Overview
Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, occurs when one or more of the four pairs of sinuses are inflamed, usually due to a sinus infection or an allergic reaction. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your cheekbones, eyebrow region as well as between and behind your eyes. If they become inflamed and their mucus membrane lining swells, the small passages that allow the mucus to be cleared by the sinuses into the nose, will become blocked. This leads to the symptoms of a sinus infection– sinus headaches, nasal congestion, dizziness, drainage, and facial or even dental pain. In rare cases, sinus infection may spread to the eyes or the brain which requires urgent treatment.
Sinus infection evaluation begins with a thorough history and physical examination from the provider. Your provider my also do an Endoscopy, or the use of a very small lighted exam instrument, to help evaluate the sinus congestion. He or she may also recommend a CT scan be done to locate specific areas of sinus blockage.
Acute sinusitis, also called acute rhinosinusitis, is a short-term infection or inflammation of the membranes that line your sinuses. It prevents mucus from draining from your nose. Acute sinusitis may resolve on its own within a few days. If the infection begins in the membranes, an antibiotic or steroid nasal spray may be prescribed as sinus infection treatment. Nasal and sinus rinses may also be suggested.
Recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, meaning four or more infections in one year, may also qualify for further evaluation and may benefit from a sinus dilation.
National Sinus Institute is a leading provider of a minimally-invasive sinus surgery procedure known as sinus dilation or balloon dilation, which opens the sinus passages to improve drainage.
To learn about sinus infection treatment options including sinus dilation, contact the ENT specialists at National Sinus Institute.
