Medical Notes

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22540, 3 October 1936, Page 7 (Supplement)

Medical Notes

CHRONIC SINUS TROUBLES

All Too Common In New Zealand TN the bones around the nose is a number of small cavities containing air, and communicating by narrow passages with the inside of tho nose, writes a- medical expert. These cavities or sinuses are lined by a membrane which is a continuation of the same membrane which lines tho nose, and this may be the site of acuto or chronic inflammations, like tho noso itself. Sinus diseaso, as the name implies, is an inflammation of these nasal sinuses. It is nowadays a very common affliction, and most people are familiar with it. Victims of this trouble complain bitterly when there are changes in tho weather, especially cold and damp weather; these changes seem to aggravate this condition. Uhfortunately, very few people seem to realise that it can be prevented. And it is important to prevent it, or to begin treatment a* early as possible. When neglected tho disease may result in serious complications. Sources of Danger Sinus disease, or sinusitis, is common after septic tonsils, a cold in tho head, and especially after an influenzal ono, or any other infectious disease. Another common cause in producing this diaagreeable trouble is swimming and diving in water contaminated by germs. These disease-producing germs reach one of the sinuses, where they multiply and set up inflammation. Occasionally, also, it may occur in connection with an abscess on tho roots of ono of th«» front upper teeth. In acute cases tho patient complains of a heavy feeling behind tho eyes, severe headaches, pain, and soreness in the face, difficulty in breathing, as well as a general "stuffed-up feeling," and frequently discharge from the nose and throat. This condition may bccomo chronic, with a more or less constant discharge of pus into the nose, or, if the free discharge into the nose bo blocked, a feeling of heaviness and oppression about tho root and back of the nose. A definite diagnosis can usually be made by examining the nose, and if pecessary by means of an X-ray. The treatment consists in the establishment of freo drainage and of washing out the cavities, a proceeding that the patient cannot carry out for himself. In tho case of the cavities lying above the level of tho noso chronic suppuration is not very common, because the cavities can usually drain freely enough downwards into the nose, and the inflammation soon passes off. In the case of the largest of these cavities, which is situated in tho upper jawbone, the

condition is otherwise, as its opening into the nose is situated almost at its highest part, and the drainage out of it is very imperfect. Suppuration in this is very common after any severe cold in the head, especially after an influenzal one. Symptoms to Look For In these chronic cases the symptoms are by no means always very severe, and patients may easily allow the condition to run on for years without recognising it, suffering only from constant discharge from one nostril, a sense of heaviness on ono side of the head, and sometimes a disagreeable odour coming from the affected nostril. If after a bad cold in the head a person complains of still feeling "seedy" and unable to throw off the cold on one side, this condition may be suspected as likely to be present. If within the first three or four weeks treatment is

carried out thoroughly for a couple of days, a euro can always bo obtained. In cases which havo been allowed to run oil indefinitely, the general health generally suffers considerably, the patient becoming sallow, dyspeptic, and generally out-of-sorts. In these cases usually operative treatment is necessary to enable an opening to be made into the cavity, and then, by syringing or other treatment through this opening, the suppuration can be stopped. Persistent sinusitis is an uncomfortable ailment. It undermines the general health and may lead to serious bodily disorders, and is often the underlying cause of ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, hay fever, asthma, heart disease, backache, high blood pressure, kidney disease and indigestion. Chronic sinusitis is difficult to cure. It requires prolonged and extensive treatment. Always remember that neglect makes the disease more difficult to cure. You can help yourself by eating plenty of nourishing food, and having plenty of fresh air and sunshine and getting adequate rest. The trouble can frequently be prevented by immediate care of any, even just the ordinary common, cold that you may get. If you do got such a cold do not treat it lightly, but rest in bed, and if you do not improve get medical attention. If sinusitis develops, do not trust to the ordinary home remedies, but consult your doctor- and follow his advice.