September 29th, 2021: The Inaugural World Sinus Health Awareness Day
World Sinus Health Awareness Day was created by The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to give the millions of sinus sufferers around the world access to patient focused, trusted information about their symptoms and conditions, as well as how they can improve these and when they should seek specialized care. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Ear, Nose & Throat specialists believe that it is especially critical for patients to be able to differentiate the nasal and sinus symptoms encountered related to COVID-19 from those experienced by patients with sinusitis.
Sinus Symptoms:
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the air-filled pockets in the face, called sinuses, become inflamed due to factors such as environmental allergies, or infection with either a virus or bacteria. This leads to inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and the nasal cavity leading to swelling and blockage of drainage pathways of the sinuses. In addition, there is increased fluid production (mucus and/or pus) and build-up within the sinuses and the nasal cavity. Although you can get sinusitis year- round, it tends to accompany the cold and influenza seasons during the fall and winter months due to the increased circulation of highly communicable upper respiratory viral infections that can lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is a major health problem in the United States that substantially affects up to 1 in 7 adults. The effects of sinusitis can be disabling in many respects and have been shown to affect the quality of life, productivity, & finances of patients suffering from this condition.
COVID-19 Symptoms:
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019. It spreads from person to person through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs, or sneezes. Some people infected with the coronavirus have mild COVID-19 illness, and others have no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure, lasting lung and heart muscle damage, nervous system problems, kidney failure or death.
COVID-19 versus Sinus Symptoms:
Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have sinusitis, an upper respiratory infection, allergies, the flu or COVID-19. Below is a chart created by The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to help understand Nasal and Sinus related symptoms and conditions:
SOURCE: https://www.enthealth.org/SinusDay/
Call us today to begin your journey to healthier sinuses:
Staffed by fellowship-trained sinus specialists, and other specialists in allergy and immunology, the Advanced Sinus and Skull base Center at ENT and Allergy Associates provides a comprehensive approach to managing nasal and sinus disorders. Our physicians are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients with complex sinonasal disorders, emphasizing comprehensive strategies that combine both medical treatments and minimally invasive sinus and nasal surgery when absolutely necessary.
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