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The dangers of sinusitis are often not realized by most sufferers. This may be because sinusitis has symptoms that are almost similar to the common cold, namely colds and headaches. In fact, untreated sinusitis can lead to dangerous complications
Sinusitis is a condition when the cavities around the nose (sinuses) become inflamed due to infection or irritation. Sinusitis sufferers will usually experience several symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, cough, runny nose, headache, and loss of sense of smell and taste, including metallic breath.
Sinusitis is often caused by infections, both viral and bacterial infections. However, allergic reactions and exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, and pollution, can sometimes cause sinusitis to recur.
Dangerous Complications of Sinusitis
Sinusitis that is treated properly rarely causes complications. However, if not treated properly, there are various dangers of sinusitis that can occur due to complications, including:
1. Chronic sinusitis
After treatment, sinusitis usually resolves within a few weeks or days. However, in certain cases, acute sinusitis can develop into chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 3 months and is more common in cases of sinusitis that are not treated early on.
2. Infection of the eye socket (orbital cellulitis)
Orbital cellulitis is one of the most common complications of sinusitis. People who experience complications of sinusitis can experience several symptoms such as swollen eyes, visual disturbances, difficulty moving the eyeballs, red eyes, and fever.
If not treated immediately, orbital cellulitis can cause serious eye damage and permanent blindness. To overcome this condition, the doctor will usually give an injection of antibiotics through an IV and surgery.
3. Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Sine cavity thrombosis is a condition of blocked blood vessels around the sinus cavity, so that blood flow in that part is not smooth.
In addition to sinusitis, sinus cavity thrombosis can also be caused by a severe dental infection. Blockage of blood vessels around the sinus cavity will usually cause symptoms in the form of drooping eyelids, pain around the eyes and face, headache, and fever.
4. Osteomielitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones. Complications of sinusitis usually occur in the facial bones, precisely around the eyes and nose. Osteomyelitis due to sinusitis can cause symptoms in the form of swollen eyes, fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Osteomyelitis on the face due to sinusitis needs to be treated by a doctor. To treat this condition, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or perform surgery.
5. Brain infection
Germs that breed in the sinus cavities, over time can spread to other organs, one of which is the brain. The danger of sinusitis often causes various diseases of the brain, such as meningitis and brain abscess.
The disease can cause symptoms in the form of high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty walking, seizures, nausea and vomiting, to weakness or loss of consciousness.
6. Partial or complete loss of smell
Loss of smell due to sinusitis can be temporary or even permanent. This occurs due to inflammation of the nose and swelling of the nerves in the sense of smell.
Symptoms and Dangers of Sinusitis to Watch Out for
Almost most sinus infections rarely cause complications, but when there is a danger of sinusitis accompanied by complications, this condition can be life threatening for the sufferer.
Therefore, you need to be aware of the symptoms and dangers of sinusitis, especially if you are already experiencing the following symptoms of sinusitis complications:
- Pain, redness, and swelling in the face, especially around the eyes and nose
- severe headache
- Swelling and pain in forehead
- Stiff neck
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- sense of smell disturbed
- High fever
If you experience the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor because these symptoms can be a sign of complications from sinusitis.
To confirm the diagnosis of sinusitis and possible complications, the doctor can perform a physical examination and supporting examinations such as blood tests, X-rays of the face and sinus cavities, and a CT scan of the head.
After that, the doctor can treat your sinusitis by giving medicines, such as antibiotics and pain relievers, and performing surgery if needed.
