Disorders of the upper respiratory tract and Sjogren's Syndrome

[Lupus] [Scleroderma] [Sjogren's syndrome] [Poly-and Dermatomyositis] [Vasculitis] [MCTD]

Articles

[CICTD]

[Contact]

The upper respiratory tract
Disorders of the upper respiratory tract and Sjogrens Syndrome From the lecture of Dr G. DHont, otorhinolaryngologist, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, given for the CIB-league department West-Vlaanderen
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose and the sinus. These are different organs with other functions and reactions.
The nasal cavity
The nasal cavity is divided into two equal parts by a bony partition (called the nasal septum). On both sides of the nasal cavities there are three nasal conchae; in this way each nasal cavity is divided into three nasal meatus. The upper nasal meatus contains the end of the olfactory nerve; the lower ones function as air passageways. In the transition of the nasal cavity and the pharynx lies the Eustachian tube (called after the physician who discovered this tube), which forms a direct connection with the tympanic cavity. The nasal cavities are covered with a mucous membrane, which is rich in blood supply and always humid in order to moisten, warm the air that passes through it to body temperature and clean it. This is done by the hair in the nose and the ciliated cells. If there is a large amount of germs of a disease present, our immunologic resistance is activated with clear disease profiles, like a stuffed up nose, fever and the formation of matter.
The sinuses
Our sinuses include: maxillary sinuses (upper jaw sinuses) frontal sinuses (situated above the eyes and very variable in size) ethmoidal sinuses (situated between the eyes; are the olfactory epithelium and the remains of the well-developed olfactory organ of animals). sphenoidal sinuses (are wedge-shaped and situated in the back of the nose) A sinus is an air-filled cavity, lined with an almost invisible mucous membrane and very fine blood vessels. In the event of an infection, this mucous membrane distends, so that the opening and cavity become smaller. This infection and formation of mucous membrane is more tenacious in the sinus than in the nose because the sinus is a closed cavity.
Sinusitis and the doctor
The formation of matter by infection may keep up the disease in the sinuses. An x-ray examination has to confirm the diagnosis. If prescribed antibiotics are not effective, treatment with sinus punctures under local anaesthesia is applied.
Treatment of chronic sinusitis:
20 to 30 years ago, the sinuses were opened surgically: serious operation and long hospitalisation period. Today, the ostium (opening) is widened by means of an endoscopy. Advantage: shorter hospitalisation period (1 to 2 days) Disadvantage: such an operation is too easily performed; One of the possible complications is meningitis (inflammation of the cerebral membrane). By widening the opening to the sinus, the latter functions as the nose and more particles find their way in, which causes an increased production of mucus. Patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma and Sjogren are even more susceptible to infections due to their reduced immunity. Questions to the doctor concerning Sjogrens Syndrome Back to Articles