SINUSITIS

What is sinusitis?

Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn't go away? If so, there's a good chance you actually had sinusitis. Experts estimate that 37 million people are afflicted with sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in America.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull. They drain into the nose through small openings. Blockages in the openings from swelling due to colds, flu, or allergies may lead to acute sinus infection. A viral cold that persists for 10 days or more may have become a bacterial sinus infection. This infection may increase post-nasal drip. If you suspect that you have a sinus infection, you should see your physician to see if it needs antibiotic treatment.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection. Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities.. Unlike a cold, or allergy, bacterial sinusitis needs a physician's diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to cure the infection and prevent future complications.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis vs. a cold or allergy?

SIGN/ SYMPTOM	SINUSITIS	ALLERGY	COLD
Facial Pressure /Pain	Yes	Sometimes	Sometimes
Duration of Illness	Over 10-14 days	Varies	Under 10 days
Nasal Discharge	Whitish or colored	Clear, thin, watery	Thick, whitish or thin
Fever	Sometimes	No	Sometimes
Headache	Often	Sometimes	Sometimes
Pain in Upper Teeth	Sometimes	No	No
Bad Breath	Sometimes	No	No
Coughing	Sometimes	Sometimes	Yes
Nasal Congestion	Yes	Sometimes	Yes
Sneezing	No	Sometimes	Yes

Because the symptoms of sinusitis sometimes mimic those of colds and allergies, you may not realize you need to see a doctor. If you suspect you have sinusitis, review these signs and symptoms. If you suffer from three or more, you should see your doctor. Children can also suffer from sinusitis but your child's sinuses are not fully developed until age 20. Sinusitis is difficult to diagnose in children because respiratory infections are more frequent, and symptoms can be subtle.

Chronic sinusitis occurs when sinus blockages persist, lasting more than months, causing the lining of the sinuses to swell further.sympotms include chronic post nasal drip, headaches, persistent facial pressure without pain, stuffy nose and sometimes eye pressure.

Sinus Surgery, or Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended for certain types of sinus disease. With the endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the nose, while at the same time, removing diseased tissue and polyps and clearing the narrow channels between the sinuses.

Read more about Function Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Read more about Baloon Sinuplasty
Read more about Image Guided Sinus Surgery