What is Nasal Sinus?
The nasal sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose.
What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an infection of the nose.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities.
How does Sinusitis occur?
Sinusitis may develop if the openings between your sinuses and the nose become blocked. This may occur after a cold, infection or an allergic reaction. Having a deviated septum, nasal allergies, nasal polyps and other conditions such as smoking or upper tooth infections may also increase your risk of having sinusitis.
What are the causes of Sinusitis?
There are also a number of factors that can make the sinuses more prone to infection
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma or hayfever
- Cystic fibrosis
- Exposure to chemical pollutants, such as exhaust fumes
- A weakened immune system, e.g., due to HIV or chemotherapy treatment
- Inflammatory disorders such as Wegener’s granulomatosis and
- Infected teeth
What is Rhinosinusitis?
Rhinosinusitis is an infection of both the nasal and sinus cavities.
What are the symptoms?
- Nasal discharge / Runny Nose
- Increased nasal obstruction or stuffiness
- Persistent pain over one or more sinus cavities and/or a headache
- Decreased sense of smell
- Facial pain
- Ear fullness or pain
What are the types of Rhinosinusitis?
Based on the duration of symptoms Rhinosinusitis can be classified as:
- Acute: symptoms last less than 4 weeks
- Subacute: symptoms last 4 to 8 weeks
- Chronic: symptoms last longer than 8 weeks
- Recurrent: three or more acute episodes a year
How do we diagnose sinusitis?
- Detailed Clinical examination of the Ear, Nose and Throat
- Routine Blood Tests
- Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
- CT Scan and other imaging
How do we treat sinusitis?
- Treatment varies according to the patient’s situation and is usually provided after a consultation and thorough clinical evaluation.
- Commonly, acute cases of sinusitis are colds or viral infections and will get better as your nasal congestion improves.
- However, if your symptoms last more than 7- 10 days your doctor may consider:
- Antibiotics: to deal with the infection.
- Nasal sprays or drops: to reduce the swelling of the nasal lining, and thus open up the drainage passages of the sinuses.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Anti-allergic medication.
What is Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS?
Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery is the name given to operations used for severe or difficult to treat sinus problems. In the past sinus operations were done through incisions (cuts) in the face and mouth. However, sinus surgery with an endoscope, allows the operation to be performed without the need for these cuts.
When will I need surgery to treat sinusitis?
The appropriate answer to this question depends on an individual’s thorough Clinical Analysis and consultation.
We usually consider surgery in cases of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, when treatment along these lines has failed to improve your situation.
What does the operation involve?
Each operation is individual, depending on the cause of the disease and which sinuses are involved.
For example, the maxillary sinuses (in the cheek), the frontal sinuses and/or the ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes) may be affected, and may need to be opened up to clear the blockage and reestablish normal sinus drainage pathways.
The operation is done through your nose with endocopes using small custom-made instruments, with no cuts or scars on the face.
Detailed information regarding the procedure and post-procedure care will be given after consultation.
