Chronic Sinusitis is commonly mistaken as allergies or a cold. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining that prevents normal mucus drainage from the nose. Uncomfortable symptoms result from mucus build up in the sinuses. If you have a recurrent cold that does not seem to go away, there is a good chance you have sinusitis.

Acute Sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms last up to 4 weeks and is caused by viruses or bacteria. You may experience up to 4 weeks of cloudy or colored drainage from the nose, congestions, sinus pain described as pressure in the face, head, or around the eyes. Your provider may suggest nasal sprays, antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, and/or over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve symptoms.

Chronic Sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or longer and is caused by prolonged inflammation. Treatment is for chronic sinusitis is meant to control inflammation. When symptoms cannot be controlled, surgery can be done to widen the natural drainage pathways between the sinuses and the nose. There are different types of sinus surgery you provider may recommend.

Some Common symptoms include: Sinus Pressure and congestion, Sinus Headache, Facial pain, Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead, Yellow green mucus from nose, and/or Teeth pain.

The following video describes a specific sinus procedure called a balloon sinuplasty. This procedure can be done in office or in a hospital operating room depending on your surgeon’s recommendations.

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For more information on balloon sinuplasty, please visit http://www.balloonsinuplasty.com/

2016 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. For more information, visit www.entnet.org or consult with your ENT Specialists physician.