How common is sinusitis?

More than 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of sinusitis each year. The prevalence of sinusitis has soared in the last decade possibly due to increased pollution, urban sprawl, and heightened resistance to antibiotics.

What are the signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis?

For acute sinusitis, symptoms may include facial pain/pressure, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, cough, and diminished sense of smell and taste. Additionally, sufferers may experience fever, bad breath, fatigue, dental pain, and asthma.

How is acute sinusitis treated?

Acute sinusitis is generally treated with 10-14 days of oral antibiotic care. Oral and topical decongestants also may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. Studies show that nasal rinsing with a hypertonic solution may help improve symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

Patients with chronic sinusitis suffer from some of the recognized symptoms for at least 12 weeks: 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.

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 bowl of just-boiled water. Humidifiers should be used sparingly, as bacteria or fungal spores can be sprayed into the air if the machine is not frequently and meticulously cleaned. Rinsing and moisturizing the nasal passages with a hypertonic solutions such as SaltAire Sinus Relief is also helpful.

How effective are non-prescription nose drops or nasal sprays?

Use of nonprescription drops or nasal sprays might help some patients control symptoms. However, extended use of non-prescription decongestant nasal sprays could aggravate sinusitis symptoms leading to additional medical issues. They should not be used beyond their label recommendation, which is usually no longer than three days. Saline nasal wash or drops are safe for continuous use.

How does a physician determine the best treatment for acute sinusitis 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 often including nasal endoscopy, bacterial cultures, and CT Scanning.

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. The physician may feel and press over the sinuses for pain and tenderness. Additionally, the physician may tap the teeth to help identify an inflamed maxillary sinus.

What other diagnostic procedures might be taken when looking for signs of sinusitis?

Other diagnostic tests may include a nasal endoscopy, bacterial culture, allergy testing, or CT scan of the sinuses.

What is nasal endoscopy?

An endoscope is a delicate fiber optic instrument used to examine the interior of the nose. 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 view of all 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 and inflammation and to detect nasal polyps hidden from routine nasal examination. During the endoscopic examination, the physician specialist also looks for indication of sinus infection as well as nasal polyp formation and structural abnormalities that may cause sinusitis. Cultures may be taken so that the most appropriate antibiotics may be recommended.

What course of treatment will the physician recommend?

To reduce congestion, the doctor may prescribe such moisturizing products as nasal sprays, drops, saline nasal wash such as SaltAire Sinus Relief, or oral decongestants. Antibiotics will be prescribed for bacterial sinus infection. (Antibiotics are not effective against a viral sinus infection.) Antihistamines may be recommended for the treatment of allergies.

Will any changes in lifestyle be suggested during treatment?

Smoking is never a wise health choice, but if one does smoke, it is important to refrain during treatment for sinus problems. Drinking extra fluids helps to thin mucus. Reducing acid reflux causing foods is often helpful.

When is sinus surgery necessary?

Mucus is produced by the nose and sinuses to act as a lubricant, filter and cleanser. The mucus blanket moves across the mucous membrane toward the opening of each sinus and into the nose. It is propelled by millions of microscopic hair-like cilia. This moving layer of mucus traps and removes inhaled contaminates including dust, mold and pollen.

Inflammation causes membrane swelling, thereby blocking mucus movement and sinus infection often results. Tissue inflammation caused by allergies, irritants, mold or viral infections can block the sinus openings. This forces the mucous to collect within the sinuses and become secondarily infected with bacteria. If medical treatment fails to open the sinuses, the sinus infections can persist and recur. Sinus surgery is often recommended in this situation.

What does sinus surgery entail?

The basic endoscopic surgical procedure is an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. The patient returns to normal activities within several days.

What does sinus surgery accomplish?

Sinus surgery should remove only severely damaged tissue enlarging the natural outflow tracts to the sinuses, leaving as much tissue and cilia in place as possible. Otolaryngologists (head and neck specialists) have found endoscopic sinus surgery to be highly effective in restoring normal function to the sinuses. The procedure removes areas of obstruction, facilitating the normal flow of mucus.

What are the consequences of not treating sinus infection?

Not seeking treatment for sinusitis will result in unnecessary pain and discomfort. A minor acute sinusitis infection can develop into chronic sinusitis if not treated. In rare circumstances, meningitis or brain abscess can occur.