Chronic sinus infections can cause headaches, nasal congestion, pressure, watery eyes, fever, and a general sense of malaise. These symptoms lead to a decrease in quality of life and can effect the ability to work and perform normal daily activities. Fortunately there are several options for those who suffer from chronic or recurrent sinus infections.
The first step in treating sinus infections is an accurate diagnosis. Consultation with a primary physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist can make that determination. Initial management is generally done with medications and over the counter treatments. Nasal saline irrigation, such as the Neti-Pot or SinuRinse, self made nasal saline irrigation solutions, and antihistamines are mainstay of over the counter treatment. First line prescription medications include nasal steroid sprays, leukotriene inhibitors, antibiotics, and short courses of oral steroids. If an aggressive course of medical treatment is not successful at alleviating symptoms or the symptoms recur frequently, surgery may be needed to correct an underlying anatomic problem.
If surgery is considered, the first step is to obtain a CT scan of the sinuses to define the underlying nasal anatomy. Septal deviations, sinus ostial obstruction, nasal or sinus polyps, and certain anatomic abnormalities can all contribute to chronic sinusitis and be easily fixed surgically.
The newest technology in sinus surgery is the balloon sinuplasty. Using technology from the cardiac field, small catheters can be inserted into the natural openings of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Once inserted, balloons are threaded over the catheters and inflated to make the natural sinus openings bigger. In select patients, this can be performed using only local anesthesia. This means that there is not the risk or recovery associated with general anesthesia and patients with medical conditions that would not be candidates for general anesthesia can still have surgery. Long term studies of the technology have shown promise that it will lead to a permanent solution for sufferers of chronic sinusitis.
Even with surgery, some patients may require long term allergy treatment including medication or allergy shots. Consultation with an ears, nose, and throat physician is the first step to formulating a treatment plan which can lead to long term results. If you are thinking about surgery, be sure to ask if local anesthesia balloon sinuplasty is an option and if the surgeon performs the procedure. Sometimes a second opinion may be necessary to determine if you are a candidate for the latest advance in sinus surgery.
No comments:
Post a Comment