Sinus Disease

Sinus disease is caused by a combination of the inability of air to get into the sinus cavities in the nose and sometimes causes infection, which is a common problem among children, teens and adults in the United States. It can contribute to headaches, congestion, drainage, polyps and even illness.

Sinus disease can be directly caused by someone’s anatomy that interferes with normal airflow and drainage out the nose. Other causes of sinus disease can range from nasal septal deviation, allergies, or facial abnormalities and fractures.

Allergies can cause excessive mucous production and also block the normal flow of air out the nose, which can contribute to an infection. Excessive mucous production can causes mucous glands to become infected.

Smoking can contribute to sinus disease from the toxic effect of cigarette smoke on the nasal tissues and can interrupt the normal flow of mucous from your nose into your throat.

Common Sinus Conditions

Sinus conditions can range from mild and temporary to chronic and severe. Here are some of the most common sinus issues:

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Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Cause: Typically caused by a viral infection (like the common cold), but can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, or allergies.

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion and stuffiness.
• Thick, yellow or green mucus.
• Facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste.
• Headache, fever, and sore throat.

Duration: Lasts less than 4 weeks (acute), more than 12 weeks (chronic)

Treatment: Often resolves with rest, nasal decongestants, saline rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

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Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Cause: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.

Symptoms

• Sneezing and itchy nose or throat.
• Runny nose with clear mucus.
• Nasal congestion.
• Watery, itchy eyes.
• Postnasal drip and cough.

Duration: Can be seasonal (e.g., pollen in spring) or perennial (year-round).

Treatment: Antihistamines to relieve itching and sneezing, Nasal corticosteroid sprays, Avoidance of allergens, Allergy shots (immunotherapy) for severe cases.

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Nasal Polyps

Cause: Non-cancerous growths that develop from the lining of the nose or sinuses due to chronic inflammation or conditions like asthma, chronic sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms

• Chronic nasal congestion.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste.
• Postnasal drip.
• Snoring and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Duration: Can be a long-term issue if untreated.

Treatment: Nasal corticosteroids (either spray or oral) to reduce inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove large polyps.

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Deviated Septum

Cause: A deviation in the nasal septum (the cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils), which can block one or both nasal passages. This condition may be present from birth or occur due to injury.

Symptoms

• Chronic nasal congestion.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Postnasal drip.
• Snoring or sleep apnea.
• Sinus infections or frequent colds.

Duration: Permanent condition unless treated.

Treatment: Septoplasty (surgical procedure to straighten the septum) may be required if it causes significant breathing issues or recurrent sinus problems.

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Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Cause: Typically caused by viral upper respiratory infections (like the common cold) or bacterial infections.

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
• Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green).
• Pain or tenderness around the cheeks, forehead, and eyes.
• Headache, sore throat, and fatigue.

Duration: Lasts less than 4 weeks (acute), more than 12 weeks (chronic)

Treatment: Decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and pain relievers. Antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

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Sinus Headaches

Cause: Not all headaches that occur around the sinus areas are due to sinus disease. However, sinus headaches are usually caused by inflammation or infection of the sinuses.

Symptoms

• Pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or nose
• Worse with bending over or lying down.
• Nasal congestion, thick mucus, and facial tenderness.

Duration: Can be acute or chronic depending on the underlying cause.

Treatment: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Nasal decongestants or steroid nasal sprays

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Nasal Valve Collapse

Cause: The narrowest part of the nasal airway, known as the internal nasal valve, becomes weakened or collapsed, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose. The nasal valve is the area where the upper and lower parts of the nose meet, and it plays a key role in regulating airflow.

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially on one side.
• Mouth breathing, particularly during physical activity or sleep.
• Snoring or sleep apnea in severe cases.
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness that does not improve with usual treatments (like decongestants or saline sprays).

Duration: Can be acute or chronic depending on the underlying cause.

Treatment: Nasal Dilators, Steroid Nasal Spraysand Allergy Medications

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Treatments

Balloon Sinuplasty™

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a new FDA-cleared sinus surgery system used by ENT doctors for the treatment of chronic sinus infections by opening up sinus passages to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure associated with recurring sinus infections or chronic sinusitis. It is a safe and effective option for patients that are not responding well to medications and are seeking relief from uncomfortable sinus infections and problems.

The Balloon Sinuplasty procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting but can also be conducted in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. The procedure consists of a small, flexible balloon catheter being inserted up into the patient’s inflamed sinus. Then the small balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening by restructuring and widening the walls of the sinus passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining. Saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus. The entire device is removed, leaving the sinuses clear and open. Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and there is no cutting and no removal of bone and tissue. This procedure has been safely performed on more than 150,000 patients allows patients to return to normal activities quickly.

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Image-guided Sinus Surgery

Image guided sinus surgery uses a specialized computer software and monitor connected with an electromagnetic tracking system that allows the surgeon to see the surgical instruments precise location inside the patient’s body. This allows the surgeon to know the exact location of the surgical instruments and the surrounding anatomic structures in real time. The main advantage of this surgery is the surgeon has a better field of view of the patient’s anatomy than the traditional endoscope and helps to avoid areas such as the brain and orbit.

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Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery uses less invasive procedures/instruments to fix the patient’s sinus infections/disease. Short endoscopes pass light into the nose and sinuses and minimally invasive state of the art instruments open the sinus cavities and remove disease and fix the lining of the nasal cavity with the least damage to other areas of the nasal cavity.

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Turbinate Reduction

Turbinate reduction is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure used to shrink the size of enlarged nasal turbinates to improve airflow and relieve chronic nasal congestion. The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help humidify, filter, and regulate airflow, but when they become too large due to allergies, chronic inflammation, or sinus conditions, they can cause breathing difficulties, snoring, or sinus infections.

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Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils. When it is crooked (deviated septum), it can cause nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and contribute to issues like snoring, sleep apnea, or chronic sinus infections.

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Propel Sinus Implants

The PROPEL sinus implant is a valuable tool in the management of sinus conditions, especially for patients undergoing surgery to treat chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps. By releasing medication directly into the sinus cavity, it helps reduce inflammation, promotes healing, and improves outcomes, offering a less invasive option for patients to recover more quickly and effectively. However, like any medical procedure, it should be discussed with your doctor to ensure it's the right option for your specific needs.

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LATERA Implants

The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant is used to support upper and lower lateral cartilage in the nose, reinforcing the nasal wall like traditional cartilage and polymer grafts. Supporting the cartilage in this manner may reduce nasal airway obstruction symptoms and help patients breathe better.

The LATERA Implant is placed inside the lateral (side) wall of the nose to support the cartilage, reducing nasal airway obstruction symptoms and helping patients breathe better. The implant material, which absorbs over a period of approximately 18 months, has an extensive history of use in a variety of medical applications.

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