Relief For Sinus Sufferers
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 occurs in the linings of your nose, causing the throat and sinuses to 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 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 born with it.
Turbinates are the small structures within your nose that cleanse and humidify 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, and 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 trained specialist will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough, physical examination. He will use an endoscope (a small telescope rod with a lighted end) to examine the inside of your nose and nasal passages. Lastly, 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
A fast and minimally invasive technique to relieve chronic sinusitis, performed as an in office procedure. This 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 entirely 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, contact us online or call 855-99SINUS.