Nasal and Sinus Problems

Nasal and sinus problems affect millions of Americans, both young and old every year. The most common nasal and sinus problem is a cold or viral upper respiratory infection. Many times this type of infection is confused with bacterial sinusitis.

Most colds will resolve within 7 to 14 days. Over-the-counter medications including saline nasal mist and decongestants may be helpful to relieve some of the symptoms. When symptoms persist for greater than two weeks additional medical evaluation is appropriate.

Over 35 million people in the United States suffer from an episode of bacterial sinusitis each year. The use of antibiotics is frequently necessary to resolve the infection.

Other conditions may include nasal and sinus problems related to allergy, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and nasal blockage from a deviated nasal septum, and enlargement of the membranes inside of the nose.

Factoid

Did you know about 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year? The average adult will suffer from two to five colds per year. The average child will suffer from six to twelve colds per year.

Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses in the face and head.  The most common cause of acute sinusitis is a viral upper respiratory infection.  When symptoms last for more than two weeks it may indicate that there is a bacterial infection that requires a complete ear, nose, and throat examination and additional treatment.

When symptoms last for more than 12 weeks it may indicate that there is a chronic sinus condition.

Symptoms

  • Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
  • Nasal blockage
  • Thick yellow, green, or brown mucus
  • Headache, facial pain, or dental pain
  • Ear pressure
  • Post nasal drip
  • Fever

Diagnostic Tests

  • Complete ear, nose, and throat examination
  • CT scan
  • Allergy evaluation
  • Nasal endoscopy

Treatments

For viral upper respiratory infections

  • Decongestants
  • Nasal saline mist or rinse
  • Topical nasal steroid sprays

For bacterial sinus infection

  • Antibiotics
  • Topical nasal steroids

For chronic sinus infection

  • Continued medical therapy with antibiotics, topical nasal, and systemic steroids
  • Allergy evaluation and treatment
  • Surgeries: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Balloon Sinuplasty

Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is performed under general anesthesia using very small scopes to see into the sinuses. Instruments are then used to restore the natural openings into the sinuses allowing the sinusitis to resolve.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe, effective, and less invasive sinus procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. If you are not responding well to medication, or you have recurring sinus infections, you may be a candidate for this surgery. Recovery time is shortened with this surgery.

Other Nasal And Sinus Disorders

We treat all of these conditions

  • Chronic stuffy nose
  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal bleeding
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Nasal tumors