Sinusitis

Sinus Anatomy

Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding the nose. There are four types of sinuses on either side of the face.

Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. The drainage of mucus is a normal process that keeps the sinus healthy. Mucus moistens the nasal lining and protects the inside of the nose from impurities such as dust, pollutants, and bacteria.

The Causes of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining most commonly caused by bacterial, viral, and/or microbial infections; as well as, structural issues such as blockage of the sinus opening (ostium). If the ostium becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Common symptoms may include :

• Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Discharge of discolored mucus from the nose
• Discolored post-nasal drainage
• Loss of smell

Additional symptoms may include :

• Headache
• Bad breath
• Fatigue

Types of Sinusitis

There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a "runny nose," and fever, run their course in a few days. However, if symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If the condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis.

When to See Doctor

What to Look For

Symptoms of sinusitis may be very similar to those of colds or allergies. This chart will help you compare the differences. If you suffer from three or more symptoms of sinusitis, you should see your doctor. Chronic sinusitis, if left untreated, may lead to permanent damage to the sinus tissues.

Treatment Options

The most frequently used treatments for chronic sinusitis are medical therapies and / or conventional sinus surgery.

Medical Therapy

Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is often successful in reducing mucosal swelling, fighting infection, and relieving obstructions of the sinus opening (ostium). Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, an estimated 20-25% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.1

Conventional Sinus Surgery

The goals of sinus surgery are to clear blocked sinuses restoring normal sinus drainage and function and to preserve normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Conventional sinus surgery is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). With FESS, specialized instruments are placed into the nose along with a small endoscope to help the surgeon see inside the nose and nasal cavities. The procedure works by removing bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to post-operative pain, scarring, and bleeding. Uncomfotable nasal packing may be required to control the bleeding. FESS procedures result in an 80-90% success rate in relieving patient symptoms.2,3

The Balloon SinuplastyTM Technology: Novel, Endoscopic, Catheter-Based Devices

The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. 4 Clinical studies have indicated that the Balloon SinuplastyTM system is a safe and effective tool in dilating blocked sinuses.

Read more about Balloon Sinuplasty technology.

For more information, please contact
Bangkok Ear, Nose and Throat Center
Tel. (+66) 2310-3010 (08.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m.) or
Contact Center Tel. (+66) 2310-3344 (24 hrs.)
Email : info@bangkokhospital.com