Perhaps the most frequently occurring issue seen in patients is sinusitis or, in layman’s terms, a sinus infection. The sinuses are chambers located in the face and forehead whose primary function under normal circumstances is to add moisture to the air that we breathe. Unfortunately, the sinuses are also highly susceptible to these infections, which can be caused by many different factors: bacteria, allergies, immune issues, polyps, and/or structural irregularities of the sinuses. Left untreated sinusitis can worsen over time leading to congestion, headaches, tooth or facial pain, postnasal drip, and even changes to the senses of taste or smell. Thankfully, these chronic symptoms are treatable and Dr. Divi will create a unique treatment plan after thoroughly evaluating the patient’s issues. Typically treatments include nasal sprays, saline rinses, steroids, and antibiotics. For other patients, Balloon Sinusplasty, a minimally invasive procedure may be the best option and offers lifelong relief in most cases.
How Our Sinus Doctor Diagnoses Your Problem
Before any treatment begins, Dr. Divi will conduct a thorough and complete evaluation which begins with a series of questions about symptoms, patient history, a discussion of what medications the patient has tried in the past, and finally what medications the patient is on currently. Next, Dr. Divi will use an extremely small scope (or camera), which is roughly the width of spaghetti, to enter the nasal passage and view any swelling, polyps, or physical irregularities. If any signs of active infection are detected, a nasal culture will be collected using a Q-Tip swab. Since the sinuses are completely surrounded by the facial bones a CT scan is often necessary to gather a more complete picture (literally and figuratively!) of each patient’s situation. Luckily, Dr. Divi has a CT machine in his offices so pictures can be taken and read the same day as the patient’s appointment. This means Dr. Divi can discuss treatment options and set patients on the path to relief immediately.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SINUS PROBLEMS
Dr. Divi’s first and most important priority in creating an individually tailored treatment is beginning with less invasive procedures first usually by utilizing nasal sprays, saline rinses or in more severe cases, steroids or antibiotics. Should none of the above treatments offer relief Balloon Sinusplasty is the next step. After application of a local anesthetic, a small balloon is gently inserted into the narrow sinus pathways and gently inflated widening the affected areas and providing patients with much-needed relief.