What is the method for examining sinusitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane or cavity of the sinuses. Clinically, the examination of sinusitis includes two aspects: one is the clinical examination, such as anterior rhinoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, the opening of the sinuses, and the nasal passages; on the other hand, some imaging examinations can also be used, such as sinus CT examination, which is very important, and if necessary, sinus MRI can also be performed; there are also some other examination methods, such as nasal resistance examination, examination of sinus and nasal secretions, etc. Therefore, there are quite a few examination methods, among all the examination methods, the most important are the nasal endoscopy and sinus CT examination.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
57sec home-news-image

How to treat sinusitis?

The treatment for sinusitis primarily involves conservative medication, as well as surgical procedures. Generally, conservative medical treatment is the standard first-line method. In terms of treatment methods, antibacterial therapy is mainly used, along with the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine preparations, and mucolytic agents, which help alleviate sinus inflammation and facilitate the discharge of secretions from the nasal and sinus cavities. Additionally, nasal irrigation with saline solution can be considered to further improve the condition. If standardized medical treatment is ineffective, or in cases of fungal sinusitis, we may consider conducting minimally invasive sinus surgery using nasal endoscopy. Overall, the outcomes of surgical treatment are usually quite good, but regular follow-up examinations are needed to check for any recurrence of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 14sec home-news-image

How to treat nasal congestion caused by sinusitis?

Nasal congestion caused by sinusitis requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment as the initial step, because sinusitis, which includes inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, is caused by acute inflammatory irritation leading to nasal symptoms. This condition can result in nasal congestion due to the repeated stimulation of the nasal conchae by yellow purulent secretions. Additionally, patients may experience discharge of yellow purulent material from the nasal cavity, facial swelling and pain, headaches, and fever among other symptoms. Examination with an endoscope may reveal bilateral congested and swollen nasal mucosa, and yellow purulent secretions in the nasal passages. Treatment initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory measures to reduce inflammation. Since it is a bacterial infection, patients can use antibiotics. Also necessary is the use of saline nasal irrigation and nebulized inhalations to contract the nasal conchae and alleviate congestion. Once the inflammation is reduced, nasal congestion will gradually improve. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 6sec home-news-image

How to check for sinusitis?

The examination for sinusitis is mainly divided into three major categories. The first category is visual inspection. The second is endoscopic examination, and the third is radiologic examination. Visual inspection mainly involves directly observing with the naked eye the mucosa inside the nasal cavity, the inferior turbinate, and assessing the presence of thick nasal mucus. For some patients, a basic diagnosis can be made through visual inspection alone. However, for other patients whose conditions are not very clear, it becomes necessary to use endoscopic examinations, such as nasal endoscopy or fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy, to visually inspect the interior of the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx for any abnormalities. If the inflammation is severe and conservative medical treatment is ineffective, it may also be necessary to consider a CT scan of the sinuses to make a clearer and more accurate diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The clinical symptoms of sinusitis vary widely among individuals, and in general, it is considered a common illness. The most frequent clinical manifestations include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. Some patients may also experience facial pain and numbness; however, specific symptoms vary from person to person. Some may exhibit only one symptom, while others may experience two to three, or even multiple symptoms, with the disease demonstrating recurrent and fluctuating patterns. In terms of treatment, medication remains the primary approach, supplemented by nasal irrigation. Only a small fraction of patients, whose symptoms do not improve with conservative medication treatments or who suffer from particularly severe inflammatory reactions like fungal sinusitis, may consider surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

Can sinusitis heal on its own?

Sinusitis may recover on its own. This primarily depends on the extent of the specific inflammatory responses, as well as clinical symptoms and the patient's own immunity. If the sinusitis is very mild, the clinical symptoms are not severe, and the patient's immunity is relatively strong, recovery is indeed possible. Additionally, with acute sinusitis, some patients naturally tend to recover on their own. However, in cases of chronic sinusitis or severe inflammatory responses in acute sinusitis, where symptoms like nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headaches, and dizziness are more pronounced, it is generally advisable to consider timely medical treatment. It may also be beneficial to incorporate saline nasal washes and schedule regular follow-up examinations to observe effects.