Sinusitis (Recurrent, Chronic)
Sinus infections affect over 31 million Americans and result in about 75 million days of restricted activity per a year. All this suffering is the result of the sinuses getting blocked or filled with fluid. These hollow cavities within our skulls play a critical role in keeping us healthy. Their function is to not only make mucous to moisturize and protect the nose, but they also produce a critical compound which regulates and prevents high blood pressure.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis typically results when exit points of the sinuses get blocked. This can occur when the skin lining the inside of the nose gets swollen due to a mild viral illness, allergies or a naturally small opening. More often it’s a combination of these issues that result in sinusitis.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Feeling of pressure in the face
- Facial pain and tenderness
- Cough
- Loss of smell
- Ear pain/pressure
- Fever
- Dental Pain
- Bad Breath
What are the different types of sinusitis?
Acute Sinusitis:
Acute sinusitis typically starts with mild cold-like symptoms but worsen or continue beyond 10 days. Symptoms usually last between 2-4 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis:
This type of sinusitis results in symptoms that last persist beyond 8 weeks and often have periods of increased discomfort.
Recurrent Sinusitis:
Recurrent sinusitis is when there are 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year.
Barosinusitis:
Barosinusitis is a condition where the sinuses become inflamed due to changes in air pressure and inability to equalize the pressure within the sinuses. This results in facial pressure and pain, congestion, and in some cases nose bleeds.
What are the dangers of Sinusitis?
Although most episodes of sinusitis resolve with prompt treatment, some cases can progress. The persistent pain and discomfort of sinusitis can form chronic pain circuits which can persist long after the resolution of the sinus infection. In a few, unchecked situations, sinus infections can spread to critical neighboring areas such as the eye and the brain. This can cause serious complications such as decreased vision, loss in vision, or meningitis.
How do we diagnose Sinusitis at Resolve ENT?
At Resolve ENT, the diagnosis of sinusitis couldn’t be simpler, more convenient or comfortable. After a thorough discussion of your symptoms we take a close look at the inside of your nose with nasal endoscopy and a CT scan – each accomplished in our office in under a minute.
What treatments are available for Sinusitis?
Most simple cases of sinusitis can be treated with a combination of nasal saline irrigation and medication. If a patient has persistent acute, recurrent or chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments, Dr. Elangovan tailors a stepwise approach for each patient utilizing conservative measures before more aggressive options like traditional surgery. These minimally invasive solutions, such as balloon sinuplasty and hybrid sinuplasty, are safer, permanent treatments that are often more effective than traditional surgery.
Sinus Treatments:
Led by Dr. Siva Elangovan, the medical professionals at Resolve ENT are proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive care to patients located in Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Lincoln Square and the surrounding communities such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Des Plaines of Chicago, Illinois. Contact us to schedule your private consultation with our expert medical team and start your journey with us today.