Sinus Problems and Common Treatments
Sinus problems are very common in South Carolina, with many adults experiencing repeated or long-lasting sinusitis that can become recurrent or chronic, and in more severe cases may lead to nasal polyps. In the Charleston and Lowcountry areas, sinus issues are often linked to colds, allergies, and environmental triggers such as pollen from oaks, pines, and flowers, humidity and nearby water, and other irritants in the air.
Sinus Problems
Every year, hundreds of thousands of South Carolina residents suffer from sinus problems. According to the CDC, nearly 12% of adults have been diagnosed with sinusitis, characterized by inflammation in the sinuses. When someone has 4 or more episodes of sinusitis in a year, this is called recurrent acute sinusitis. When sinusitis symptoms last more than 12 weeks in a row, the condition becomes chronic sinusitis. When very severe, patients may also develop nasal polyps. Many cases of sinusitis can be traced back to starting from a cold or allergies. Especially in the Charleston and Lowcountry areas, many patients find that pollen from oaks, pines, and flowers; humidity and water proximity; and environmental irritants are the main culprits.
Sinusitis can lead to a whole host of nasal issues, like pain, congestion, pressure, fever-like symptoms, and an inability to properly smell. But it can also affect nearby areas, causing under-eye puffiness, pressure in the ears, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). All in all, this is bad news if left untreated. So, how do you know if you have sinusitis, and what can you do about it?
The first step to anything medical-related is to get a diagnosis. Our experts at The Charleston Sinus Center, usually recommend undergoing a nasal endoscopy (an in-office exam, in which the doctor uses a camera to view the inside of the nose) for a detailed view of the nasal passages and sinus openings. Depending on the findings and the patient’s symptoms, as CT of the sinuses may also be obtained. Once there is an accurate diagnosis, we can begin treating your sinusitis.
There are 3 main methods to treat sinusitis:
- Medical Therapy
- Balloon Sinuplasty
- Sinus Surgery
Common Sinus Treatments
Therapeutic methods are minimally invasive. Two common sinus management treatments are nasal spray and saline rinses. Nasal spray helps by reducing inflammation in the sinus linings, which causes swelling to subside. A saline rinse helps by clearing mucus and blockage in the nasal passageways (it is important to use saline, because plain water can burn and irritate the nasal membranes even more). Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that works by slowly desensitizing your immune system to common allergens, like pollen, dust, mold, and dander. This is accomplished through a series of allergy shots, focused on long-term results – decreasing overall reactivity to allergens in the environment, which leads to decreased sinus inflammation.
Medical Therapy
Therapeutic methods are minimally invasive. Two common treatments are nasal spray and saline rinses. Nasal spray helps by reducing inflammation in the sinus linings, which causes swelling to subside. A saline rinse helps by clearing mucus and blockage in the nasal passageways (it is important to use saline, because plain water can burn and irritate the nasal membranes even more). Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that works by slowly desensitizing your immune system to common allergens, like pollen, dust, mold, and dander. This is accomplished through a series of allergy shots, focused on long-term results – decreasing overall reactivity to allergens in the environment, which leads to decreased sinus inflammation
Balloon Sinuplasty
Another minimally invasive treatment is balloon sinuplasty. This procedure does not involve any cutting or removal of tissue, making it a popular choice for treating sinusitis. We always use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, so the experience is even smoother for the patient. General anesthesia is rarely necessary.
In this procedure, a wire is threaded through the nasal cavity, into a sinus cavity. A tiny balloon is then advanced over the wire, and is then slowly inflated. This process opens the sinus up, with the purpose of allowing it to drain easier. The balloon is then deflated and removed, along with the wire. After a week of saline rinses and mild discomfort, most swelling will have subsided and patients find incredible improvement.
Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery, also called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is intended to treat more complex or extensive sinus disease. This includes cases where nasal polyps are present, the sinusitis is chronic, or the patient is experiencing recurrent sinus issues after balloon sinuplasty.
The procedure involves the inserting of a tiny camera into the nostril, so our doctors can clearly see the sinus passage. Then tiny incisions are used to remove inflamed tissue, polyps, and bone that may be contributing to blockage in the sinuses. By clearing this debris, mucus will be able to drain again and airflow will improve. Unlike balloon sinuplasty, endoscopic surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.
Addressing Your Sinus Needs
Nothing gets done without a proper diagnosis. At The Charleston Sinus Center, we will identify problems and help you determine the best way to counteract them. It all begins with a phone call with our office at 843-863-1188 to schedule a consultation.