly 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, moderate/superior turbinate anomalies, radiotherapy, immunosuppression, diabetes and abuse of cocaine.
- Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and throat –
these include: acute and chronic rhinitis bacterial, viral or allergic nature, deviated 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 -
water entering the nose during swimming and scuba diving in some cases can also lead to the development of sphenoiditis. According to statistics, this cause is 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 disturbed by the following symptoms -
- headaches (especially in the back of the head, crown, temples, near the eyes),
- runny nose,
- blurred vision (maybe)
- fever, severe weakness, fatigue,
- pain in different parts of the face,
- mucopurulent discharge from the nose,
- runoff 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, the 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 not enough either. in about 50-60% of cases, endoscopy does not reveal anything pathological. Plain x-rays of the skull provide little information and are usually 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 performed. If the inflammation is severe and there are symptoms of complications, or conservative therapy is not successful, the role of the surgical operation is decided.
Main directions conservative therapy: firstly, to relieve nasal congestion, eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve the discharge of inflammatory exudate from the sphenoid sinuses with the help of sprays from the common cold, and secondly, it is antibiotic therapy (it is also possible to use corticosteroids).
Recommended cold sprays –
ordinary vasoconstrictor drops from the common cold with any sinusitis can not be used for more than 2 or 3 days. The reason for this is that the traditional components of sprays cease to act effectively after 2-3 days, addiction develops to them, and they gradually begin to have opposite effects.With sphenoiditis, it is optimal to use the following means from a cold:
Preparations that accelerate the cleansing of the sinuses from pus and mucus –
plant components of these drugs stimulate the function of the ciliated epithelium on the surface of the mucous membrane, which leads to more fast cleansing sinuses (which are lined from the inside with a 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 given orally or intravenously. Most the best choice An antibiotic for sphenoiditis is Amoxicillin in combination with Clavulanic acid. Preparations containing such a combination, for example: "Amoxiclav" or "Augmentin".
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. Cause sphenoiditis, perhaps the most harmless cold and untreated runny nose. When bacteria and viruses enter the nasal membrane, inevitable pathological processes begin.
The affected mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus can negatively affect neighboring anatomical formations: ophthalmic nerves, bony septa and brain. Such a 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 a health problem, consult a doctor.
How to recognize sphenoiditis? The first warning signs
There are frequent cases of asymptomatic course of the disease on early stages. But even in the absence of complaints and pronounced symptoms, the disease continues to develop. Sphenoiditis is dangerous for its invisibility and similarity of symptoms with other diseases.
With sphenoiditis pain may occur in the temples, in the forehead and eyes. There is discomfort in the nose. The patient begins to feel weakness, performance decreases, insomnia may appear. Taking these symptoms for a common cold, many refuse the help of doctors and begin treatment in the usual ways.
Except medications resort to traditional medicine. Home treatment can help relieve inflammation, but it should not be uncontrolled. Ignoring medical care for sphenoiditis is always a risk. Lost time and lack of results often ends 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 mild, goes away with pain medication, but can come back.
An unmistakable diagnosis can only be made good specialist, while simply examining, studying complaints and symptoms will not be enough. It will take a number of studies, in particular, x-rays of the sinuses and computed tomography.
What provokes the disease? Causes and features of sphenoiditis
Symptoms of sphenoiditis can be a variety of infectious diseases, but the main provoking factor is anomalies 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:
- Congenital pathologies of the excretory tract: asymmetry, the presence of additional holes and partitions;
- The appearance of a cyst blocking the excretory tract;
- Deviated septum;
- Tumors in the nasal cavity;
- Foreign objects in the sinus;
- The presence of polyps;
- Too narrow or, conversely, large excretory paths.
There can be several reasons for the disease. Their elimination leads to a complete recovery.
Types of the disease and the main symptoms of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis is acute and chronic. At proper treatment the patient recovers quickly enough and does not face 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, copious nasal discharge;
- Violation of the sense of smell;
- A sharp increase in temperature;
- Malaise, weakness, feeling of depression;
- Drowsiness.
The cause of chronic sphenoiditis can be tumor formations, sexually transmitted, viral, 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.
Discovering anxiety symptoms go to the doctor. Sphenoiditis is successfully treated, timely therapy helps to get rid of the disease.
Treatment of sphenoiditis
In order to avoid the appearance and development of the disease, doctors advise to harden the body, be sure 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 recommendations of a specialist.
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 that has accumulated in the sinuses. Usually, therapy begins with antibacterial drugs and drugs that have a vasoconstrictive effect. They abundantly irrigate the nasal mucosa. In the acute form of the disease, antibiotics, physiotherapy, 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 complicated but effective procedure performed using sinus catheters. IN extreme cases when no methods of treatment bring results, the patient is prescribed an operation. An endoscopic apparatus 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 different reasons avoids doctors and decides he can handle himself. In the case of a disease such as sphenoiditis, there is a risk of harming health and aggravating the situation.
Among the well-known folk remedies, which are addressed for inflammation of the sphenoid sinus, onion-potato drops have proven themselves well. 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 beetroot juice and actively use this folk remedy in the treatment of sphenoiditis. Beetroot juice is diluted with water, a little salt is added and the nasopharynx is washed with the resulting mixture.
For the treatment of sphenoiditis at home, you can use oils for instillation: sea buckthorn, eucalyptus, menthol. Drops from celandine juice cause sneezing and remove mucus. For washing the nose, decoctions of string, chamomile and sage are used. Inhalations using honey and garlic are very effective.
Facilities traditional medicine do not cure, but complement the 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 consider with you such a disease 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, the pituitary gland and carotid arteries. And since inflammation of the sphenoid sinus is often infectious nature, pathogenic microflora can significantly harm the work 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 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 responds poorly to drug treatment, 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 the depth of 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;
- discomfort in the depths of the nose and nasopharynx;
- secretion flowing down the back wall of the pharynx into the stomach;
- difficult nasal breathing;
- impaired sense of smell;
- an unpleasant smell from the nasopharynx.
With chronic sphenoiditis hallmark are viscous purulent discharge in the nasopharynx, with the formation of purulent crusts.
Complications of sphenoiditis
Among the complications, there are -, brain abscess and others dangerous to human life.
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 sinus sinuses, congenital or acquired: curvature of the nasal septum;
- The presence of polyps, cysts, tumors in the fistulas of the sphenoid sinus;
- Entry into the nasal and paranasal sinuses of foreign bodies;
- Untimely or incorrect treatment of other types of sinusitis - runny nose, sinusitis, ethmoiditis;
- Weakened immune system;
- Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body ();
Also, diseases such as and can be an indirect cause of sphenoiditis.
Usually, when the barriers 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 returns to normal, the person recovers.
Types of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis is classified as follows:
With the flow:
Acute sphenoiditis. The course of the disease is acute, with severe occipital headaches, fever, shortness of breath and copious secretions 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 is aggravated, then subsides. Symptoms include constant aching pain in the back of the head and the "depth" of the head, a slight increase in body temperature (37 ° C), discomfort in the nasopharynx, difficulty breathing, disorders visual function, purulent discharge and the 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 causes, weakened immunity and not fully cured others can be distinguished. Chronic sphenoiditis may be the result of an acute form of this disease.
By localization
- left hand
- 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 by the following methods:
- Examination of the patient;
- Endoscopic examination;
- Laboratory research of a secret;
Sphenoidal sinusitis is usually treated with drug therapy and symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of sphenoiditis is aimed at:
- reduction of swelling of the sphenoid sinus;
- removal of a purulent secret from the sphenoid sinus;
- destruction of the infection;
- restoration of normal functionality of the sphenoid sinus.
1. To relieve puffiness in the sphenoid sinus and the normalization of nasal breathing, vasoconstrictors are used. They also contribute to the outflow of pathological secretions from the sphenoid sinus. Among the vasoconstrictors, one can single out: Naphthyzin, Farmazolin, Knoxprey, an adrenaline solution moistened in a strip of gauze (laid for 20 minutes).
2. Washing the sinus. After the "opening" of the sphenoid sinus, it must be washed. For washing, the method of "moving" with the help of the sinus catheter "YAMIK" has proven itself remarkably well. Usually, after the first such procedure, the patient feels significant relief. The essence of the procedure is the introduction through one channel into the sinus or nasal cavity of the drug, and through the other channel, the entire pathological secret is pulled out of the sinuses. Worked well as cleansers antibacterial drugs: solutions of furacillin, chlorophyllipt.
3. With purulent discharge, depending on the causative agent of infection, apply the following antibiotics: "Ampioks", "Augmentin", "Duracef", "Rovamycin", "", "", or intramuscularly - "".
4. To preserve the intestinal microflora, which is usually disturbed when taking antibacterial agents, probiotics are used: Bifikol, Lactobacterin, Linex, Probiovit.
5. To prevent an allergic reaction on drugs, antihistamine (anti-allergic) drugs are used: Diazolin, "", "Tavegil".
Symptomatic treatment of sphenoiditis
At elevated temperature. If the body temperature does not exceed 38 ° C for 5 days, it is not brought down, because. this is the response of the immune system 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 stays 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 scheduled the following cases:
- If access to the sphenoid sinus is closed;
— Medical therapy did not bring the expected result;
- The inflammatory process proceeded in a person for a long time;
- The patient often repeats acute forms of sphenoiditis;
— The patient began to develop complications from this disease.
The operation for the treatment of sphenoiditis can be carried out in 2 ways:
1. Endonasal. Modern Method using endoscopes and microsurgical instruments. Its essence lies in the expansion of the natural anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus under the control of optics through the common nasal passage, after which the entire pathogenic secret is removed from the sinus with its further sanitation.
2. Extranasal. The sphenoid sinus is opened through the removal of the posterior nasal septum or the middle turbinate with the posterior cells of the ethmoid labyrinth. This method is used less and less.
Forecast recovery favorable in acute sphenoiditis, less positive in chronic. However, dear readers, remember that in any case, there is always a chance for recovery. Sometimes it’s enough just to 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 washing the sinuses with a weak saline solution- 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of warm boiled water.
Prevention of sphenoiditis
Which doctor should I contact with sphenoiditis?
The main infectious agents include streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria, viruses and fungi. Sphenoiditis appears as a complication of influenza, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, 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, the 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 into the mucous membrane, will give rise to the infectious process.
Predisposing factors
The main predisposing factors of sphenoiditis are narrowing of the sphenoid sinus outlet 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 malformations of the nasal cavity and sinuses ( curvature, additional partitions, absence or obstruction of ducts);
- congenital or acquired in case of injury) curvature of the back of the nasal septum;
- masses 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 fall into the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus with a sharp breath.
Mechanism of infection development
The penetrating infection affects the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus, destroying epithelial cells, thereby causing inflammation of the mucosa. 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 mucosa occurs with blockage of the outlet of the sphenoid sinus. Thus, the air exchange of the sinus stops and the release of inflammatory exudate is difficult. Under conditions of oxygen starvation, it develops intensively anaerobic infection which produces purulent discharge. The inflammation is progressing. With complete blockage of the anastomosis of the sphenoid sinus, pus accumulates and completely fills its cavity.Sphenoiditis can also occur without the direct influence of an infectious agent on the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus. long flowing inflammatory process nasopharynx against the background of reduced immunity and without adequate drug treatment can lead to massive swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Edema 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 bulk formations in the nasopharynx or in the sphenoid sinus, the outlet may also be blocked.
The mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus begins to intensively absorb oxygen from its cavity, instead releasing carbon dioxide. Due to the clogged outlet, carbon dioxide accumulates in the cavity and exerts pernicious influence on mucosal cells. Cells are damaged and accumulate inflammatory infiltrate followed by mucosal edema 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, osteomyelitis. The infection destroys the sphenoid bone to the periosteum and spreads into the thickness of the mucous membrane with its subsequent inflammation and edema.H
Symptoms of sphenoiditis
Sphenoiditis appears blurry common symptoms, so it is 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;
- impaired vision and sense of smell.
- cranial injury cerebral nerves.
Headache
With sphenoiditis, one of the first symptoms is a headache. Due to the accumulation of fluid and air in the sphenoid sinus, pressure on the tissues increases and bone structures equipped with sensitive nerve receptors. In addition to bursting pressure on sensitive receptors, toxins released during cell decay as a result of prolonged inflammation also act. Depending on the degree of filling of the sphenoid sinus and on the opening of the outlet, the headache is different in intensity and location. In most cases, a headache 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 passes into the occipital region. Sometimes the pain radiates gives back) into the temple, into the depth of the orbit, less often - into the base of the skull.The intensity of pain increases when the outlet is clogged and the outflow of the pathological secret from the sphenoid sinus is disturbed. 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 gouging out the eyes.
Especially often, patients note an increase in pain in a hot room or in the summer in the sun. In conditions with elevated temperature and dry air, the evaporation of the pathological secret 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 stopped by almost no 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, the active development of infection and massive destruction of the cells of the mucous layer leads to the accumulation of a large number of toxins. These toxins penetrate into the nervous tissue of the base of the brain, causing various asthenovegetative ( neurological) symptoms.Asthenovegetative disorders are:
- sleep disturbance;
- loss of appetite;
- skin sensitivity disorder paresthesia);
- memory impairment;
- dizziness;
- persistent subfebrile temperature ( 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 abnormal 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, especially anaerobic, is attached, the discharge becomes purulent. Purulent secretions accumulate in the sinus cavity until they find a way out of it. Usually due to increased internal pressure pus begins to seep through the outlet and drain down the back of the throat. Purulent discharge can dry out and form hard crusts on the surface of the pharynx, which constantly irritates its mucous membrane. The secret is difficult to expectorate. The patient feels discomfort and irritation in the depths of the nose and throat, often trying to clear his throat. Sometimes there is an unpleasant smell of a purulent secret, which only the patient feels. During an instrumental examination of the nasopharynx, the ENT doctor notes hyperemia of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and pathological discharge in the form of pus strips on the back of the pharynx.
Visual and olfactory disorders
Often with sphenoiditis, the first symptoms with which the patient goes to the doctor are impaired vision and smell.The sphenoid sinus anatomically borders on the chiasm of the optic nerves ( optic chiasm) and the olfactory part of the nose.
When the inflammatory and infectious process from the sphenoid sinus passes to the nasal mucosa, the olfactory receptors of the nose are affected. The patient ceases to perceive smells correctly. In severe cases, anosmia occurs ( loss of smell).
The inflammatory and infectious process from the sphenoid sinus can also pass to the fibers of the optic nerves. Due to prolonged inflammatory edema, ischemia occurs ( reduced blood supply) nervous 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 view).
Damage to the cranial nerves
The sphenoid sinus borders the cavernous sinus, in which the cranial nerves pass ( 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 abducens neuritis ( VI pair of cranial nerves) double vision appears. Defeat oculomotor nerve (3rd pair of cranial nerves) is characterized by the omission upper eyelid, and block nerve ( IV pair of cranial nerves) - strabismus.Trigeminal neuritis ( 5th pair of cranial nerves) is most often manifested by a violation of the sensitivity of the skin of the face.
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 secretions from the nose, the patient must contact the ENT = doctor. He interrogates, 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 a 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 the patient suffers from sinusitis or ethmoiditis, then it is likely that the infection has passed into 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 due to the close proximity of the affected cavities and their connections. Even a common cold that the patient has recently suffered may indirectly indicate sphenoiditis.
Since one infection is not always enough for the development of 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. Also an important role is played by injuries that could serve as a curvature of the nasal septum.
The main attention in the process of questioning the doctor still pays to those symptoms that bother the patient.
The symptoms that an ENT doctor detects with 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 is rarely manifested by external symptoms. If sphenoiditis occurs with other sinusitis, then outwardly the patient may acquire certain features. For example, with concomitant ethmoiditis, swelling and redness of the outer eyelid are observed. When tapping on the bridge of the nose, pain appears. With other sinusitis, tapping reveals pain in the cheekbones and forehead.
important diagnostic symptom when examining a patient, there are purulent viscous discharges that flow down the back of the pharynx. During rhinoscopy, the doctor examines the nasal mucosa, nasal passages and conchas, the arch 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 passage between the middle nasal concha and the septum;
- purulent crusts in the choanae, nasopharynx
Rhinoscopic signs of chronic sphenoiditis:
- the presence of a viscous discharge that flows down the back of the throat;
- 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 topographic landmarks. A sign of a needle getting into the sinus is a feeling of "falling through". Direct evidence of sphenoiditis is purulent or mucous contents when washing this sinus.
Today, this procedure is carried out using special endoscopic equipment.
Lab 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 reacts to the infectious process is the leukocyte formula. First of all we are talking about raising total number leukocytes in the blood. This phenomenon in laboratory medicine is called leukocytosis. Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of leukocytes over 9 x 10 9 .
With purulent sphenoiditis, leukocytes will increase due to neutrophils, with viral - due to lymphocytes.
In addition to the number of leukocytes, the leukocytes themselves also change. So, with an infection, the number of young, undifferentiated leukocytes increases. These include myelocytes and metamyelocytes. This phenomenon in laboratory diagnostics is called a shift leukocyte formula to the left.
Leukocytosis and 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 indicates 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 various etiologies ESR grows more than 10 - 15 millimeters per hour. In chronic sphenoiditis, elevated ESR may be the only laboratory indicator of infection. In acute - SOE grows simultaneously with leukocytosis.
Hemoglobin
The concentration of hemoglobin in the blood in acute inflammatory processes does not always change. 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 prolonged, sluggish chronic sphenoiditis. Simultaneously with hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells may also decrease.
X-ray signs
X-ray examination is a mandatory moment in the diagnosis of sphenoiditis. X-ray of the sphenoid sinus is produced in several projections in order to obtain the greatest information content.
chief radiological sign sphenoiditis is the 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 research can determine not only indirect signs pus or mucus in the sphenoid bone, but also those conditions against which sphenoiditis developed. So, an x-ray of the sphenoid sinus shows a narrow fistula, a small size of the sinus, polyps in it, and a curvature of the nasal septum. If x-ray examination uninformative, the doctor recommends undergoing computed tomography. It reveals signs of inflammation in the sphenoid sinus in 99 percent of cases.
Treatment of sphenoiditis
Treatment of sphenoiditis involves eliminating the infection from the body and the conditions that contributed to its development. Therefore, the basic treatment of sphenoiditis is antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are given topically ( in the form of drops) and systemically in the form of injections or tablets. Antibiotics are selected a wide range from the class of penicillins and cephalosporins. The drug of choice is amoxicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. In case of 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.
Preparations for the treatment of sphenoiditis
| Name of the drug | Mechanism of action | Mode of application |
| Amoxicillin | The drug is effective against most of the 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 | Combined drug, consisting of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which neutralizes bacterial enzymes. | One capsule ( 625 mg) every 8 hours a day. |
| Azithromycin | Suppresses the synthesis of proteins, which are the structural component of most bacteria. | Once a day, 250 - 500 mg one hour before meals. |
| Cefaxone | An antibiotic from the 3rd generation of cephalosporins, which has an effect even on strains of bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics. | The contents of one vial of 500 mg are diluted in 2-3 ml of lidocaine solution and injected deep into the muscle. Injections are made every 12 hours, that is, twice a day. |
| Clarithromycin | In addition to the antibacterial action, it has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. | 500 mg capsule twice a day. Children are advised to take 250 mg capsules for 10 days. |
| Co-trimoxazole | Combined drug from the class of sulfonamides. Violates the synthesis of folic acid, which is used by bacteria for their vital activity. | One to two capsules twice daily for 14 days. |
| Sinupret | A herbal preparation that reduces inflammation in the focus of infection, normalizes the secretory function of the airway sinus epithelium. | Two tablets three times a day or 50 drops also three times a day. |
| Vibrocil | Narrows the vessels of the mucosa and thus eliminates its swelling. It also has an anti-allergic effect. | 3 drops or 2 sprays in each nasal passage every 8-6 hours. |
| Snoop | Restores airway patency, facilitating nasal breathing. | By pressing on the bottle, one injection is made into each nostril. The procedure is repeated three times a day. |
| Ibuprofen | It has a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Takes the temperature off. | One to two ( 400 - 800 mg) capsules three times a day. |
It must be remembered that antibiotic therapy should always be accompanied by the appointment of antifungal agents. As a rule, antimycotics ( e.g. fluconazole) are prescribed on the 5th and 7th day of antibiotic treatment. This is done in order to avoid the development of candidiasis. Probiotics are also prescribed to normalize the intestinal flora ( e.g. linux).
Since the infection itself does not play a decisive role in the development of sphenoiditis, sometimes treatment is accompanied by surgery. This can either be a sphenoid sinus puncture or an operation to repair a deviated septum that was one of the causes of sphenoiditis.
Much attention is paid to improving immunity in a patient suffering from sphenoiditis, since, as a rule, the development of all sinusitis, including sphenoiditis, takes place against the background of weakened immunity. For this purpose, it is recommended to take echinacea tincture, immunal, imunofan.
Nutrition and lifestyle in sphenoiditis
The lifestyle of a patient with sphenoiditis should help alleviate the manifestations of the disease and prevent its exacerbation.- balanced diet;
- carrying out activities aimed at raising immunity;
- organization of certain living conditions;
- treatment of diseases and elimination of factors contributing to the development and progression of the disease.
Nutrition rules for sphenoiditis
Patients with inflammatory processes in the sphenoid sinus of the nose must adhere to a number of rules regarding the diet.The main principles of alimony to be followed are:
- refusal of foods and drinks that can cause complications of the disease;
- the inclusion of products that ensure the normal functionality of all body systems;
- adherence to the recommendations on the meal schedule;
- fulfillment of the norm for the recommended volume of liquid.
Products that include a large number of lactose are:
- milk;
- milk serum;
- butter;
- cheese, cottage cheese, cheese;
- condensed milk;
- ice cream.
Drinks and dishes that adversely 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 products for sphenoiditis
Together with food, a person with sphenoiditis must receive the proper amount of energy and nutrients in order for the body to fight the manifestations of the disease.The 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 fight this disease.
The vitamins needed in the treatment of sphenoiditis, and the products that contain them, are:
- vitamin A (increases the resistance of the respiratory organs to infections) – fish fat, beef liver, carrots, eggs;
- vitamin B1 (normalizes the immune system, improves digestion, helps to resist stress) - wheat and oat bran, pork, wheat ( whole);
- 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 to 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 function of the mucous membranes) - soy, 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 offal ( kidneys, liver, brain), veal, beef, pork, legumes, cabbage;
- vitamin B9 (promotes the production of serotonin - a hormone that helps fight depression, 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 effect substances that are formed in the body during infectious diseases) - tomatoes, wild rose, Bell pepper, cabbage ( colored, brussels, broccoli), sea buckthorn;
- group D vitamins (contribute to the successful treatment and prevention of colds) - fish ( sardine, herring, tuna), fish liver ( cod, halibut), dairy products;
- vitamin E (increases endurance, reduces fatigue) - vegetable oil ( soy, sunflower, olive), walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, dried apricots;
- vitamin P (increases resistance to infections, promotes the absorption of vitamin C) - rose hips, apricots, blackberries, lemons, oranges, buckwheat, black currants.
Vitamins are elements that are rapidly destroyed under the influence of factors such as air, water, heat treatment. To preserve the value of these useful substances, a number of rules should be followed.
The principles of food preparation and food storage that will prevent the destruction of vitamins are:
- should not be stored in the light leafy vegetables;
- foods with vitamin C should not be cooked in metal utensils;
- wash any products in running water;
- food should be cleaned and cut immediately before cooking;
- most of all, vitamins destroy such a type of heat treatment as frying;
- you need to lower the vegetables when cooking in boiling water;
- adding sugar, salt, vinegar, or citric acid contributes to the preservation of 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. Part of the amino acids undergoes a decay process, during which the energy necessary for a sick person is formed. With a lack of protein, the body's resistance to infections decreases, emotional background, performance drops.
High protein foods are:
- soy, soy products (milk, meat, cottage cheese);
- peanut ( should be consumed raw or dried, in the process of frying it destroys useful substances);
- hard cheeses;
- peas, beans;
- chicken breast, veal, beef;
- fish;
- cereals ( buckwheat, oatmeal);
- chicken eggs.
Minerals are necessary for a person for the normal functionality of all body systems. The lack of macroelements and microelements negatively affects the human immunity, since they take part in the 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 reduces fatigue) - fish ( tuna, capelin), beef liver, shrimp;
- chlorine (helps to remove toxins and toxins 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 (It has great importance For correct operation digestive and excretory systems ) – sea kale, mussels, sardines, sea crayfish;
- manganese (participates in the process of energy production, is 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, cheese, almonds, garlic, cottage cheese;
- potassium (promotes the removal of toxins from the body, helps prevent depression) - dried apricots, beans, seaweed, prunes, raisins;
- iodine (is part of the 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 groats, oatmeal;
- bromine (soothes nervous system ) - wheat, barley groats, beans, peanuts, almonds.
Complex carbohydrates are high in nutritional value and low in sugar. When they arrive, the body receives a long-lasting feeling of fullness and a large amount of energy.
Foods high in complex carbohydrates are:
- flour baked goods coarse grinding;
- 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 improve absorption nutrients. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria also stimulate immune system, due to which the body more easily tolerates the manifestations of sphenoiditis.
Another reason why these elements should be included in the diet of the patient is their beneficial effect on the process of digestion of food. Bacteria break down food components and play an important role in the restoration of the intestinal mucosa and microflora. Quite often, sphenoiditis is treated 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 needs a large amount of strength to fight the manifestations of the disease. In order not to spend a lot of energy on digesting food, portions should not be made large. In order not to reduce the total number of foods that need to be consumed per day, the daily schedule should include 5 to 6 meals.Do not eat dinner or snack later than two hours before going to bed. This can provoke heartburn, due to which the mucous membrane will become inflamed, and the patient's condition will worsen.
Drinking regime
When sick, use 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 will worsen. Per day healthy person 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 drink various herbal drinks.- Tea with honey and lemon- you should brew weak green or black tea, add 1 teaspoon of lemon and 3 - 4 lemon slices. Before adding honey with lemon to tea, you need to cool it a little.
- Tea with raspberry and linden- 1 tablespoon of dried linden flowers, dry leaves and fresh raspberries should be brewed with 2 cups of water. Raspberry berries and leaves can be substituted raspberry jam.
- Rosehip decoction- Pour 3 tablespoons of dry rose hips with half a liter of boiling water and leave to infuse overnight. You need to drink half an hour before meals.
- Cranberry juice- grind in a ratio of 3 to 1 fresh cranberries with sugar. Before use, 2 tablespoons of the mixture are poured with 2 cups of boiling water and drunk instead of tea.
- Decoction of dried fruits- for a liter of broth you will need 100 grams of a mixture of dried apples, pears, apricots, prunes, raisins. Apples and pears should be added to boiling water, after half an hour - all other dried fruits. You can add honey, sugar, lemon juice to the finished compote.
- ginger tea- for 1 cup of boiling water, take 1 tablespoon of natural honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, half a teaspoon of fresh ginger root, grated. Mix all components. To taste, you can add cinnamon, mint to tea.
Immunity boost
Weakened immunity is often the cause of sphenoiditis. Therefore, patients with frequent manifestations of this disease should pay attention to measures that will help strengthen the immune system.Activities that increase immunity are:
- hardening of the body;
- observance of the daily routine;
- development of resistance to stress.
Hardening of the body
Hardening allows you to improve the ability of a person 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. Engage in strengthening the body should be in those periods when a person is healthy.Hardening methods include:
- Aerotherapy – this method includes air baths and long walks fresh air. Hardening with air does not require pre-training and is the simplest and most affordable. To increase the effect of aerotherapy, procedures should be carried out in areas located near parks, squares, and reservoirs.
- Heliotherapy- strengthening the body by affecting it sun rays. To avoid burns and heat strokes, you should start with a minimum time in the sun, gradually increasing it.
- Walking barefoot- when walking without shoes on the feet of a person are stimulated biologically active points which normalizes the functionality of many organs and systems of the body.
- water hardening- includes procedures such as dousing, rubbing, cold and hot shower, winter swimming ( swimming in ice water).
- It is necessary to start hardening after a preliminary consultation with a doctor.
- It is necessary to start strengthening the body with gentle and short procedures.
- The principle of gradualness should be observed, which concerns both the temperature regime and the duration of the procedures. With water hardening, you need to start with water at room temperature, reducing it by 1 - 2 degrees with each subsequent session. The duration of the initial sunbathing should be 10 - 15 minutes, then they should be increased by 5 - 10 minutes and brought up 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 efficiency of hardening.
- The main guideline for strengthening the body is the patient's feelings. In case of malaise, lethargy and pain, hardening should be stopped or switched to more lightweight procedures.
- Sufficient time should be allowed between procedures for the body to recover.
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 state of the immune system, so the duration of sleep should be from 7 to 8 hours a day.The rules that contribute to improving the quality of night rest are:
- Two hours before going to bed, you should stop mental stress, stop thinking about work or everyday problems.
- In the bedroom there should not be factors that distract attention ( flashing light bulbs or displays of household appliances, loudly running clocks and other noise-producing 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 season.
- 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 fall asleep soundly.
- You should not eat before bed. It is also recommended to stop smoking two hours before falling asleepbecause tobacco stimulates the nervous system.
- You need to sleep in complete darkness, as this contributes to the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates daily biorhythms.
Stress management
Stress depresses the body's immune system. Also, with this disease, due to difficult nasal breathing, there is a lack of oxygen, as a result of which the patient experiences increased fatigue, irritability and nervousness. Therefore, for successful treatment sphenoiditis, the patient needs to cope with experiences and negative emotions.Rules that contribute to the development of resilience to stress are:
- relaxation;
- positive emotions;
- limiting the amount of alcohol consumed, tobacco products, caffeine;
In stressful situations, the body experiences muscle tension. Proper relaxation of the muscles allows you to reduce the level of anxiety experienced and resist stress. One of the relaxation methods is a set of exercises according to Jacobson, which consists in alternating tension and relaxation of body parts. To be able to get rid of muscle tightness in stressful situations, you should devote 10 to 20 minutes a day to training.
Laughter and getting rid of negative factors
To keep the patient's emotional background normal, the sources of unrest and anxiety should be minimized. Watching films and programs with negative content, heavy music, bad memories- all this can be abandoned in order to improve the patient's condition. To those factors that cannot be excluded, it is necessary to try to change the attitude.
positive impact a person has laughter, therefore, in the treatment of sphenoiditis, films, books and programs of a humorous nature should be preferred. It lifts the spirits of doing what you love. Hobby is not only a source positive emotions, but also allows you to spend energy that accumulates under stress.
Rejection bad habits
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that keep the nervous system on its toes. Therefore, when using these products, a person becomes more sensitive to various factors and harder to bear stressful conditions. It should be noted that a sharp rejection of cigarettes and coffee is also stressful for the body, so the amount of caffeine and nicotine should be reduced gradually. Switching to decaffeinated coffee and weaker cigarettes is a good alternative.
At the time of 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 drugs. Therefore, any alcoholic beverages during the treatment of sphenoiditis should be abandoned.
- 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.
Dealing with comorbidities
In order to prevent sphenoiditis, it is necessary to eliminate the factors against which this pathology develops in a timely manner.Diseases and disorders, the identification and elimination of which will help prevent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinuses, include:
- caries and other dental diseases;
- rhinitis;
- flu;
- narrow nasal passage and other pathologies of the anatomy of the nose;
- hit foreign objects in the sphenoid sinus of the nose;
- acute respiratory viral infections;
- tumors of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinuses.
Consequences of sphenoiditis
Since the sphenoid sinus is located close to many vital structures, its 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 proximity of the cranial nerves, the infectious process often passes to them. In this case, III, IV, V and VI pairs of cranial nerves can be affected. With the defeat of the third pair of cerebral nerves, the patient develops double vision, a violation of the movement of the eyeball outward, as well as up, down and inward. If the fourth pair of nerves is affected, then only downward and sideways movement of the eye is disturbed.If the infection involves the trigeminal nerve ( v couple) then the sensitivity of the skin of the face, teeth, chewing muscles is disturbed.
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 visual field ( with a cat), 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 natural openings in the sphenoid sinus. At the same time, bacteria or viruses if the inflammation is viral) can affect both the very substance of the brain and its membranes. In the first case, encephalitis develops, and in the second, meningitis. In both cases, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply. There is lethargy up to stupor, blood pressure drops, vomiting appears, photophobia.As a rule, the spread of infection is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, which is immediately diagnosed by doctors. 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 ethmoid sinuses. However, the disease can develop in a different scenario. Inflammation from the sphenoid sinus through natural fistulas or with blood flow can pass to other airways. So, several sinuses can be involved at the same time with the development of the so-called pansinusitis.Orbital cavity infection
This complication most often develops against the background of sphenoiditis with involvement of the cribriform labyrinth. Since the last anatomical structure is in direct contact with the cavity of the orbit, the microbial flora penetrates into this cavity very easily. In this case, retrobulbar ( located behind the eye) abscesses, phlegmon. These accumulations of pus further put pressure on the eyeball, leading to its protrusion. When soft tissues are involved in the inflammatory process, the skin around the eyes becomes swollen, 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 nasal mucous membranes. Today in the world from this disease suffers about 15% of the adult and 20% of the child population of the earth. With untimely initiation of therapy in 97% of cases in children preschool age sphenoiditis causes serious complications. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent is pneumococcal infection. Haemophilus influenzae and various types of staphylococcus can also act as a provocateur of the disease. For the treatment of sphenoiditis, it is worth using folk and traditional ways which can significantly speed up recovery. However, it should be remembered that home remedies are in no way a substitute for conventional treatment.
Reasons for the development of sphenoiditis
The cause of the disease, of course, is the penetration into the body of the causative agent of the disease. However, in order for it to develop and penetrate the mucosa, there must be predisposing factors that weaken the body's defenses. Only in the case of a combination of disease-provoking causes and the penetration of its pathogen does sphenoiditis occur. to those predisposing to this disease conditions include:
- congenital narrowness of the sphenoid sinus;
- anatomical defects in the structure of the nose;
- nose injury;
- curvature of the posterior septum of the nose;
- 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.
In the event that several provoking factors are combined at once, the occurrence 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 a 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 different intensity. Pain syndrome in most cases, medium 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 they are mucous, and as it develops, they become purulent;
- loss of smell;
- visual disturbances of a different nature;
- violation of the 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 the period of lowering immunity, the inflammatory process very quickly passes to neighboring tissues, and then the following diseases are provoked by it:
- postorbital abscess;
- phlegmon of the orbit;
- optic neuritis;
- destruction of bone tissue;
- meningitis;
- brain abscess;
- sepsis;
- arachnoiditis.
All complications are severe, and when they occur, the patient's condition begins to deteriorate rapidly. Without urgent medical intervention, even a fatal outcome is possible with such consequences.
Folk remedies for the treatment of sphenoiditis in children
Since complications with sphenoiditis occur very quickly and carry a special danger to the patient, it is possible to use home therapies only in consultation with the attending physician and only as an additional treatment to the main one. All of the following remedies will also be effective for adult patients if the dosage is increased by 2 times.
It is useful to wash the nose with a decoction of chamomile. To prepare it, 1 tablespoon of vegetable raw materials is poured into 200 ml of water and put on fire, brought to a boil. After that, the broth is insisted under the lid for 1 hour. Then the drug is filtered and taken to wash the nose 3 times a day. For 1 procedure, use the entire broth. The duration of this treatment is at least 14 days. Thanks to washings, it is possible to accelerate the cleansing of the sphenoid sinus and shorten the period of illness.
Beetroot juice and melted honey can also be therapeutic. For treatment, 1 tablespoon of beetroot juice should be mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted honey. Further, both components are very well stirred until a homogeneous mass is formed. The resulting medicine is used for instillation of the nose 4 times a day. 3 drops of this composition should be injected into each nasal passage. The duration of therapy should not exceed 14 days.
Washing the nose with a weak saline solution will help in the treatment of sphenoiditis. For its preparation in 1 glass warm water dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of food sea salt. After the salt has dissolved, the composition is carefully filtered through gauze. Then the solution is used in full for 1 wash. During the day, the procedure is repeated 3 times. Continue treatment for the entire period of drug therapy.
Useful for illness and rosehip decoction. To prepare a medicinal composition, you need to take 3 tablespoons of crushed dry rose hips and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Infuse the drug should be 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.
Cold-cooked cranberry juice is also recommended in the treatment of sphenoiditis. For this tasty and healthy drink mix cranberries with granulated sugar in a ratio of 3:1 and grind well. After that, 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 during the day instead of tea. Morse 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 alternative 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 increase immunity, as well as eliminate most of the pathogens. To prepare a medicinal composition, you need to take 1/2 teaspoon of ginger root grated on a fine grater and mix it with 1 tablespoon natural honey(preferably lime), 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 250 ml of hot water. Insist this medicine for 30 minutes in a thermos. Then the tea is strained and drunk in full. This drink is drunk up to 5 times a day. In the event that the patient has irritation of the stomach or intestines, such tea should be consumed only after meals. Take it throughout the course of the main treatment.
It is useful to instill drops made from potato juices and onion. For treatment, you need to take 1 tablespoon of both juices and mix well. Bury this remedy in the morning and evening, 4 drops in each nasal passage. The duration of therapy is 10 days. Intense burning sensation after instillation - normal phenomenon and shouldn't be scary.
Washing the nose with beet juice will not be superfluous. For the procedure, you need to take 120 ml of freshly squeezed juice and mix with the same amount of warm boiled water. Further, 1 teaspoon is dissolved in the resulting composition. table salt. Wash your nose with this medicine 3 times a day. For 1 washing, 1 portion of the solution should be used. 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 in each nostril. Continue this treatment for 7 days.
Prevention of sphenoiditis
In order to prevent the development of such serious illness how sphenoiditis you need to know how to prevent it. Maintaining health requires:
- prevent drying of the nasal mucosa;
- 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);
- timely treat chronic diseases of the nose;
- timely treat chronic diseases of the throat;
- fully treat viral infections;
- carry out systematic hardening of the body;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- eliminate pathologies in the structure of the nose.
Only if you follow the rules of prevention, you can protect yourself from sphenoiditis, which not only spoils life, but in especially severe cases can be fatal.
