If you have recurring sinus infections that last longer than 4 weeks or occur more than 3 times a year, you may have chronic sinusitis.
Often the best treatment option for chronic sinusitis is sinus surgery. Sinus Surgery is one of the most common operations performed. The surgery will remove blockages that prevent the sinus from draining properly or possibly enlarging the hole that sinuses drain through. This will prevent the recurrence of sinus infections.
To find out more about sinus surgery in [city], give us a call at [phone] or email us at [email]. You can also contact us with any questions you have.
You can also check out our sinus surgery FAQs below.
What are the sinuses?
Sinuses are empty pockets that are filled with air in the face. There are four pairs of sinuses, which are responsible for circulating air while lubricating the nose.
Healthy sinuses are not obstructed or clogged. Mucus can pass through into the nose and throat without problems.
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is when the sinuses and nasal passages become infected and inflamed.
Sinuses are normally air-filled pockets in the bone of the face – the forehead, bridge of the nose, behind the eyes and apples of the cheeks. If these air pockets become blocked with fluid, then bacteria, viruses, or fungus can multiply, causing an infection.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing and nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Discolored nasal discharge
- Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
- Reduced sense of smell and taste in adults
- Coughing
- Fever
- Asthma-like symptoms (you may even be seeing a doctor for asthma)
A typical sinus infection typically lasts less than 8 weeks and occurs no more than 3X a year. If you have longer-lasting or more frequent sinus infections, you may have chronic sinusitis (discussed below). Chronic sinusitis may require different treatment options to prevent the infection from continually recurring.
What causes sinus infections?
Colds, allergies, infections or other obstructions of the sinuses (i.e., deviated septum) can cause inflammation of the mucosa and block the drainage of the sinus cavities. If the sinuses become inflamed, a sinus infection then occurs. As the inflammation worsens, the mucus becomes thicker and cannot pass through the openings and end up accumulating in the sinuses.
Who is likely to get sinus infections?
Chronic sinus infections are more likely to occur in specific groups of people including:
- Those with a weak immune system, including those with HIV or on chemotherapy
- Those with structural abnormalities in the sinus area that prevent the area from draining correctly, like nasal polyps or a deviated septum
- Pregnant women because this group is more prone to nasal inflammation
- Those with severe allergies because they already have irritated sinuses, making it more likely for an infection to start
- Those with airway disorders including asthma, cystic fibrosis
- Anyone with a previous injury to the nose or cheeks or those that have had surgery in this region previously
- Those who use substances which irritate the sinuses including cocaine or cigarettes
What are the typical treatment options for a sinus infection?
The treatment depends on whether the infection is bacterial, viral, or fungal. Your doctor can determine this to put you on the right course of treatment.
Typical treatment options include nasal decongestant sprays, oral and topical antihistamines, nasal steroids, nasal saline washes, or antibiotics.
What if typical treatment options haven’t work for me?
If you have a sinus infection lasts longer than 8 weeks or comes back more than 3 times a year, then you likely have chronic sinusitis. Symptoms include a runny nose, green/yellow discharge, a reduced sense of smell, and a feeling of facial fullness or pressure.
If drug therapies don’t work for you, sinus surgery might be recommended to repair defects in the bone separating the nasal passages, remove nasal polyps or open, closed passages.
Sinus surgery will improve drainage of the blocked sinus(s). It’s a minimally invasive procedure and has a high success rate of relieving symptoms.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sinus Surgery?
Those with some sort of obstruction that prevents the nasal cavity from draining properly are the ideal candidate for sinus surgery. Surgery will remove any blockages, like polyps, or enlarge the hole that the sinus drains through, allowing the sinuses to drain properly.
Note that sinus surgery is a very common operation with rare risks. The doctor can review these with you at a consultation.
Booking an Evaluation
If you have recurring sinus infections and are interested in learning more about our simple sinus procedure, book a consultation at our office in [city].
Our doctors will determine if you have sinusitis during your exam and propose the best treatment option based on the cause.
Next Steps
To book an evaluation, give us a call at [phone] or email us at [email]. You can also contact us with any questions you have.