What are sinuses?
- Maxillary sinuses
- Frontal sinuses
- Ethmoid sinuses
- Sphenoid sinuses
How Do Healthy Sinuses Work?
When you breathe in air, mucus in the sinuses humidifies the air and collects bacteria and pollutants. Tiny hairs lining the sinuses move the mucus (with pollutants) out of the sinus, into your throat. You then swallow the mucus and your stomach acid destroys the bacteria and pollutants. Colds, allergies, environmental irritants or other conditions can slow or block natural drainage and irritate the sinus lining. This, in turn, can lead to swelling, additional blockage, and sinusitis.
What is sinusitis?
Inflammation obstructs the sinus opening, leading to mucous build-up. Stagnant mucous contributes to bacteria growth, infection and further swelling. At Midwest Sinus Sleep & Allergy Associates, we see many patients suffering from chronic and recurrent sinusitis
What Causes Sinusitis?
A number of factors can cause irritation and contribute to sinusitis including bacteria, viruses, and fungus. It is often preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. In addition, some studies have shown that structural issues such as narrowed drainage pathways may lead to sinusitis outbreaks.Sinusitis Symptoms
Loss of Smell or Bad Breath
cough
headache & facial pain
Nasal Congestion
Fatigue
Post-Nasal Drip & Sore Throat
sinusitis treatment
Every patient is unique and requires a personal approach to sinusitis therapy. Unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician’s diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic. The doctor will diagnose acute sinusitis if you have up to 4 weeks of nasal drainage accompanied by nasal obstruction, facial pain-pressure-fullness, or both. Some patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis may benefit from a surgical procedure to aid sinus drainage.
