George Clooney and when the sinusitis becomes disabling. How to prevent the most serious form (also by recognizing the very first symptoms)

They wanted it George Clooney and the Venice Film Festival To talk about it: it was one acute sinusitis To ensure that the actor deserted the press conference of his new film Jay Kellyand was forced to rest. Clooney was subsequently able to show himself on the red carpet, however the fact remains that the disorder that hit him, although it may seem trivial, can actually become very annoying and even disabled. We asked for clarifications to Professor Pasquale Capaccio, otorinolaringoiatra of the Our Lady Nursing House and associated withUniversity of Milanto understand better causes, symptoms and therapies.

What is sinusitis

“Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) is a very common disorder,” explains Capaccio. It is ainflammation Interesting the mucous membrane of the nose and the paranasal sinuses, small cavities full of air inside the skull and face, in direct communication with the nose through tiny conducted, called hosts. When the mucous membrane inflames and swells, the hosts obstruct themselves: the mucus cannot flow, it restores and becomes the ideal soil for bacterial or viral infections “

What are the main forms?

«Sinusitis can occur in two main forms. Form acuteoften the consequence of a viral infection, such as the seasonal cold, or an allergic reaction, and that chronic. The latter, in turn, can be eosinophila (immune cells activated by the disorder), mycotics (from mushrooms) or allergic. The chronic form can also associate with the formation of polyps. An acute attack like Clooney’s usually lasts Ten days “.

The very first symptoms of a sinusitis

Riconos immediately i signs can help intervene before the worst sinusitis. The initial symptoms can resemble those of a coldbut they tend to last more and to have some specific characteristics: un cold usually lasts a few days and tends to improve alone. If instead the symptoms Over 7-10 days persist is more likely that it is sinusitis. Furthermore, the presence of facial pain And dense mucus are distinctive signals. We read on ISS health “The disorders (symptoms) that distinguish sinusitis are:

• closed nose (nasal congestion)
• Pain or feeling of pressure on the face
• heachache
• fever
• Excessive tearing and eyelid edema
• Yellow-green nasal secretions
• toothache
• reduction or inability to perceive smells (anosmia)
• bad breath (halitosis)

To these can associate a General sense of fatigue and weakness. Children with sinusitis can be nervous and irritable, breathe with the mouth, speak in a nasal voice, lose your appetite ». If the symptoms last over 10 days without improvements or worsen becoming very intense (marked facial pain, high fever, difficulty breathing), it is necessary Consult a doctor (ORL – otorinolarigoiatra) ».

When the sinusitis becomes disabling

According to a study of the Harvard Medical Schoollet’s talk about disabling sinusitis When the symptoms are frequent and intense, such as to strongly limit daily life and commitments: persistent facial pain, strong headache, constant nasal breathing difficulty, marked reduction of smell and taste or complications such as eye infections. In all these cases, the quality of life and daily activity can be seriously compromised.

Sinusitis and summer heat

Also be careful in the hot months: sinusitis also affects in summer. The causes?

1. Air conditioning
   Prolonged exposure to air conditioners can dry the nasal mucous membranes and reduce their ability to defend themselves from viruses and bacteria. In addition, thermal changes between hot and cold environments can cause inflammation.
2. Bathrooms in the pool or at the sea
   Water (especially if not well cleaned or excess chlorinated) can enter the paranasal sinuses and cause infections or irritation. The so -called “immersion headache” can be an early signal.
3. Seasonal allergies (pollen, graminaceae, mold)
   Also in summer there are pollen and allergenic agents that can inflame the respiratory tract and block the normal drainage of the mucus, favoring sinusitis.
4. Viral travel infections (summer colds)
   Travel to crowded places (planes, hotels, stations) increase exposure to viruses that can trigger colds and, later, sinusitis.
5. Smoke, smog and pollution
   In summer the air can be charged with ozone and irritating agents, which can inflame respiratory mucous membranes.
6. Dehydration
   Drink little reduces the hydration of the mucous membranes, making them more vulnerable to infections and less efficient in the drainage of the mucus

Therapies

The care for sinusitis are constantly evolving, as Professor Capaccio confirms: «They are very useful, also as preventive strategy, the nasal washes with physiological solution. In acute forms, better the Hypertonic saline solution. We also recommend the use of nasal decongestants. In bacterial forms, the administration of antibiotics “. The fundamental advice is always to contact the specialist. Moreover, in recent years, the diagnosis of sinusitis has made great strides, especially thanks to the introduction of theendoscopy nasalflanked by tools such as the CT and the BEAM-TC (TAC with low dosage of radiation). «This technology allows you to evaluate the need for nasal endoscopic surgery (FESS), for the recurring sinusitis or that do not respond to the treatment of steroid drugs (cortisone), which constitute the main drug therapy for the treatment of pathology, to be administered endonasal or by mouth “, concludes Capaccio. «In case of non -response or recurrence they can be administered biological drugs, Important news of recent years ».