mybonsecours
sinus disorder education
The team at The Bon Secours Sinus Center of Excellence believes that patient education is crucial in understanding your treatment. It is important to first learn about your sinuses and their role with your health before you agree to a sinus treatment or sinus surgery.
The
sinuses are air spaces behind the bones of the upper face, between the
eyes and behind the forehead, nose and cheeks. The sinuses are covered
with a mucus layer and cells that contain little hairs on their surfaces
called cilia. These help trap and push out bacteria and pollutants. Each
sinus has an opening that allows mucous to drain – this drainage is
essential to keeping your sinuses working well and you healthy. Anything
that obstructs that flow may cause a buildup of mucus in the sinuses.
Experts
agree that healthy sinuses are a key to a good quality of life and that
unhealthy sinuses may cause some unwanted complications.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) is the name of the condition in which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Normally, the sinuses drain through small openings into the inside of the nose. Anything that blocks the flow may cause a buildup of mucus in the sinuses. The blockage and inflammation of the sinus membranes can be infectious or non-infectious.
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
The symptoms caused by sinusitis may be quite uncomfortable. The signs and symptoms may include:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Teeth pain
- Lost or altered sense of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Cough
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. Most cases of sinusitis are acute (or
sudden onset); however, if the condition occurs frequently or lasts
three months or more, you may have chronic sinusitis.
How is sinusitis treated?
There are two main approaches for treating sinusitis patients: endoscopic sinus surgery and medication.
+ Read more about treatment options.
For more information about the Bon Secours Sinus Center of Excellence please call us at (757) 889-CARE (2273).
Information courtesy of Acclarent, Inc.
