Pus in the sinuses - Empyeme

PUS IN THE SINUSES

Etiology

  • Causes may be primary or secondary
  • Primary cause
    • Injuries of the wall. Viz,., contusion, open wound- causing bleeding into the cavity.
    • Pyogenic organisms may multiply and cause suppuration.
  • Secondary cause
    • Dental affections with suppuration of the alveoli  and root of teeth and perforation of their walls into the sinus.

Symptoms

  • Nasal discharge – mucopurulent, non-offensive
  • Pus – grayish, yellowish – white and with streaks of blood occassionally
  • Sinus – swelling, dullness on percussion
  • Lacrimation ,  mucus plugs

Diagnosis

  • Respiratory noise ( Rule out glanders by Mallein test)
  • By exploration of the sinus through an opening made by  a trephine.

Prognosis: generally be guarded.

Treatment

  • Drainage can be facilitated by extraction of the affected tooth
  • Flush the cavity with diluted povidone Iodine
  • Administration of antibiotics following a antibiogram test.

Last modified: Friday, 16 September 2011, 9:45 AM