The nose and sinuses are important part of your immune system. People with healthy sinuses tend to be less prone to colds and other upper respiratory infections --and vice versa. Normal healthy sinuses produce a mucous secretion that protects the nose and contains antibodies that help fight viruses and infections. As long as these secretions drain properly (with no blockage), there is no problem. Any disorder that causes blockage of the sinuses can trigger an acute infection. If this infection is left untreated or unresponsive to treatment, it can lead to long-term problems and ultimately sinus damage.

Risk Factors

Sinuses can be aggravated by a large number of environmental factors, as well as a person's own health and medications. Identification of these factors allows better treatment with a higher likelihood of success.

• Smoke
• Pets
• Dust
• Fumes
• Deviated Septum
• Scents
• Sudden drastic changes in temperature
• Acid Reflux
• Medications
• Signs/Symptoms

Sinus trouble can appear with many different symptoms --frequently in ways people may not associate with typical sinus problems. Both adults and children can suffer from unhealthy sinuses, commonly describing some or all of these symptoms:

• Headache
• Stuffy Nose
• Ear Pressure
• Imbalance or Unsteadiness
• Thick or discolored postnasal drainage
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Bad Breath
• Sleep Disturbance and Snoring
• Fatigue
• Ear Infections
• Voice Changes

Treatment

Medical treatment is the first step in treating unhealthy sinuses. In many cases, unhealthy sinuses can respond well if treated appropriately with medicine. Initial therapy choice typically include: antibiotics (often a longer course than usually used to help control infection), antihistamines, medicated nasal sprays, anti-inflammatories and nasal cleanings.

Patients who don't respond well to these treatments --or who exhibit recurring symptoms-- may be evaluated for an allergic source of their problem. If, after repeated appropriate treatment, there is still no long-term relief, a sinus CAT scan may be performed. This is a high-quality, special x-ray that allows very accurate determination of anatomical sinus blockage, cysts, polyps and infections --as well as other problems.

Sinus surgery is an option only for patients who have failed medical therapy. Surgery offers an excellent chance for long-term relief, especially with newer, less invasive techniques. Endoscopic sinus surgery is the preferred procedure. Image-guided technology such as the InstaTrak system, decreases complications and improves results.

In the past, sinus surgery was intended to destroy sinus function for lack of any better treatment. Modern techniques are designed not to change sinus function, but only to help the sinuses drain appropriately. Surgical precision --allowing the opening of blocked areas only-- is the hallmark of modern sinus surgery.

Diagnosis

The most important part of any evaluation is talking with you about current symptoms and previous treatments for your unhealthy sinuses. Additionally, the physician will examine your head and neck --with particular attention paid to the sinuses. A major advance in the diagnosis of unhealthy sinuses is the "nasal telescope" --a small fiber-optic light that allows excellent visualization of otherwise nearly invisible areas. With this instrument, the physician can detect structural abnormalities, polyps, infection and areas of blockage. These findings are then added to your patient history to better establish a diagnosis.

For a physician referral, contact Boone Hospital Physician Referral at 573-815-6400 or 800-872-9008 or visit our online physician referral database.

Disclaimer

Health information found on the Boone Hospital Center web site is intended as a reference and information source only. Content in this web site should not take the place of consultation with your own qualified physician. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek care with appropriate healthcare professionals. Additionally, links in this web site are provided as a courtesy. Boone Hospital Center assumes no liability for information contained in this web site or linked sites.