Sinusitis: what causes it?

Une infection des sinus ou sinusite touche entre 5 et 15% des Français. L’infection se produit lorsque vos sinus et vos voies nasales deviennent enflammés. Parfois, des bactéries ou des allergènes peuvent provoquer une trop grande formation de mucus. Ce qui bloque les ouvertures de vos sinus. L’excès de mucus est courant si vous avez un rhume ou des allergies. Cette accumulation de mucus peut favoriser la prolifération de bactéries et de germes dans la cavité des sinus. Cette accumulation entraîne une infection bactérienne ou virale.


Quels sont les types d’infections des sinus ?

Sinuses are small pockets of air located behind the forehead, nose, cheekbones and eyes. The sinuses produce mucus, a jelly-like fluid that protects the body by trapping germs.  Most sinus infections are viral and go away within a week or two without treatment. If your symptoms don't improve in a few weeks, you probably have a bacterial infection. In this case, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Sinusite aiguë

The acute sinusitis has the shortest duration. Aviral infection caused by the common cold can cause symptoms that last between one and two weeks. With a bacterial infection, acute sinusitis can last up to four weeks.

Sinusite subaiguë

Subacute sinusitis symptoms can last up to three months. This condition most often occurs with bacterial infections or seasonal allergies.allergies saisonnières.

Sinusite chronique

Chronic sinusitis symptoms last more than three months. They are often less severe. Bacteria are usually not to blame in this case. Chronic sinusitis most often occurs in conjunction with persistent allergies or structural nasal problems.


Qui est à risque d’une infection des sinus ?

Anyone can develop a sinus infection. However, some other health problems and risk factors can increase your chances of developing one. Some of these are a deviated nasal septum, nasal spur, or nasal polyps. If you have a history ofallergies or if you have had recent contact with mold, you may develop sinusitis.

A weakened immune system, smoking, or a recent upper respiratory infection have been known to lead to sinusitis. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick mucus to build up in your lungs. A dental infection can increase your risk of a sinus infection, as can air travel. This exposes you to high concentrations of germs.


Quels sont les symptômes d’une infection des sinus ?

The symptoms of sinusitis are similar to those of. cold. They may include decreased sense of smell, fever, stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose or cough.

It can be difficult for parents to detect a sinus infection in their children. Signs of infection include:

  • Cold or allergy symptoms that do not improve within 14 days,

  • A high fever (over 35°C),

  • Thick, dark mucus coming out of the nose for more than 72 hours or a persistent cough that lasts longer than expected: 10 days

The symptoms of acute, subacute and chronic sinus infections are similar. However, the severity and duration of your symptoms will vary.


Quelles sont les options de traitement de sinusite ?

Congestion

La congestion est le symptôme le plus courant d’une infection des sinus. Pour réduire la congestion du mucus et effacer vos sinus, appliquez un chiffon chaud et humide sur votre visage et votre front plusieurs fois par jour. Buvez de l’eau et du jus pour rester hydraté et diluer le mucus.  Utilisez un humidificateur dans votre chambre à coucher pour ajouter de l’humidité à l’air. Allumez la douche et asseyez-vous dans la salle de bain avec la porte fermée pour vous entourer de vapeur. Utilisez des décongestionnants en vente libre ou des gouttes nasales.

Remèdes contre la douleur

A sinus infection can trigger a headache or pressure on the forehead and cheeks. If you are in pain, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help.

Antibiotiques

If your symptoms do not improve in a few weeks, you probably have a bacterial infection and should see your doctor. You may need antibiotics if:

  • Discharge from the nose,

  • You have a congestion, 

  • Your cough does not improve after three weeks,

  • You experience facial pain or headaches,

  • Your eyes are swollen

  • You have a fever.

Chirurgie

A surgical procedure to clear the sinuses, repair a deviated septum or removing polyps can help if your sinusitis does not improve.


Comment puis-je prévenir une sinusite ?

Les infections des sinus peuvent se développer après un rhume, une grippe ou une réaction allergiqueSinus infections can develop after a cold, flu or allergic reaction. So a healthy lifestyle and reducing your exposure to germs and allergens can prevent an infection. To reduce your risk, get a flu shot every year. Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Wash your hands regularly and limit your exposure to smoke, chemicals, pollen and other allergens. Take antihistamines to treat allergies and colds.


Qu’est-ce que les perspectives ?

Les sinusites sont traitables et la plupart des gens se remettent sans consulter un médecin ni prendre d’antibiotiques. Cependant, informez votre médecin si vous avez des infections aux sinus répétées ou chroniques. Vous pourriez avoir une maladie sous-jacente, telle que des polypes nasaux. L’abcés est le résultat de la sinusite. Si elle n’est pas traitée, une infection peut entraîner de rares complications, telles qu’un abcès, une méningite ou une osteomyelitis.



Sources:

Sinusite aiguë. (10 novembre 2015) 

my.clevelandclinic.org/services/head-neck/diseases-conditions/hic-acute-sinusitis

Sinusite aiguë. (10 novembre 2015) 

my.clevelandclinic.org/services/head-neck/diseases-conditions/hic-acute-sinusitis

Sinusitis (sinus infection). (May 15, 2015)

niaid.nih.gov/topics/sinusitis/Pages/index.aspx

Marie Dupont 25 July, 2019
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