Inflammation of the ethmoidal cells
Depending on the length of the symptoms, a distinction is made between acute (lasting 2 weeks), sub-acute (lasting more than 2 weeks, less than 2 months) and chronic (lasting more than 2 months) inflammation of the ethmoid cells (sinusitis). The ethmoid cells are the only paranasal sinuses that are already present in their complete structure at birth. For this reason, sinusitis in children is usually found in the area of the ethmoid bone and in adults it is more likely to be in the area of the maxillary sinus.
An inflammation of the ethmoid cells is usually the result of an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane (rhinitis or rinosinusitis), but can also be caused by a dental root disease. Further causes and promoting factors can be e.g. nasal tamponades, occlusion of the choanas (chonal atresia), nasal polyps (polyposis nasi), tumors, resistance and immune deficiency, foreign bodies, cystic fibrosis and damage to the mucus clearance (mucociliary clearance) by nasal drops. Bacterial inflammation is often present.
This is often a mixed infection. A purulent odor indicates an underlying dental disease. In rare cases, fungi can also be the cause.
Characteristic for an inflammation of the ethmoid cells are pus streaks in the middle nasal passage, pain, pressure and knocking sensitivity on the side of the nose and reduced olfactory ability (hyposomia). Radiological imaging (x-rays and computed tomography (CT)) is used for further diagnosis. In chronic ethmoid cell inflammation, these usually show shadows on both sides. In acute sinusitis, decongestant nasal drops, beta-lactam antibiotics and high nasal insoles are recommended.
What happens if the ethmoidal cells are shaded?
If inflammation of the ethmoid cells or other sinuses occurs at least twice a year, this is called recurrent acute sinusitis. If computer tomography (CT) shows persistent shadows on both sides of the ethmoid cells, this may be an indication of a chronic inflammation of the ethmoid cells. Unilateral shadows can also indicate a benign tumor.
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