Sinusitis, So Common That It Goes Unnoticed
Of the illnesses of the child, sinusitis is one of the most common, however, sometimes it tends to go unnoticed because it tends to be confused with other health problems such as a cold. What may seem like a simple cold that lasts much longer than expected, could in fact be a picture of sinusitis, so it is very important that it be diagnosed to avoid serious complications.
With the change in temperature, various respiratory diseases can develop, which could also end up becoming sinusitis. In this sense, according to what was expressed by Dr. Ramón Readi, a specialist in otorhinolaryngology, that a sinusitis continues without any treatment can cause complications that can even lead to surgical intervention.
Fortunately, it is a disease that can be prevented, since the factors that trigger it can be largely avoided. To do this, it is convenient to take proper care of colds, give the indicated treatment in cases of allergic rhinitis and always make sure that children do not place foreign objects in their nose.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition that is generated due to inflammation of the sinuses that is usually the result of an infection caused by a bacteria or a virus. These cavities are located in the skull, they affect the bones of the nose, eyes and cheeks, generally this inflammation is perceived in the part of the skull that is behind the forehead.
According to Dr. Readi, this disease originates as a consequence of a common cold, since it arises as a bacterial complication. The otorhinolaryngologist affirms that it tends to go unnoticed because commonly in the year a child can suffer up to three colds as a result of temperature changes, so it is difficult to know when it has become complicated.
Other causes of sinusitis can be allergic rhinitis that has not been properly treated and also the presence of foreign bodies in the nasal cavities. In children it is common for them to introduce small elements into their nose, which can cause a prolonged infection without adults being able to imagine that they have this problem. Readi says that dental infections can also trigger sinusitis.
The specialist assures that the accumulation of secretions produced in these cases, give rise to a superinfection that finally causes sinusitis. This situation does not always end in the same way, but it is a fairly frequent condition, since it is estimated between one and five cases that conclude with a diagnosis of sinusitis between approximately one hundred.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
As we’ve said, it’s easy to mistake sinusitis for a common cold, particularly since the symptoms are so similar. To identify a possible infection of this type, it is necessary to observe that the apparent cold lasts for more than ten days. This condition is observable through excess mucus for a long time; occasionally, the discharge tends to turn greenish or yellowish.
Other symptoms that make a diagnosis of sinusitis possible are headache, a sensation of bad smell and sometimes loss of smell. Given these signs, it is important to consult a specialist, as a major complication can take a long treatment, which could lead to correction surgery if it worsens.
Treatment for sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis are usually treated through the use of antibiotics, as Dr. Ramón Readi explains; treatment is indicated for at least 15 days; however, other support procedures are recommended at this stage. Therefore, it is convenient to wash the nasal passages, decongestion by means of drugs and sometimes the use of corticosteroid creams is also indicated.
In many cases the disease can subside without the need for treatment; however, this is not desirable because a complication of sinusitis could be serious because it involves the perinasal cavities. The spread of the infection to other areas of the skull makes it possible to generate dangerous life-threatening access depending on the complication and place of incidence.
