People suffer from sinus and nasal inflammation due to a number of reasons. Bacterial infections can lead to both acute and chronic sinusitis while environmental allergens such as pet danders, pollens, dust mites or molds can lead to allergic responses within the ears, nose or throat. Immune system deficiencies have also been associated with upper respiratory tract infections and sinusitis. At Otolaryngology Associates, we have specialty trained physicians and surgeons to help improve your quality of life with both medical and surgical treatment approaches that fit your needs.
Sinus infections can impact some or multiple sinus cavities. How many sinus cavities do you have? While there are multiple anatomical variants, most individuals have two maxillary (cheek), two frontal (forehead), two sphenoid (middle of head), two anterior ethmoid and two posterior ethmoid (between your eyes) sinuses. Depending on which sinus is impacted by infection, inflammation or drainage difficulties, differing interventions can be recommended to help with symptoms.
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on your history and physical exam. It is important to bring any prior records with regards to your sinuses to your initial consultation. A CT scan of the sinuses is required preoperatively to accurately assess the areas involved. Surgery is for patients who suffer from chronic or frequent sinus infections when medical therapy has failed.
Allergies, whether they occur in certain seasons or all year long, can be extremely frustrating, and significantly impact quality of life. Nasal sprays and rinses may not fully treat nasal irritation or drainage. For these challenging cases, our office offers the full array of both seasonal and perennial allergy tests. At Otolaryngology Associates, you can be evaluated by both an Otolaryngologist and an Allergist/Immunologist for a comprehensive evaluation of nasal symptoms and feel confident that you will have an evidence based plan to treat your symptoms for long term improvement.
Allergy treatment has a wide range of approaches. Environmental controls (e.g. HVAC filters, HEPA filters, household mold remediation), nasal rinses or targeted immunotherapy based on specific allergy testing are all options. Consultations with our Otolaryngologists and/or Allergist/Immunologist will help navigate the best approach to treating your allergies and symptoms.
As research continues to develop in the field of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck surgery, there continues to be a connection between the immune system and ear, nose and throat related issues. More specifically, patients with chronic sinus disease with or without nasal polyps may actually be having an autoimmune or immune system problem compared to just a reaction to environmental allergens or chronic bacterial infections.
