Sinus mucocele

The Sinus mucocele refers to an enlarged paranasal sinus, usually as a result of an accumulation of mucus in the paranasal sinuses. The disease is rarely severe and can be treated surgically. The best remedy for a mucocele, however, is prevention.

What is a sinus mucocele?

Under one Sinus mucocele is a chronic accumulation of mucus in one of the paranasal sinuses. It occurs when the paranasal sinus duct is blocked and the secretion can no longer drain. As a result, the bone structure can deform and break as a result of the increasing pressure, causing mucus to escape into the eye socket.

Surgical removal of the mucus plug is the only treatment option, and analgesic and expectorant drugs are also prescribed.

causes

The cause of the sinus mucocele is a closure of the entrance of the respective sinus. The cause can be a tumor or an adhesions, as well as inflammation, trauma or scar tissue, which is often left behind after an operation. The most common cause is delayed sinus inflammation.

Since the mucus can no longer drain through the narrowed ducts, secretions accumulate quickly in the sinuses, which can lead to the enlargement of the ducts and thinning of the nasal septum. The real cause is the build-up of excessive mucus in the sinuses. In connection with damage to or disruption of the function of the sinuses, which prevents the secretion from draining, this leads to an enlargement of the sinuses.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

A sinus mucocele manifests itself by an initially weak pressure in the sinuses. The feeling of pressure increases with the increase in the accumulation of mucus and spreads to the eye sockets, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, as the pathogens can no longer drain through the blocked ducts.

Later on, the disease clearly shows itself on the basis of the changed eyeball: due to the pressure on the sinuses, the secretion breaks through into the eye socket and pushes the eyeball forward. The first sign of this progression can be severe pressure pain between the eyeball and the nasal bone.

Diagnosis & course of disease

A sinus mucocele can be quickly diagnosed based on the symptoms and specific complaints. Before doing this, the doctor will talk to the patient and gather information about the clinical picture. It is possible that the sinuses have become inflamed several times or there are other indications that make the diagnosis easier.

An ultrasound examination allows a view of the cavities of the paranasal sinuses and shows possible accumulations of mucus: the mucus appears whitish in the X-ray image and is differentiated from the free sinuses. Finally, computed tomography (CT) provides information about the full extent of the disease.

If it is likely that the accumulation of mucus has already caused damage to the nose and sinuses, the doctor will perform a nasoscopy and examine the sinuses with the help of a nasal endoscope. In this way, the inside of the nose can be adequately assessed to make a final diagnosis.

A sinus mucocele develops over a period of several days. If channels in the nose are initially still permeable, the sinuses continue to clog as the disease progresses until they are finally completely closed. The mucus can no longer drain off and forms a kind of plug that presses on the surrounding bones from a certain size.

In extreme cases, this causes the bones to deform and break through. Depending on the position of the mucus plug, the secretion then flows either at eye level or into the throat. The course is rarely fatal, but the release of the pathogen brings further complications; sepsis and the development of further mucoceles or polyps can occur.

Complications

As a rule, the disease of the sinus mucocele occurs as a result of an infection, so that various complications are possible. In general, if a sinus mucocele remains without any treatment by a doctor or medication, significant complications or a significantly more unpleasant course of the disease can be expected.

In many cases, the affected person gets significantly worse air. This symptom is particularly pronounced during the night. Headache, nausea, vomiting and a high temperature are also possible complications that can occur in connection with a sinus mucocele. A visit to the doctor is strongly recommended at this point, as the individual symptoms can otherwise worsen considerably.

However, if the person concerned seeks medical treatment right from the start, then the above-mentioned complications can be avoided at an early stage. However, if you forego appropriate treatment, you must expect a considerable worsening of the complications that occur.

When should you go to the doctor?

Persistent buildup of mucus in the nose should be presented to a doctor. If the person concerned cannot clean his nose sufficiently independently, the help and support of a doctor should be sought. A doctor is required in the case of nasal speech, breathing disorders and tightness in the nose. If you have a cold, headache or concentration disorders, you should see a doctor. An unpleasant taste in the throat, loss of appetite and general malaise should be clarified by a doctor.

Fatigue, sleep disorders and increased fatigue are indications of an illness. If the daily activities can no longer be perceived or if the usual leisure activities are impaired, a visit to the doctor is advisable. A change in the eyeball is considered worrying and must be examined and treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Secretions in the eye, changes in vision, or feeling sick are signs of a health condition that needs treatment. If the symptoms increase in intensity or if new symptoms appear, a doctor's visit is necessary. The pathogens spread and cause an increasing deterioration in general well-being. Without medical care, the affected person feels energized, ill and unable to meet his obligations.

Treatment & Therapy

A sinus mucocele is primarily treated surgically. As part of the so-called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), the changed paranasal sinuses are treated surgically and any accumulations of mucus are removed. If only the so-called hook process is affected, an infundibulotomy is performed, an opening of the anterior ethmoid bone.

Depending on how severely the ducts have already been damaged by the mucocele, the sinuses must be closed again as part of several operations. Depending on the findings, several approaches are possible for this: an endonasal operation is carried out with the help of an endoscope and can be used to remove mucus growths or polyps.

Surgery through the oral vestibule is necessary when the mucocele has penetrated into the maxillary sinus. The subsequent therapy is limited to the recovery of the paranasal sinuses. Patients should speak little at first and cool the area around the nose. Care measures for the mucous membranes, such as the use of ointments, are also necessary. Medications are prescribed based on the findings and severity of the sinus mucocele.

Outlook & forecast

In general, a good prospect can be formulated for the sinus mucocele. Complications rarely occur. Basically, healing speeds up if the diagnosis is made at an early stage and treatment is started immediately. The nature of the disease makes it necessary to have an operation. For this, there are the general risks that are known from other surgical interventions. The inflammation goes away after surgery. However, another illness can occur. This makes it necessary to remove the accumulation of mucus again.

If the patient neglects or delays treatment, the mucocele can spread. It is not uncommon for the brain to be affected. The eyeball can also be pushed into a different position, causing the affected person to suffer a loss of vision. In general, treatment does not affect the lifespan. Operation scars remain, but thanks to new procedures they are not noticeable. The patient can continue his normal life after healing. Disadvantages and complaints are not to be expected. Sometimes it is necessary to take medication for a long time and take care of the mucous membranes.

prevention

To prevent sinus mucocele, it is advisable to maintain your sinuses regularly. This and general measures to strengthen the immune system can prevent the formation of a build-up of mucus in a sinus cavity. Regular oral care prevents inflammation of the oral mucosa, while caring for the nose prevents irritation and possible occlusion of the sinuses.

Furthermore, a balanced diet helps to strengthen the intestinal flora and thereby improve the immune system. People who are prone to runny nose and cold can prevent mucocele by using nasal spray and nourishing oil. Inhaling dissolves mucus in the nasal passages and thereby prevents clogging of the sensitive ducts and the development of a sinus mucocele.

Aftercare

Usually, sinus mucocele does not require long-term follow-up care. Patients can return to their everyday lives after surgery. The symptoms subside after a short time. However, the disease can recur. Therefore, compliance with preventive measures is advisable. A healthy diet and regular oral care ensure that the sinus mucocele stays away permanently.

The attending physician informs his patient about suitable behavior. The implementation of preventive aftercare is the responsibility of the sick person. If the disease progresses unfavorably, long-term treatment may be necessary at times. Those affected then have to accept further therapeutic measures. The main thing is to prevent complications.

This allows the sinus mucocele to spread to the brain. A loss of vision cannot be ruled out. Depending on the severity, the doctor and patient agree on a rhythm of presentations. Computed tomography has established itself as reliable evidence for determining the progress. Drug treatment takes place as standard. If necessary, the follow-up also includes another operation.

After a sinus mucocele, patients should not take lightly symptoms that suggest they have flu. Another focus of inflammation may have developed. To avoid complications, a visit to the doctor is inevitable.

You can do that yourself

As a rule, the sinus mucocele is treated surgically. Depending on the size of the operation, it is important that the affected patients speak little after the procedure and that the area around the nose is cooled. So-called cool pads, which are available in medical supply stores or pharmacies, are ideal for cooling. It is important to wrap the cooling pad with a towel or tea towel beforehand so that the pad does not come into direct contact with the skin. Otherwise you could get cold burns.

The freshly operated nose benefits from regular care. For this purpose, ointments are used that have been prescribed or recommended to the patient by the doctor. Another way to take care of the nasal mucous membranes is to do nasal rinses with salt. Both the nasal douche and the associated rinsing salt are available in pharmacies and drugstores. Oral hygiene is also very important for patients with sinus mucocele, as the nose and mouth are connected and inflammation could otherwise spread.

In order to avoid infections, colds and runny nose, the patient's immune system must be strengthened. This happens through a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, sufficient sleep and plenty of exercise in the fresh air.