An Introduction to the World of Sinuses and Sinusitis
Sinusitis Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ FAQ
The eight sinuses located in the air-filled spaces of your facial bones are lined with mucus-producing membranes. The mucus leaves the sinuses through a small opening and drains into your nose, where it moistens and warms the air you inhale.
Sinus membranes block the opening when they become inflamed and swollen. As a result, mucus accumulates inside the sinus and an infection called sinusitis develops.
The top causes of sinusitis are:
Allergies
Seasonal and year-round allergies such as hay fever frequently cause nasal congestion, which in turn blocks the sinus opening and causes sinusitis. Common allergens likely to cause sinusitis include mold, dust mites, and pollen from grasses and trees.
Viral infection
Sinusitis is usually caused by the same virus that’s responsible for the common cold. It’s unusual for bacteria to cause sinusitis, but you may develop a bacterial infection when your sinusitis persists. In rare cases, sinusitis begins due to a fungal infection.
Chronic inflammation
You have chronic sinusitis when your symptoms last for 12 weeks or longer without relief. This type of sinusitis is caused by ongoing inflammation without an active infection.
The three most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis are:
- Nasal congestion
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
- Pain, tenderness, or pressure in your face around your sinuses
You may also experience symptoms such as:
- Decreased sense of smell
- Aching in your jaw or teeth
- Postnasal drainage
- Headache
- Earache
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Fatigue
Allergies are a common health problem. Hay fever alone affects about 8% of all children and adults, and many more have food, skin, and respiratory allergies. Franklyn Gergits, DO, MS, at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center has years of experience performing allergy testing and developing customized treatments to relieve your symptoms. If you suffer with allergies, call one of the offices in Fountain Hills or Scottsdale, Arizona, or schedule an appointment online. Some patients develop a fever, but that’s not typical with chronic sinusitis.
The first line of treatment begins with nasal irrigation and corticosteroids delivered in a nasal spray, orally, or by injection. Corticosteroids are used for a short time to significantly diminish inflammation.
You may need antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops. When your symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, Dr. Gergits may recommend a balloon sinuplasty.
Dr. Gergits has extensive experience performing balloon sinuplasty using the OPEN Procedure™. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office using local anesthesia and a nasal endoscope containing a camera and a medical-grade balloon.
Dr. Gergits guides the narrow, flexible endoscope through your nostril to the blocked sinus. When the endoscope is at the sinus, the balloon is inflated to clear the blockage. Then he rinses away the mucus inside the sinus and deflates and removes the balloon.
You get long-lasting results because pressure from the inflated balloon gently restructures the shape of the opening, a change that remains even after the balloon is removed. As a result, normal sinus drainage is restored, and your chronic sinusitis goes away.
If you need relief from ongoing sinusitis, call Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center or book an appointment online.
What Are the Sinuses?
The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities within your skull – specifically behind your forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. When functioning optimally, these spaces contribute to the healthy functioning of our respiratory system. They produce a thin mucus layer that serves several essential purposes, from keeping your nasal passages moist to trapping and flushing out foreign particles such as dust, pollutants, and disease-causing pathogens.
The Functioning of Sinuses
Our sinuses play a significant role in maintaining optimal respiratory health. As air passes through them, they warm and humidify it before it reaches our lungs, ensuring that the air we breathe is suitable for our bodies. They also help filter out particulate matter and pathogens, preventing them from reaching our lungs. Additionally, these cavities contribute to the resonance of our voices and reduce the overall weight of our skulls, making them an essential component of our physical and respiratory health.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis, simply put, is the inflammation or swelling of your sinus linings, usually triggered by an infection. This inflammation leads to mucus buildup in your sinuses, making it difficult for them to drain correctly. The resulting blockage creates a fertile ground for germs to grow, leading to further infection and sinusitis symptoms. These symptoms can range from a simple runny nose or nasal congestion to facial pain, significantly impacting your daily life.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Detecting sinusitis early can pave the way for timely treatment and a quick recovery. If you have sinusitis, you may experience a variety of symptoms:
- Persistent Nasal Congestion – Due to the blockage, you may find it challenging to breathe through your nose.
- Thick Discolored Mucus – This can drain from the back of your nose into your throat (postnasal drip) or out of your nose.
- Pain, Swelling, or Tenderness – These symptoms may occur around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, signaling inflamed sinuses.
- Loss of Smell and Taste – This results from nasal blockage and swelling impacting your olfactory functions.
How Sinusitis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing sinusitis involves an in-depth process that begins with a comprehensive medical examination. This examination may include a physical check-up, reviewing your medical history, and specific diagnostic tests such as a nasal endoscopy or a CT scan. In some cases, allergy tests might be required to rule out allergies as the cause of sinusitis. The goal is to accurately determine the cause of your symptoms and design a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Effective Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Options
At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, we specialize in providing comprehensive and personalized treatment options for chronic sinusitis. Our treatment approach is typically two-fold:
- Managing Symptoms – This involves prescribing medications like decongestants to relieve nasal congestion, mucus thinning drugs to promote sinus drainage, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Addressing the Underlying Cause – This includes prescribing antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, immunotherapy for sinusitis triggered by allergies, and even surgery for severe or persistent cases.
Contact Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center Today
When it comes to sinus health, choosing the right care provider can make all the difference. At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, we provide expert care to help you manage sinusitis symptoms and chronic sinusitis. Our seasoned team, armed with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options, is dedicated to relieving and improving your quality of life. Ready to reclaim your comfort and say goodbye to sinusitis? We’re just a phone call away. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Let us provide you with the effective sinusitis treatment you need and experience the difference our dedicated care can make.
