Sinus Infection, Getting To Know The Disease Article

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Sinus Infection, Getting to Know the Disease

Sinus infection is a disease that affects an estimated 30 million Americans, making sinusitis one of the most common complaints of patients seeking medical attention.

Author: Jillian Phillips

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Sinus infection can be divided into two types- acute and chronic sinusitis.

Acute Sinusitis
If a cold becomes worse, acute sinusitis may develop. You should see a doctor if you experience the following:

Green/yellow nasal discharge
Facial pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead, especially with swelling
High fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit and above)
Upper molar tooth pain

Chronic Sinusitis
Patients with chronic sinus infections probably have had one or many prior episodes of acute sinus infection, which have failed to be cured. They may also complain of having a continuous cold. Common symptoms include:

Low-grade fever (less than 101 F)
Nasal congestion/nosebleed
Headaches
Chronic sore throat and cough
Poor, decreased, or absent sense of smell
Bad breath

What Causes a Sinus Infection?
When the openings into the sinuses become plugged up, sinus pressure develops and the nose may feel blocked. These blockages may be caused by infections, irritants, anatomic (physical) problems, and allergies. Sinus disease can be common among family members, and stress may play a role in chronic sinus diseases.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Before starting treatment, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. Acute sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Chronic sinusitis may need long-term treatment (eight weeks or longer), for maximum effectiveness. Medical treatment options include antibiotics, decongestants, medicines that thin the mucus, nasal steroid sprays, and oral steroids.

Some antihistamines have side effects, and only patients with documented allergies should use them. Discuss over-the-counter antihistamines with your physician; the side effects may be greater than the benefits.

If treatment does not cure your sinusitis, or it recurs, a CAT scan may be necessary to evaluate the sinuses and the drainage channels in the nose that are not visible on a routine examination. Small telescopes (endoscopes) may also be used to look directly inside the nose.

Sinus Surgery
Surgery should be considered only if medical treatment fails or if there is a nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications.

When surgery is needed, the ENT specialist can choose from a number of different options, depending on the severity of sinus disease and the type of surgery best suited to the patient. Surgery can be performed under the upper lip, behind the eyebrow, next to the nose or scalp, or inside the nose itself.

Another type of surgery is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). It is used for certain types of sinus disease. With the endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the nose, while at the same time, remove diseased tissue and polyps, and clear the narrow channels between the sinuses. The decision whether to use local or general anesthesia will be made between you and your doctor, depending on your individual circumstances.

Before surgery, be sure you understand all the possible risks and benefits of the procedure and you are aware of realistic results, recovery time, and post-operative care. It is especially important for patients to follow pre and post-operative directions.

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For more information, please visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/

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Sinus Infection, Getting to Know the Disease