Inflammation of the walls of the maxillary sinuses, or sinusitis, is a common “winter” disease. In predisposed people, sinusitis can occur as a complication of any acute respiratory viral infection, flu or cold, or immediately accompanies these infections. When pathogenic viruses or bacteria enter the paranasal sinuses, they lead to a severe inflammatory process with the release of large amounts of mucus, and sometimes pus. Untreated sinusitis threatens to damage other sinuses and even spread the infection to the brain.
The goals of treating sinusitis are:
- Elimination of symptoms of the disease (sinus pain, swelling, nasal congestion, temperature)
- Restoring the outflow of fluid from the sinuses, reducing pressure in them
- Destroying the infection
It is quite possible to cure sinusitis at home, without hospitalization. To do this, you need to organize an integrated approach with regular nasal rinsing, instillation and irrigation, as well as taking medications orally. Traditional methods of treating sinusitis will also be an excellent help - all together will give a good result without surgical treatment (puncture).
External remedies for sinusitis
Home treatment of sinusitis is impossible without local therapy. First of all, you need to rinse your nose with saline solutions up to 8-10 times a day. The easiest way to purchase preparations based on sea water is Aqualor, Aquamaris, Physiomer, etc. The effect of rinsing the nose with saline or a self-prepared saline solution will be no worse:
- Take 400 ml of warm boiled water
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt (sea salt, table salt) in water.
- Stir thoroughly
- Carry out rinsing using a syringe, douche, kettle
Salt disinfects the mucous membrane, relieves inflammation and swelling, and the liquid mechanically washes away mucus, pus, and infection. You can drop 1-2 drops of iodine into the water to make the antiseptic properties of the solution even higher.
Drops against sinusitis
Remedies for sinusitis are, first of all, drops and sprays with a vasoconstrictor effect. If, when you have a runny nose, doctors do not advise using them unless absolutely necessary, then when you have inflammation of the sinuses, it is urgently necessary to remove the swelling from the mouth of the sinus and allow the mucus to flow freely. Popular vasoconstrictor drops are made based on:
- Xylometazoline
- Naphazolina
- Oxymetazoline
- Phenylephrine
The duration of use of such funds is up to 5 days, no more. The same limitation applies to combined drops - Rinofluimucil (a vasoconstrictor component and a substance to improve the outflow of mucus), Polydex (an antibiotic, a vasoconstrictor, a hormonal component), etc.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the favorite child of 20th century medicine, however, they are not the best cure for sinusitis. If treatment is carried out in a clinic equipped with a decent bacteriological laboratory, and before treatment begins, the sinus secretions are cultured to determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to the antibiotic - it’s a small matter.
It remains to choose the drug that shows the greatest activity against the microbe. In this case, it is necessary to take into account that the result of the analysis (in vitro sensitivity) may not coincide with the actual operating conditions of the antibiotic in the body.
Therefore, they immediately choose the strongest drug (in the absence of contraindications and, first of all, allergic reactions to it). Most often, antibiotics are prescribed empirically, that is, experimentally, based on indications (presence of yellow or green discharge from the nose, temperature reaction of the body). In this case, a broad-spectrum drug is selected that is active against most potential pathogens of sinusitis.
Penicillins
Today they have already lost the fight to most microorganisms. And especially staphylococci, which are in third place among the causative agents of acute or chronic sinusitis (after streptococci and Haemophilus influenzae). However, often in the absence of cultures, therapy begins with inhibitor-protected penicillins, which contain additional additives that prevent bacteria from destroying the drug. In addition, penicillins are still an effective remedy in the fight against streptococcus, which can cause severe complications in the kidneys and joints, as well as secondary rheumatic valvular heart disease.
The most popular tablets are: Amoxicillin clavulonate under the trade names Panklav, Amoxiclav, Flemoklav and powder for suspensions Augmentin. Sulbactam Ampicillin with the names Ampiksid in tablets and injections, Unazin, Sultamicillin in injections.
Amoxiclav is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, active against Staphylococcus aureus, pyogenic and pneumoniae streptococci, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxella and Klebsiella. Thus, it covers most of the spectrum of potential pathogens of sinusitis. In tablets, the drug is taken in children at the rate of 40 mg per kg of body weight in three doses per day. For persons over 12 years of age, 1 tablet (125 mg + 250 mg) every 8 hours or a tablet (125 + 500 mg) every 12 hours. The course of therapy is 7 days.
Cephalosporins
Due to their widespread use, cephalosporins of the second (Cefaclor) and third (Ceftibuten, Cefixime) generations have now given way to macrolides. However, in the context of a budget deficit and rising prices for medicines, they have not yet left the scene.
Cefixime (Suprax, Pancef, Cemidexor) - tablets that inhibit the growth of Haemophilus influenzae, streptococci, Moraxella, Klebsiella). Half is excreted by the liver and kidneys. 400 mg of the drug is taken once a day or in half the dosage twice (in adults and children over 12 years of age). Side effects include: skin allergies, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, increased liver transaminases, dizziness, headaches, a drop in white blood cells and platelets, and rarely, interstitial nephritis. The drug is contraindicated if you are allergic to penicillins and cephalosporins.
Macrolides
Macrolides (Azithromycin, Josamycin, Clarithromycin) are used in tablets and suspensions in children and adults in courses of 3-5 days. They exhibit activity similar to inhibitor-protected peniillins with less resistance of microorganisms.
Azithromycin (Azitral, Sumamed, Hemomycin) tablets of 500 or 250 mg are used in a dosage of 500 mg once a day. Side effects are similar to cephalosporins. The drugs are undesirable if you are allergic to macrolides; they are questionable when used in pregnant and lactating women.
Fluoroquinlones
These drugs are exclusively for adult practice, since they still belong to reserve means and should be used in extreme cases, so that cross-insensitivity of bacteria to them does not develop. They have the property of killing bacteria by blocking their DNA. Lomefloxacin (Lomeflox, Lomacin, Xenaquin), Ciprofloxacin (Inficipro, Quintor, Zindolin), Ofloxacin (Glaufos, Zanotsin, Quiroll), Norfloxacin (Negaflox, Loxon), Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Sparfloxacin (Sparflo).
Traditional recipes for sinusitis
“Grandma’s” recipes in the treatment of sinusitis are useful in both acute and chronic forms. Natural medicines and drops work effectively and can be used in children and adults, during pregnancy - the only exception is cases of intolerance to the components. Read about the treatment of a runny nose in this article.
Inhalations with propolis
Hot inhalations against sinusitis can be done if there is a chronic form of the pathology. In case of acute sinusitis, warming the sinuses with inhalations is also permissible, but provided there is no high temperature and purulent discharge. It is necessary to boil half a liter of water, let it cool to a temperature of 85 degrees. Then pour a teaspoon of propolis tincture into the water - you can buy it at any pharmacy. Breathe in the steam from the propolis while it goes on. During inhalation, you should cover yourself with a towel or blanket. This is an effective treatment for sinusitis, but must be repeated twice a day for at least 5 days.
Homemade aloe drops
Even purulent sinusitis will reduce its manifestations if you prepare the drops according to a special recipe. All components in them have an anti-inflammatory effect, fight infection, and honey and aloe juice have powerful regenerating properties. You need to take an aloe leaf, not cut from a young tree (from 7 years old and older), wash it, and put it in the refrigerator for a day. Then squeeze the juice from the aloe and measure its volume. Add the same amount of honey. Separately, brew 50 ml of water, a tablespoon of celandine herb, leave for an hour. Add strained infusion of celandine to the drops of honey and aloe in a 2:1 ratio. Apply 5 drops into the nose into each nostril up to 5 times a day. Rinse your nose thoroughly first.
Horseradish with lemon for a healthy nose
Sinusitis can be quickly cured using local remedies, but overall strengthening of the body is no less important. This recipe is especially useful for those who have chronic sinusitis: by taking this wonderful remedy, you can prevent exacerbations of the disease for a long time. Wash a medium-sized horseradish root, peel it, and grate it on a fine grater. Combine with the juice of 3 lemons, mix well, leave in the refrigerator for a day. Take a teaspoon before meals (10 minutes before) once a day (preferably at lunch) for a course of 1-3 months. The duration of the course depends on the type of sinusitis - for acute forms it is enough to drink the remedy for a month, for chronic cases a longer course is needed.
Rosehip and sea buckthorn oil
Rosehip or sea buckthorn oils for sinusitis can be dripped into the nose, 2 drops up to 8 times a day. This will disinfect and soften the mucous membrane, relieve irritation and inflammation, and help cells regenerate. Regular use in courses of 10-14 days helps prevent exacerbations of chronic sinusitis.
Which nasal drops are best for congestion in adults?
Nazivin
First place should be given to one of the most effective drugs of the 21st century. It is intended for adults and perfectly relieves congestion in almost a second. The drops are produced in Germany, where specialists really know a lot about medicines.
According to patients, this remedy does an excellent job of relieving swelling, eliminating mucous secretions and helping to restore breathing. Among the main indications for the use of the drug, we note acute respiratory infections, otitis media and rhinitis.
Rhinostop.
High-quality nasal drops quickly relieve nasal congestion without causing harm to the patient. The active ingredient here is xylometazoline, due to which the medicine is in demand today.
Indications for the use of this product are runny nose, otitis media and allergic reactions. At the same time, not only adults, but also children are allowed to use drops, observing the dosage indicated by the doctor. In terms of price, the drops are also quite attractive.
In addition, they have a vasoconstrictor effect, almost instantly relieve swelling and actively fight the symptoms of a runny nose and nasal congestion. The only contraindications include hypersensitivity of the human body to the active component.
Sialor Protargol
An effective remedy for nasal use is often prescribed by doctors to patients in cases of runny nose, otitis media and rhinitis. It has several actions at once - anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic.
In addition, it should be noted that one more feature of the drug is its composition - it contains silver proteinate, which is designed to ensure high effectiveness of the product in therapy, as well as preventive measures for ailments associated with the respiratory system.
Among the negative qualities of the medicine, it is worth noting its main contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, individual intolerance to the components. In addition, customers do not like the fact that they need to prepare the drops themselves by dissolving the tablet, which takes extra time.
Physical techniques for sinus inflammation
After rinsing the nose, many people note how much easier it becomes to breathe. Salt water relieves swelling and allows you to flush out your sinuses, so the sensations become less severe. But there are even more effective methods of treating sinusitis - they can be prescribed even to those who are recommended for surgical treatment. Such techniques provide good drainage of the sinuses without puncture, therefore they are safe and painless.
Yamic catheter
You can clean the maxillary sinuses using a yamic catheter. The principle of its action is to suck out the contents of the sinuses in a natural way - without cuts or punctures. The entire procedure lasts no more than 5-7 minutes, without hospitalization. Treatment for sinusitis in this way is suitable even for children.
The order of the session is as follows:
- The patient sits on the couch
- Local anesthesia of the nose is performed
- The sinus catheter is adjusted to individual parameters (size, bends)
- The nose is irrigated with vasoconstrictor drops
- A latex catheter is inserted into the nose
- The rear balloon of the device is inflated inside the nasopharynx, while the second balloon is inflated in the nostril.
- The contents of the sinuses are pumped out using a syringe
- Medicine, an antiseptic solution, is injected into the sinus
- The catheter is removed from the nose
Tablets, drugs for sinusitis
How to cure sinusitis if its course is accompanied by fever, acute purulent processes, and headaches? In this case, the patient is prescribed antibiotics in tablets or injections. Antibiotics should be selected by a doctor, because their group and dosage will depend on the severity of the disease and the type of pathogen.
following types of drugs have proven themselves well in the treatment of sinusitis:
- "Protected" penicillins. They are prescribed most often, as they are able to prevent complications of sinusitis from the kidneys, heart, joints, and also defeat the infection due to the presence of special components (in particular, clavulonic acid prevents the destruction of the drug by bacteria). The most famous medications are Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Panklav.
- Cephalosporins. Very powerful antibiotics, but they are not suitable for chronic sinusitis - bacteria quickly develop resistance to them. More often recommended for sowing Klebsiella and Haemophilus influenzae. Representatives of the group are Cephalexim, Suprax.
- Macrolides. They are taken in short courses, which is enough for recovery. These drugs have less harmful effects on the gastrointestinal tract than those mentioned above. Medicines of the group – Erythromycin, Azithromycin.
How to treat sinusitis - other remedies
Auxiliary drugs for inflammation of the sinuses have both therapeutic and symptomatic effects. Thus, antipyretics cannot treat sinusitis, but they relieve high fever, intoxication, and give a person significant relief. Antihistamines in tablets are recommended for the development of an allergic reaction or severe swelling - they reduce the permeability of cells, thereby preventing them from becoming saturated with inflammatory fluid. If you take mucolytics, the viscosity of the sputum will be reduced, and mucus will flow more actively from the affected sinus. All medications in combination will certainly help with sinusitis and prevent surgical intervention - if used early and correctly.
Symptoms of sinusitis
In children, sinusitis, the symptoms of which are often confused with a cold, occurs rarely, and its manifestation is atypical.
Children can be capricious during illness; sinusitis can cause headaches, chills, and nasal congestion. The primary signs of sinusitis in children are always very similar to the common cold. Symptoms of sinusitis in adults appear typically. Suspicion of sinusitis manifests itself 5 to 7 days after a cold, flu or sore throat, when headache and sinus congestion occur. In this case, inflammation of the sinus during sinusitis is a complication of the primary inflammatory process. Sometimes inflammation from sinusitis begins initially, as an independent disease.
The first signs of the disease appear in the following symptoms:
- general weakness, lethargy, fatigue are common manifestations of any infectious process;
- pain on one or both sides near the wings of the nose, head, teeth;
- patients feel pain in the eyes, excessive eye strain, tooth sensitivity;
- violation of the respiratory functions of the nasal tract. The nose is stuffy due to swelling of the mucous membrane both in the sinuses itself and in the nasal concha and excretory tract. In addition to nasal congestion and respiratory dysfunction, purulent or mucous discharge from the nose may be observed;
- temperature increase. At the onset of the disease, the temperature is no higher than 38 ºС. After bacterial flora gets into the focus of mucus accumulation in the nose, a purulent infection develops, so the temperature rises to 40 ºС.
These unpleasant symptoms can be eliminated with the help of external remedies, such as sprays, which will help improve breathing and remove nasal congestion. But such drugs should be chosen only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
