Sinus problems are extremely common, and one of the top reasons why patients seek medical treatment. Conditions like chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps produce a variety of symptoms that can leave you feeling weak and miserable. You don’t have to sit around and suffer – treatments are available that will alleviate your symptoms and leave you feeling better in no time.
Nasal and Sinus Disorders
Nasal and sinus disorders are responsible for a range of unpleasant symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract. These include nasal congestion or stuffiness, nasal drainage, sinus and facial pressure, loss of smell and taste, cough, headache, and fatigue. Identifying the condition is the key to treating it.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts twelve weeks or longer. It is very common, affecting about 35 million Americans annually, and is typically the result of a viral or bacterial infection.
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is your immune system’s response to breathing in an allergen such as pollen or dust. The body releases histamines to fight the invader, causing allergy symptoms of itchy watery eyes, runny nose or sneezing.
Nasal polyps are tissue growths that line the nasal passages or sinus cavities. Though benign, they can block the sinuses, leading to persistent cold-like symptoms. They are believed to be the result of allergies, asthma, and chronic sinus infections.
Treating Sinus Conditions
Treatment for your sinus symptoms will vary, depending on the condition causing them. Schedule an appointment with your ENT Specialist, who will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, and give you a thorough physical examination. He or she may order tests, including a nasal endoscopy, mucus culture, CT scan, MRI, and allergy skin and blood tests, to properly diagnose your condition.
While the specifics of your treatment plan may be unique (i.e. antibiotics for bacterial infections, endoscopic surgery, immunotherapy, etc.), there are general steps you can take to remedy your suffering. These include using decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a new minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in the office with little to no downtime or recovery and has been proven effective in treating certain types of sinusitis.
If you suffer from sinusitis or have symptoms of sinus sinusitis, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified ENT specialists.
