Sinusitis Literacy courtesy of Alexis Furze
Sinusitis is generally a swelling or an inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses. Under normal circumstances, the sinuses are filled with air, but if they are blocked with fluid, harmful microorganisms can grow and cause an infection. Studies have shown that approximately 15% of the adult population suffer from chronic and recurrent sinusitis. However, Alexis Furze, MD, is among the head and neck surgery specialists who can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with sinusitis.
What is sinusitis?
On each side of the nose and between and above the eyes are four pairs of sinuses filled with air. They aid in moisturizing and filtering the air that you breathe. The mucosa is a tissue layer that lines the sinuses, and its function is to produce and circulate mucus throughout the nasal cavity. In case these areas fail to drain appropriately, some fluid and bacteria can build up, causing an infection and inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis is also known as sinus infection, is common among people who suffer from allergies and can also be part of upper respiratory infections. It is also seen in people with deviated septum or with nasal polyps. Acute sinusitis cases do not last for more than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis is characterized by symptoms that last for at least three months.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
A problem in your sinuses can have various impacts on your general health and well-being since they can lead to symptoms like headaches, bad breath, fatigue, nagging pain, facial pressure or fullness, reduced sense of taste, cloudy nasal discharge, upper tooth pain, or difficulty in breathing. However, the severity of the above symptoms varies from one person to another, but recurrent and chronic sinusitis can significantly impact your quality of life.
How is sinusitis treated?
During your appointment, the care provider begins by diagnosing the source of the sinusitis. He does this by reviewing your symptoms, medical history and carries out an in-office sinus and nasal endoscopic evaluation together with a CT scan of your sinuses and nose. Once the root of the problem has been identified, the specialist provides you with a treatment plan that is appropriately designed to suit your particular situation and needs. For instance, if the doctor finds out that your sinuses and nasal cavity are structurally okay, he may recommend a conservative treatment for you, which may include nasal steroid sprays, rinsing, and medications.
However, if the specialists find out that the sinuses have a deviated septum, a surgical solution to address the underlying structural problem may be recommended. In other cases, people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis may be encouraged to use warm compressors to ease pain; over-the-counter decongestant sprays or drops, or saline nose drops can also be used to reduce these symptoms.
Suppose you or your loved one is suffering from recurrent or chronic sinusitis because of a blocked or narrowed drainage path; consult Alexis Furze MD today and receive your treatment. The specialist offers minimally invasive treatment known as balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis. He uses the fusion ENT navigation image-guidance system to insert a balloon catheter into your nasal cavity. The provider then inflates the balloon catheter to enlarge the drainage passageways. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and you are therefore free to go home afterward.