Sinus infections cause swelling of the lining of the sinuses and thickening of the mucus. The swelling of the sinus tissue and thickening of the mucous causes congestion. The infection slows down the normal sinus drainage.
There are two types of sinusitis. Acute Sinusitis and Chronic Sinusitis.
The symptoms are:
Acute (more than four infections per year)
- Green/yellow discharge
- Facial pressure
- High fever
- Upper tooth pain
- Congestion
Chronic (continuous infections)
- Congestion/nosebleeds
- Mild to moderate headaches
- Chronic sore throat and cough
- Chronic post nasal drip
- Bad breath/taste
- Constant fatigue/discomfort
My doctor tells me I have a Deviated Septum and that is why I'm always congested. What is a septum?
The septum is the partition that separates your nasal canals. It is made up of cartilage and bone. Most people have slight deviation (or bend) in their septum but in most cases this does not cause any sinus problems. Some people have a more severe deviation of the septum either naturally or from an injury to the nose. This causes blockage in the nasal canals and restricts the proper air flow through one side or sometimes both sides of the nose. People with this condition tend to have more episodes of infections due to abnormal mucus drainage. Excessive accumulation of mucous in the nasal canals can lead to more infections, and possible growths called polyps.
How do we treat Sinus Problems?
Most people with acute sinusitis are treated with antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines. People with chronic sinusitis are treated the same way but will need long-term treatment for maximum effectiveness. In addition to this they may also be given nasal steroid sprays, or oral steroids. If these medical treatments prove ineffective a CT scan may be necessary to evaluate the sinuses. An otolaryngologist or ear nose and throat specialist will also use endoscopes to exam the nose and throat. Endoscopes are instruments that enable specialists to look inside the nose to help them evaluate patients more thoroughly. This can be performed without much discomfort to the patient. Our new digital computer imaging technology helps physicians to take pictures of the inside of the nose while using the endoscopes. After performing a nasal endoscopy, our specialists save these pictures on a computer and review pictures with patients to help them better understand the treatment plan.
If patients do not improve after weeks of traditional treatment, they may require sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is now done utilizing endoscopes and specialized instruments that reduce the discomfort to the patients after surgery. There are no visible incisions in almost all nasal or sinus surgeries. Gauze that was packed in the nose for seven to ten days is now usually removed in just a few days. Most patients experience stuffiness in the nose for a few weeks following surgery until the swelling subsides. The surgeon will examine their patients closely for a few months after surgery to ensure proper healing.
It is recommended that if you suffer from chronic sinus problems, you speak to an ear nose and throat specialist to find out what treatment is best for you. To learn more about the specialists affiliated with the St. Joseph Nasal & Sinus Center visit our physician directory.