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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for tag: Sinusitis
The terms sinus infection and sinusitis are often used interchangeably and share many of the same symptoms, such as nasal congestion, facial swelling or pain and postnasal drip. However, the cause of these conditions can differ. Both can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, but sinusitis can also be caused by allergies or a cold. Dr. William Bond, the skilled ENT specialist at our office in Washington, DC, treats sinus infections and sinusitis.
Symptoms of Sinus Infections & Sinusitis
Sinus infection and sinusitis are both associated with inflammation of the sinus passages. Inflammation can cause the sinuses to become blocked so they cannot drain and end up being filled with fluid. A number of symptoms can develop as a result, including:
- Sinus headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Facial swelling, pressure, or pain
- Postnasal drip
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
Sinusitis is often caused by the onset of a cold. Other causes include allergies and bacterial or fungal infections. Nasal polyps or a deviated septum can also result in the development of sinusitis symptoms since they make it difficult for the sinus passages to properly drain. Sinus infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Since the causes of each condition can differ, treatment can differ as well.
Treating Sinus Infections & Sinusitis
We have several methods for treating sinusitis and sinus infections at our Washington, DC, ENT practice. The appropriate treatment will depend on the specific cause of your infection. Our skilled ENT specialist can diagnose the cause and recommend a treatment approach tailored to your needs.
Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat conditions caused by a bacterial infection. Steroid medications can also help fight infection, while also reducing inflammation. If allergies are contributing to sinus symptoms, treatment could include allergy medication.
Patients with chronic or severe sinus problems could benefit from a minor outpatient procedure, such as balloon sinuplasty, to open up blocked sinus passages so they can drain. The doctor can determine if this procedure is needed.
Sinus infections and sinusitis can both result in various symptoms that leave you feeling less than your best, but we can help. For the treatment of sinusitis or sinus infection in Washington, DC, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bond by calling our ENT office at (202) 726-7770.
Do you find yourself dealing with persistent sinus infections? Have nasal congestion and facial pressure become the norm? If so, then it’s time to turn to an otolaryngologist who can provide you with the relief that you need! While acute sinusitis is usually nothing to worry about and will go away fully after a few weeks of treatment, chronic sinusitis often needs a more proactive solution. If you have been battling a sinus infection for over 12 weeks and it’s not responding to treatment, then it’s time to consider other treatment options. Read on to learn more!
How to Treat Chronic Sinusitis
One of the ways to treat chronic nasal inflammation and blockages is through a simple endoscopic sinus procedure. Unlike traditional surgery, this procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t require major incisions or removal of bone or tissue.
While this procedure isn’t necessary for patients dealing with acute bouts of sinusitis, if you are someone dealing with a true chronic form of sinusitis, then it might be time to consider endoscopic sinus surgery.
When you come in for a consultation, an ENT doctor will perform a physical exam and talk to you about your symptoms. Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include,
- Nasal drainage
- Nasal obstruction and congestion
- Facial pressure or pain
- Post-nasal drip
- Frequent headaches
- Reduced smell or taste
Along with a physical exam, an otolaryngologist will insert an endoscope (a small tube with a camera) into the nostrils to look for drainage, blockages, or signs of infection or inflammation. Sometimes a CT scan is necessary to diagnose your infection.
When it comes to treating chronic sinusitis, your doctor will first turn to non-surgical treatment options like prescription steroids, antibiotics, nasal sprays, or allergy treatments (e.g. antihistamines).
If these treatments aren’t giving you the symptom relief that you need, then we will talk to you about whether minimally invasive sinus surgery is the right way to treat your chronic sinus symptoms.
How Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery Works
During this procedure, an ENT specialist will insert an endoscope into the blocked or inflamed nostril and guide it gently through the sinuses. There are different methods involved in this type of sinus surgery. Sometimes at the end of the endoscope is a camera, which allows us to carefully remove enlarged tissue to improve breathing. Any pus or signs of infection are also drained out. Once this procedure is performed, certain medications are prescribed for long-term management.
Balloon sinuplasty has become another popular minimally invasive sinus procedure because it does not require any tissue removal. Instead of a camera at the end of the endoscope, there is a deflated balloon that is inflated once it’s placed into the blocked or inflamed nasal cavity. As the balloon is inflated, it opens up the blocked passageway so it can properly drain. Then the doctor will clean out the sinuses with a saline solution to remove any remaining pus or bacteria.
Give Us a Call!
Minimally invasive sinus surgery is extremely effective at treating chronic sinusitis. If you are dealing with this condition, then it’s time to talk to your otolaryngologist about whether this procedure is right for you.
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Everyone, at one time or another, has suffered with sinusitis. However, many people don’t know exactly what sinusitis is or how best to treat it; a lot of misinformation exists. Our doctors want to clear up these misunderstandings. For example, sinusitis, while often caused by the common cold, is not a cold. A cold, which is a viral infection, presents with a number of symptoms, of which sinusitis may be one.