- What
is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis
is an inflammation of the membrane lining of any sinus,
especially one of the paranasal sinuses. Acute sinusitis
is a short-term condition that responds well to antibiotics
and decongestants; chronic sinusitis is characterized
by at least four recurrences of acute sinusitis. Either
medication or surgery is a possible treatment.
- How
common is Sinusitis?
More
than 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode
of acute sinusitis each year. The prevalence of sinusitis
has soared in the last decade possibly due to increased
pollution, urban sprawl, and increased resistance to
antibiotics.
- Where
should sinus pain sufferers seek treatment?
If
you suffer from severe sinus pain, you should seek treatment
from an otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon, a specialist
who can treat your condition with medical and/or surgical
remedies.
- What
is Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic
sinusitis is a sinus problem that persists or recurs
and is often caused by long-standing allergies, anatomical
obstructions such as polyps, or exposure to irritants
such as smoke.
- What
are the signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis?
For
acute sinusitis, symptoms include facial pain/pressure,
nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, diminished sense
of smell, and cough not due to asthma (in children).
Additionally, sufferers of this disorder could incur
fever, bad breath, fatigue, dental pain, and cough.
Acute sinusitis can last four weeks or more. This
condition may be present when the patient has two
or more symptoms and/or the presence of thick, green
or yellow nasal discharge. Acute bacterial infection
might be present when symptoms worsen after five
days, persist after ten days, or the severity of
symptoms is out of proportion to those normally associated
with a viral infection.
- How
does a physician determine the best treatment for
acute or chronic sinusitis?
To
obtain the best treatment option, the physician needs
to properly assess the patient' s history and symptoms
and then progress through a structured physical examination.
- What
should one expect during the physical examination
for sinusitis?
At
a specialist' s office, the patient will receive
a thorough ear, nose, and throat examination. During
that physical examination, the physician will explore
the facial features where swelling and erythema (redness
of the skin) over the cheekbone exist. Facial swelling
and redness are generally worse in the morning; as
the patient remains upright, the symptoms gradually
improve. The physician may feel and press the sinuses
for tenderness. Additionally, the physician may tap
the teeth to help identify an inflamed paranasal
sinus.
- What
other diagnostic procedures might be taken?
Other
diagnostic tests may include a study of a mucous
culture, endoscopy, x-rays, allergy testing, or CT
scan of the sinuses.
- What
is nasal endoscopy?
An
endoscope is a special fiber optic instrument for
the examination of the interior of a canal or hollow
viscus. It allows a visual examination of the nose
and sinus drainage areas.
- Why
does an ear, nose, and throat specialist perform
nasal endoscopy?
Nasal
endoscopy offers the physician specialist a reliable,
visual view of all the accessible areas of the sinus
drainage pathways. First, the patient' s nasal cavity
is anesthetized; a rigid or flexible endoscope is
then placed in a position to view the nasal cavity.
The procedure is utilized to observe signs of obstruction
as well as detect nasal polyps hidden from routine
nasal examination. During the endoscopic examination,
the physician specialist also looks for pus as well
as polyp formation and structural abnormalities that
may cause recurrent sinusitis.
- What
course of treatment will the physician recommend?
To
reduce congestion, the physician may prescribe nasal
sprays, nose drops, or oral decongestants. Antibiotics
will be prescribed for any bacterial infection found
in the sinuses (antibiotics are not effective against
a viral infection). Antihistamines may be recommended
for the treatment of allergies.
- Will
any changes in lifestyle be suggested during treatment?
Smoking
is never condoned, but if one has the habit, it is
important to refrain during treatment for sinus problems.
A special diet is not required, but drinking extra
fluids helps to thin mucus.
- When
is sinus surgery necessary?
Mucus
is developed by the body to act as a lubricant. In
the sinus cavities, the lubricant is moved across
mucous membrane linings toward the opening of each
sinus by millions of cilia (a mobile extension of
a cell). Inflammation from allergy causes membrane
swelling and the sinus opening to narrow, thereby
blocking mucus movement. If antibiotics are not effective,
sinus surgery can correct the problem.
- What
equipment do we use to help relieve Chronic Sinusitis?
ENT
Image-Guided Surgery System The innovative solution
for FESS The LandmarX® Element IGS System is
an innovative solution for FESS, making image guidance
simpler and more affordable for our patients.The
Element provides the tools needed to navigate to
the problem within minutes… there are no expensive
add-ons required. The system includes a straight
probe, Ferguson 9FR suction and single-calibration
curved suction. After one calibration, we can navigate
toward both maxillary sinuses and the frontal recess.
- What
does the surgical procedure entail?
The
basic endoscopic surgical procedure is performed
under local or general anesthesia. The patient returns
to normal activities within four days; full recovery
takes about four weeks.
- What
does sinus surgery accomplish?
The
surgery should enlarge the natural opening to the
sinuses, leaving as many cilia in place as possible.
Otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeons have found
endoscopic surgery to be highly effective in restoring
normal function to the sinuses. The procedure removes
areas of obstruction, resulting in the normal flow
of mucus.
- What
are the consequences of not treating infected sinuses?
Not
seeking treatment for sinusitis will result in unnecessary
pain and discomfort. In rare circumstances, meningitis
or brain abscess and infection of the bone or bone
marrow can occur.
- What
is Acute Sinusitis?
Acute
sinusitis is a common problem and is often associated
with a viral or bacterial upper respiratory infection
that spreads to the sinuses.
- How
can I get relief for Acute Sinusitis?
Treatment
of acute sinusitis is designed to relieve blockage
of the sinus opening. Antihistamine/decongestants
can reduce inflammation and decrease fluid production.
Bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. For more
info Contact Us.
- What
are the signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
Victims
of chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms
for 12 weeks or more: facial pain/pressure, facial
congestion/fullness, nasal obstruction/blockage,
thick nasal discharge/discolored post-nasal drainage,
pus in the nasal cavity, and at times, fever. They
may also have headache, bad breath, and fatigue.
- How
is acute sinusitis treated?
Acute
sinusitis is generally treated with ten to 14 days
of antibiotic care. With treatment, the symptoms
disappear, and antibiotics are no longer required
for that episode. Oral and topical decongestants
also may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.
- What
measures can be taken at home to relieve sinus pain?
Warm
moist air may alleviate sinus congestion. Experts
recommend a vaporizer or steam from a pan of boiled
water (removed from the heat). Humidifiers should
be used only when a clean filter is in place to preclude
spraying bacteria or fungal spores into the air.
Warm compresses are useful in relieving pain in the
nose and sinuses. Saline nose drops are also helpful
in moisturizing nasal passages.
- How
effective are non-prescription nose drops or sprays?
Use
of nonprescription drops or sprays might help control
symptoms. However, extended use of non-prescription
decongestant nasal sprays could aggravate symptoms
and should not be used beyond their label recommendation.
Saline nasal sprays or drops are safe for continuous
use.
- Am
I a candidate for the Somnoplasty® procedure?
