by Roheen Raithatha, M.D. & B. Todd Schaeffer, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause nasal congestion, facial pressure, drainage, coughing, fatigue, and a reduced sense of smell. Symptoms may develop during a respiratory infection, return in separate episodes, or persist for months.
Although sinusitis is often called a sinus infection, inflammation does not always mean a bacterial infection. Allergies, nasal polyps, and structural problems can also contribute to sinus symptoms. Identifying the cause helps your physician recommend appropriate sinusitis treatment.
An ear, nose, and throat physician can evaluate persistent or recurring symptoms, examine the nasal passages, and determine if additional testing is needed. Treatment may involve symptom management, medication, allergy care, or a procedure for selected patients.
ENT & Allergy Associates provides sinus care for adults and children, with ENT doctors, sinus specialists, and allergists working together when appropriate. Explore locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas to find an office for your evaluation.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the face and head that are lined by mucous membranes. They produce mucus to help cleanse the nose and upper respiratory tract. There are multiple sinuses on each side of the face, with small openings that drain mucus and circulate air from the nose.
The maxillary sinuses are behind the cheeks, while the frontal sinuses are above the eyes. The ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses sit deeper behind the nose.
Irritants or infections in the nose can cause swelling of the nasal cavity and sinuses, leading to pressure and pain. Extra mucus, together with swelling, can narrow or block normal drainage pathways. Mucus may collect inside the sinuses, contributing to congestion and sometimes infection.
Physicians also use the term rhinosinusitis because the nasal lining and sinus lining often become inflamed together. “Sinus infection” commonly describes infection-related sinusitis, but it does not cover every cause of inflammation.
Short-term symptoms may accompany a cold. Symptoms that repeatedly return or remain present require a different evaluation and treatment approach.
Sinus infection symptoms vary depending on the cause, duration, and severity. Some people mainly experience congestion and drainage, while others notice facial pressure or changes in smell.
Common symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
- Thick or discolored nasal drainage
- Post-nasal drip or phlegm in the throat
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Headache
- Cough or frequent throat clearing
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Upper tooth discomfort
- Fatigue
- Fever in some acute cases
Fever is less common with chronic sinusitis. Symptoms can also overlap with allergies, colds, migraines, and structural nasal problems. Their presence alone does not establish the diagnosis.
Pay attention to how symptoms change over time. Note when they began, if they improved before worsening, and if you feel completely well between episodes. These details help your physician distinguish a short-term illness from a recurring or chronic condition.
Dedicated to Providing Convenient and Exceptional Care
ESS is performed to open blocked sinuses and is usually reserved for those patients who have failed medical treatment and/or have anatomical blockages that predispose them to infection. Small endoscopes are passed into the nose to look inside the nasal and sinus passageways to remove any blockages and improve ventilation/drainage of the sinuses.
What Is Balloon Sinus Surgery?
One newer treatment option is balloon sinus surgery which is often-times performed in-office. While awake, under topical and local anesthesia, a balloon is passed into the natural opening of the sinuses. The balloon is inflated and then deflated and removed. A microfracture is made around the sinus opening of the maxillary, frontal and sphenoid sinuses, keeping them dilated and open. The advantages of the balloon treatment include less bleeding, quick recovery (usually 24 hours) and less postoperative discomfort.
The Skull Base What Is the Skull Base?
The skull base is the floor of the cranial cavity (which houses the brain) and is separated by bone from the surrounding ear, eyes, and nose.
What Do Endoscopic Sinus/Skull Base Surgeons Do?
Endoscopic skull base surgery utilizes high-resolution cameras and computer navigation in order to minimize the potential harm associated with manipulating the brain. Many of these procedures use the air-filled sinuses as corridors to access lesions of the skull base without the use of any external incisions. These involve minimally invasive techniques which afford the highest possible degree of tumor removal while preserving neurological function to the greatest extent possible.
Less Sick Days, More Living
