Frontitis is a disease in which the mucous membrane of the frontal sinus of the nose becomes inflamed.
Sinuses are cavities in the facial part of the skull that are adjacent to the nasal cavity. There are the following sinuses – wedge-shaped, maxillary (2 pcs), frontal (2 pcs), latticed. Frontitis occurs with inflammation of the frontal – frontal pair of sinuses.
Frontitis of all types of sinusitis is considered the most severe both in terms of the clinical picture and the patient’s condition and possible complications.
In otorhinolaryngology, which deals with diseases of the sinuses, there are two forms of frontitis – chronic and acute.
ANATOMY
The sinuses in their normal state are filled with air due to communication with the nasal cavity by nasal passages. The sinuses of the nose perform very important functions:
Skull weight relief
Thermal insulation of teeth (roots) and eyeballs – from temperature changes
Softening buffer for facial injuries
Humidification and warming of the air when breathing
Resonator
CAUSES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRONTITIS
Frontitis can develop due to a number of reasons. The most common cause is acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract. Under the influence of a provoking factor, the mucous membrane that lines the walls of the sinuses becomes inflamed.
Frontitis can be of both viral and bacterial etiology. The reason for this may be influenza, acute respiratory infections, diphtheria, scarlet fever and others. Also, frontitis can cause a fungus. With injuries and fractures of the skull bones, inflammation can also develop.
There are also other reasons that contribute to the development of frontitis:
Adenoids are hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil.
Violation of the anatomical structure of the nasal septum – both congenital and with trauma.
Staphylococcal infection in the body.
Prolonged runny nose, including allergic rhinitis.
Bronchial asthma, provoking swelling of the mucous membranes.
Foreign bodies – the reason is relevant for children.
The presence of polyps and other neoplasms in the nose.
SYMPTOMS OF FRONTITIS
Frontitis is a serious disease that can develop in two types – chronic and acute.
The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
A large number of secretions, first serous, then purulent. There is no smell of pus.
Painful sensations that turn into sharp pains during palpation and tapping of the frontal sinus.
Intoxication phenomena – photosensitivity, lacrimation, pain.
Inability to breathe through the nose.
Pasty, puffiness of the face from the affected side at the inner corner of the eye.
High temperature up to 40 degrees, hyperemia of the skin above the sinuses.
General intoxication of the body, weakness, headache.
DIAGNOSIS OF FRONTITIS
The ENT doctor, when examining the patient, should pay attention to the patient’s complaints, as well as conduct several studies for the correct diagnosis. Rhinoscopy, ultrasound, and radiography of the sinuses are performed in two projections.
TREATMENT OF FRONTITIS
Treatment of frontitis on an outpatient basis is possible only with a mild course. In moderate and severe cases, hospitalization is indicated. The otolaryngologist prescribes nasal flushing with antiseptic solutions. You can use a weak soda solution. Depending on the cause of the development of frontitis, antibiotics, antiviral, antihistamines, immunomodulators and other medications are prescribed. In the subacute period, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed – UHF, laser therapy and others. In case of ineffectiveness of treatment, they resort to mechanical sanitation of the sinus cavity – to punctures. The puncture is also indicated for patients who have neoplasms in the nasal cavity that disrupt the normal outflow of fluid from the sinus.
