Rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses that causes symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, frequent sneezing, coughing, pain and pressure in the ear and face, and nasal discharge.
Rhinosinusitis can occur due to infection by viruses or bacteria, and is also more common in people who have frequent allergies, nasal polyps and adenoid hypertrophy, for example.
It is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist when symptoms of rhinosinusitis are frequent or do not improve over time, as this way the doctor can indicate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of antibiotics and/or corticosteroids, in addition to nasal washing.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of rhinosinusitis are:
- Headache;
- Stuffy nose;
- Sneezing;
- Eye watery, red and itchy;
- Nasal secretion, which may be transparent, yellowish or greenish;
- Cough;
- Fever, in some cases;
- Sensation of pain and pressure in the face;
- Change in smell;
- Pain and pressure in the ear.
In the presence of signs and symptoms of rhinosinusitis, it is important to consult a doctor, especially when symptoms do not improve over time. This way, it is possible for the diagnosis to be made, the cause of the change identified and, thus, the best treatment to be initiated.
How the diagnosis is made
Rhinosinusitis is diagnosed by an otolaryngologist by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person.
In some cases, especially in cases where symptoms are long-lasting or occur frequently, the doctor may recommend carrying out additional tests, such as facial X-ray, computed tomography and nasofibroscopy, which is an exam that allows a more detailed assessment of detail of the nasal cavity. See more details on how nasofibroscopy is performed.
Make an appointment with the nearest otolaryngologist to evaluate your symptoms in more detail:
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Classification of rhinosinusitis
According to the duration of symptoms, rhinosinusitis can be classified into:
- Acutein which symptoms last up to 4 weeks;
- Recurrentin which there are more than 3 episodes of acute rhinosinusitis per year;
- Chroniclein which symptoms last more than 12 weeks.
Identifying the type of rhinosinusitis is important so that the otorhinolaryngologist can recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Causes of rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis occurs, in most cases, as a consequence of an infection by bacteria or viruses, as in the case of flu and colds, which cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses, leading to the appearance of symptoms.
However, rhinosinusitis can also occur more easily in people who have nasal polyps, adenoid hypertrophy and frequent allergies.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for rhinosinusitis must be guided by the otorhinolaryngologist according to the cause of the inflammation, and the use of antibiotics may be indicated, in cases where it occurs due to bacterial infection, and analgesic medications and/or corticosteroids to promote relief of symptoms and decreased inflammation.
In addition, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to thin secretions and wash your nose with saline solution. Learn how to wash your nose.
In more serious cases of rhinosinusitis, in which the inflammation is related to the presence of polyps or anatomical changes, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the change.
