Many people with sinus problems neglect the issue, and do not treat it properly. Therefore, not treating sinusitis correctly can cause many other health problems for the individual.
Pressure on the face, pain, discharge draining from the nostrils (whether greenish or yellowish), halitosis, with or without nasal congestion, and also when there is a trickle of secretion coming out of the bottom of the nose, and falling into the throat.
All of these symptoms are characteristic of a sinus condition. That is, an infection in the sinus. These sinuses consist of holes or cavities within the bones of the face, which are filled with air, and which are also covered by a thin layer of mucosa. They serve to promote a certain lightness to the bones of the face.
So, to find out what are the possible complications if you don’t treat sinusitis correctly, what types exist, and more, just keep reading.
Types of Sinusitis
First of all, it is important to know what are the types of sinusitis, as the most suitable treatment will vary according to each one. Sinusitis is not one of those problems with hereditary causes. And it can be classified in two different ways. They are: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis.
1 – Acute Sinusitis
Acute Sinusitis
This type of sinusitis can cause pressure on the face and headache, and the sinus of the face is the region most affected by the problem. As for the intensity of the pain, it can vary, it can be something stronger, pulsating, with stitches, or a sensation of pressure in the sinus.
Nasal secretion and obstruction can also happen. In the case of acute sinusitis, symptoms usually last up to 4 weeks.
2 – Chronic Sinusitis
The symptoms presented by the patient with chronic sinusitis are the same as the symptoms of acute sinusitis. With the difference that, in the case of chronic sinusitis, they are permanent. But it is possible that there is neither fever nor pain in the sinus.
In general, the most common and most disturbing symptom in this case is cough. In addition, the bad smell when breathing is also something that bothers those who have this type of sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis is usually a nocturnal problem, the intensity of which increases when the patient lies down. This is due to the fact that the secretion runs, and causes irritation in the airways.
In addition, when waking up, the individual may have a coughing fit, which decreases in intensity as the day goes on. It may even disappear. In the case of chronic sinusitis, symptoms can last for more than 3 months, even if the problem is being treated.
Main Symptoms Of Sinusitis:
Check below, in a more summarized form, what are the main symptoms of sinusitis:
- Loss of appetite
- Pressure on the sinuses
- Bleeding from the nose
- Nasal discharge with color
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Cough
- Nasal obstruction
- Tiredness
- Fever
It is common for people to confuse the sinus headache with a migraine, as it can be both intense and pulsating pain.
Therefore, to be able to differentiate one problem from the other, it is necessary to observe which region of pain is, as well as it is also important to assess whether there are other symptoms, such as nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, fatigue, dizziness and movements.
Possible Complications If Sinusitis Is Not Treated
When sinusitis is not treated, or is treated incorrectly, it can cause several complications.
The infection may migrate to the noblest structures, which are close to the affected region, as is the case, for example, of the brain, eyes and meninges.
In addition, not treating sinusitis can also lead to edema and obstruction of eyelid veins, which is a problem better known as eyelid cellulitis; accumulated pus between the orbital bone and the eyeball; thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, an inflammation and obstruction of the veins considered most important in our skull.
Problems can lead to the loss of the individual’s olfactory capacity, partially or totally. In addition, it can also cause vision problems, which can be both temporary and permanent.
Little Boy With Sinusitis
In addition, there are also rare cases of sepsis and death that, although so rare, cannot be left out.
What few people know is that an untreated sinusitis can end up evolving into a picture of bacterial meningitis, a type of acute inflammation, which affects the membranes responsible for covering the brain and spinal cord, better known as meninges. It is such a serious problem that it can cause paralysis, deafness, epilepsy, or even death.
In the case of bacterial meningitis, the most common symptoms are:
- Jet vomiting
- Stiffness and pain in the neck and neck
- Fever
- Red spots on the skin
- Headache
- Ill be
There is no way that is completely effective in preventing bacterial meningitis. Therefore, it is very important to always be aware of the symptoms presented, and to seek a doctor to treat the problem in the correct way, and in a timely manner.
Sinusitis and meningitis are problems that are commonly treated with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
Even Who Got The Meningitis Vaccine Can Have The Disease?
Vaccine Against Meningitis
Yes. Even those who were vaccinated against meningitis, according to the mandatory vaccines offered by SUS, may end up developing the disease because of badly treated sinusitis.
This is because the vaccine immunizes people against certain bacteria. However, it does not immunize against all of them. Thus, it is possible that there is infection by some other type of bacteria. Still, the vaccine is critical, as it protects people from the most common bacteria.
So, if you have sinusitis, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. See a doctor and start treatment as soon as possible. That way, in addition to avoiding more serious problems, you will also have a better quality of life.
And another very important observation is to always complete the treatment that the doctor has indicated. Many people often stop treatment when symptoms start to disappear. And that can have serious consequences in the future.
