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Good News For Sinus Problems!
Phillip Stevens, M.D., Thomas Jung, M.D., Ph.D., Mark Sheridan, M.D.
Tri-State Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Inc.
Do you suffer from recurrent sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)? Do you have symptoms of sinus headaches, nasal congestion and postnasal drip? How about allergies? Do you have itchy watery eyes, sneezing and tearing? These symptoms may be related. People with sinus infections often have underlying nasal allergies. To those who live in the Ohio Valley, this is no secret. With its abundant rainfall, lush greenery and high pollen, the Tri-State region is famous for the “Ohio Valley Catarrh”. There is more than just a grain of truth to this folklore.
Approximately 31 million people in the United States are affected with sinusitis each year. This ranks sinusitis as the nations' most common healthcare complaint according to the National Health Interview Survey.
Local factors are extremely important in etiology of sinusitis. Normal sinuses are “colonized” by their own resident bacteria. Several factors however, can alter this delicate balance. Viral infections such as the common cold often precede bacterial sinusitis. Inhalant allergens such as dust molds and pollens clearly predispose one to development of sinusitis. Other contributing factors include the abuse of over-the-counter topical decongestants, enlarged adenoids especially in children, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, air pollution, cigarette smoke and dental problems in the upper teeth. Recurrent bouts of sinusitis create a vicious cycle of escalating sinus disease with more frequent episodes each year.
The signs and symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the status of the infection. Acute sinusitis frequently follows episodes of upper respiratory infections such as viruses or the common cold. Repeated bouts of acute sinusitis can lead to a chronic sinusitis.
Acute or chronic sinus infections cause a variety of patient complaints. The symptoms of sinusitis include facial tenderness and pain accompanied by nasal congestion, and yellow or green discharge from the nose. Related complaints include difficulty smelling, pain with chewing in the upper gums, and bad breath. Headaches are also a very common feature of sinusitis in adults but are less frequent in children. Sore throat and postnasal drainage, as well as frequent tearing and swelling of the eyelids are additional symptoms of sinusitis.
The good news is that recent advances in nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT) imaging, and sinus surgery have greatly improved the diagnosis and treatment of sinus disease. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a new, minimally invasive technique, which utilizes advanced optical technology to improve visualization of the surgical site in the narrow spaces of the nose. Precise endoscopic visualization focuses the operation to the blocked sinus passages and minimizes the amount of surgery and has yielded excellent results. This technique causes no bruising, facial swelling or visible scars. Less nasal packing is usually required and recovery time is decreased. Furthermore, sinus surgery can now be done safely and effectively on an outpatient basis. This coupled with the Insta-Track System, a new computer guided imaging system that we introduced to the area, has truly revolutionized the treatment of sinus disease.
Most cases of acute sinusitis are diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians. If you or your doctor notice increased numbers of sinus infections or prolonged bouts of sinusitis that linger despite antibiotics, then it is time to consult a specialist. The staff at Tri-State Otolaryngology includes four highly trained physicians who are Board Certified by the America Board of Otolaryngology and are skilled in the diagnosis and treatments of sinus disease and other ear, nose, and throat disorders. We welcome the opportunity to serve the residents of the Tri-State Area. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Tri-State Otolaryngology, #3 Stonecrest Drive, WV, 25701 (304) 522-6388.
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