Obstruction of Airflow
Obstruction of airflow may cause a buildup of mucus in the sinuses, which may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled pockets behind the facial bones surrounding the nose. Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. This drainage keeps your sinuses working well and you healthy.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the linings of your nose, sinuses, and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or allergies. The dividing line of cartilage between your two nostrils is called the nasal septum. When a person has a deviated septum, air that normally enters the nose freely, has to go in through the narrow spaces between the septum and the inferior turbinate of the nose. Septal deviations may occur due to nasal trauma or you may have been naturally born with it.
Turbinates
Turbinates are the small structures within your nose that cleanse and humidify the air as it passes through your nostrils into your lungs/Turbinate hypertrophy is due to an enlargement of the turbinates.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis vary and include:
• facial pressure
• runny nose
• fatigue
• sneezing
• fever
• other cold and flu like symptoms
Symptoms of septal deviations and turbinate hypertrophy may include congested or blocked nasal airways, breathing trouble at night and snoring, chronic nosebleeds, and chronic sinus disease.
Diagnosis
• Our board certified specialist will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination
• Normally an endoscope, a small telescopic rod with a lighted end, would be used to examine the inside of your nose
• Image scans may be ordered, including computer tomography (CT) scans
Treatment
Medical therapy, including sino-nasal irrigation, antibiotics, and nasal steroids, are often combined with other novel therapies to improve or eliminate sino-nasal symptoms
Surgery Solutions
Surgery is indicated for patients with persistent sinusitis, despite adequate medical therapy and severe nasal polyps caused by chronic inflammation.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a fast and minimally invasive technique to relieve chronic sinusitis performed as an in-office procedure. It allows the patient to return to normal activities the very same day!
Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate surgery should correct the problem of nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size and thereby decreasing airway resistance while preserving the natural functions of the turbinates. This should improve nasal breathing and may reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip.
Septoplasty
Mid-lining the septum is performed through the nostrils to align the cartilage. No bruising or external signs occur.
For more information on South Texas Sinus Institute, our services, or our locations, fill out our online contact form or call 855-99SINUS. Our qualified team, solves sinus problems!