Has sinus pain become a daily occurrence? When over-the-counter and prescription medications just don't do enough to ease your pain, sinus surgery may be an option. Our Chicago, IL, otolaryngologist, Dr. Gordon Siegel of Midwest ENT, discusses chronic sinusitis symptoms and explains treatment options.
How do I know if I have chronic sinusitis?
You may have chronic sinusitis if your symptoms last three months or longer. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include:
- Pain in your nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead
- Pressure in your sinuses
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Congestion
- Post-nasal drip
- Nausea, which may be worse in the morning due to post-nasal drip
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
What causes chronic sinusitis?
These factors may increase your risk of developing chronic sinusitis:
- Polyps in your nasal passages
- Deviated septum
- Enlarge turbinates
- Allergies
- Respiratory tract infections
- Certain diseases, such as asthma, GERD, cystic fibrosis or immune system disease, including HIV/AIDS
What are the treatment options for chronic sinusitis?
Medications that are helpful for acute sinusitis, which lasts less than 12 weeks, may not be quite as effective when your symptoms linger. If you don't experience enough relief by irrigating your sinuses and taking over-the-counter or prescription decongestants, corticosteroids and antibiotics, surgery may be helpful.
Endoscopic surgery relieves chronic sinusitis symptoms by removing inflamed tissue, scar tissue and blockages, and may also be used to straighten deviated septums. During surgery, a tiny probe that contains a camera is inserted into your sinuses via your nostrils. The camera transmits images to a digital monitor, allowing your ear, nose and throat doctor to clearly see and treat problem areas in your sinuses.
Balloon sinuplasty is another option for Chicago patients. Benefits of the minimally invasive procedure include less pain after the procedure, reduced risk of infection and less downtime. Both endoscopic surgery and balloon sinuplasty are performed under general anesthesia. During balloon sinuplasty, a small wire catheter that contains a deflated balloon is inserted into your sinuses. Once it's in position, the balloon is inflated, opening up blocked sinus passages.
Sinus surgery can help relieve your sinus pain. Call our Chicago, IL, otolaryngologist, Dr. Siegel of Midwest ENT, at (312) 988-7777 to schedule an appointment.