Sinus Treatment Options | Trinity, FL & Spring Hill, FL

Sinus Treatment

Sinus conditions may be caused by deformities in your nose and sinus cavity, growths, fractures, improper healing and allergies. Your sinuses are precisely formed to enable breathing, add moisture and warmth to the air and filter out contaminants. Unfortunately, the role of the sinuses in protecting you from bacteria and viruses is precisely why sinus problems and allergies are so common amongst adults and children.

Our ENT specialists remain abreast of advances in treatment for sinus problems and allergies. We may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication, lifestyle changes, and other remedies. In some cases, though, surgery is the most effective option for treatment.

Suncoast ENT Surgical Specialists offers diagnostic and treatments services for:

Sinus Surgery
Sinus Pain
Sinus Headaches
Balloon Sinuplasty
Septoplasty/Deviated Septum
Nasal Fractures
Airway Restriction

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucus lining inside of the sinuses. Under normal circumstances, the sinuses are full of air. However, when you are congested your sinus cavity fills with fluid. The fluid may trap pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, and the pathogens proliferate and may lead to infection.

Several common conditions can lead to sinusitis, such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, colds and nasal swelling caused by allergies. There are four different kinds of sinusitis:

The sudden appearance of common cold symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion and excessive mucus that fails to resolve within 10 to 14 days. This form of sinusitis usually goes away in less than four weeks.

The most common symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

Pain and feelings of pressure in your face
Stuffy nose and thick mucus discharge, which may be yellow to green in color
Hindered sense of smell
Coughing and congestion

Some other symptoms can include:

Halitosis (bad breath)
Fever
Tiredness
Tooth pain

You may be diagnosed with acute sinusitis if you’ve had two or more of the above symptoms or have experienced a discharge of thick yellow or green mucus.

Approximately 37 million Americans experience sinusitis at least once per year. Certain people are more likely to develop sinusitis:

Those with inflamed mucous membranes caused by a cold
People with obstructed drainage pathways
Individuals with structural abnormalities that cause narrowing of drainage pathways
People with nasal polyps
Smokers

Health problems or medications that suppress immunity can also lead to an increased risk of sinusitis. For children, sinusitis is usually the result of communicable illness, drinking while lying down, using pacifiers, environmental smoke, and allergies.

Your Suncoast ENT will consider your symptoms and perform a physical exam to determine whether you have sinusitis. The examination can consist of palpating the sinuses to look for tenderness. You may also have your teeth gently tapped on to find out whether an inflamed paranasal sinus is involved. Doctors also use tests such as x-rays, mucus culture, allergy tests, blood work and CT scans to diagnose sinusitis.

A common test for diagnosing sinusitis is nasal endoscopy, performed using a specialized tool that consists of a hollow tube fitted with tiny cameras and lights. A nasal endoscopy helps determine whether any obstructions are present or if there are polyps that were missed by a regular nasal examination. During an endoscopy procedure, the doctor also checks for any structural problems that could be causing your sinusitis to reoccur.

The treatment methods used for sinusitis are determined by the condition’s severity.

Acute: For a typical sinus infection, your doctor might advise you to try steam inhalation along with an over-the-counter oral decongestant. Decongestant sprays and drops can also help manage symptoms. That said, you should never use these products longer than stated on the package, typically four to five days. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you will need to take them for between ten days and two weeks. In most cases, the problem is resolved, and further antibiotic courses are no longer necessary.
Chronic: Inhaling warm, humid air can help relieve congestion. Using a vaporizer or steaming water can also work. To address facial pain, hot compresses are recommended. Saline nasal drops may be used. Over-the-counter drops and sprays can sometimes help control the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, but they shouldn’t be used longer than indicated on the package. In certain cases, your doctor might prescribe an oral steroid or antibiotic.

The most critical part of managing sinusitis is to address triggers and other factors. In order to minimize congestion, you may be prescribed a nasal spray, oral decongestant or nose drops. Some of these products may contain a corticosteroid to help control inflammation. For patients with severe chronic sinusitis, an oral corticosteroid may be recommended after other options have failed.

Whenever a bacterial infection is found in the sinuses, an antibiotic will be prescribed. Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses. In people who struggle with allergies, the doctor may recommend an antihistamine. Sinus infections that are fungal in origin must be treated using an antifungal drug. For individuals with compromised immune systems, antibodies (immunoglobulin) may be provided.

While it’s never good to smoke, it should particularly be avoided while you’re being treated for sinusitis. You don’t need to change your diet, but it’s recommended to increase your fluid intake to keep mucus thin and flowing.

When drugs fail to address sinusitis, surgery is likely to be the next best option. Furthermore, surgery is usually required in cases where structural problems lead to blockages. In most circumstances, patients can resume their normal activities within five days to one week after sinus surgery. Complete recovery typically occurs in four to six weeks.

If sinusitis is not treated in a timely manner, you can experience needless pain and complications. In rare cases, failing to treat sinusitis can result in meningitis or abscesses (pus-filled pockets of infection) of the bones or brain. These are life-threatening conditions that require emergency treatment.

Sinus Surgery

Countless patients deal with chronic sinus discomfort every single day. The condition not only affects one’s quality of life, but also decreases performance at school and work. Also referred to as sinusitis, inflammation of the nasal cavity may be treated with traditional therapy and over-the-counter medication in some instances, but some patients will need to undergo sinus surgery for long-term relief. Sinus surgery is one of the many advanced treatments available at Suncoast ENT Surgical Specialists. The procedure reduces common problems associated with chronic sinusitis.

With the invention of endoscopic technologies, treating tissue in advanced stages of sinusitis is now possible. An endoscope is a small tube that is fitted with a viewing apparatus and a light to examine the nasal cavities and passages leading into the naval cavities. The physician then removes diseased tissue and any blockage to restore ventilation and proper breathing.

Endoscopic surgery is not 100% effective in every single patient, but studies have shown that it can improve a number of sinusitis symptoms such as:

Nasal discharge
Hoarseness
A constant bad odor in the nose
Frequent headaches
Chronic facial pain
Allergies
Lingering coughs
Bronchitis

Endoscopic surgery is an outpatient treatment that is done under general anesthesia. Because general anesthesia is used for the procedure, you must refrain from taking any painkillers 10 to 14 days before the procedure.

Any patients that are considering endoscopic surgery must have a full examination including an x-ray and the possibility of a CT (computer tomography) scan. If the physician deems that you are a good candidate for endoscopic surgery after this evaluation, then they will give you an in-depth explanation of the procedure before setting a time and date.

Two of the best aftercare options include hot showers and over-the-counter painkillers. Most patients will experience some discomfort, bleeding, and discharge for 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. The discharge may include mucus, blood, clear liquid, or dark and older blood. If over-the-counter painkillers are not sufficient, you may be given the option of using prescription painkillers.

A small percentage of patients do experience mild swelling around their eyes for one to two days following the surgery. Most describe this as a feeling of being congested or having a cold. A fever of 101° F or lower, also referred to as a low-grade fever, is another common side effect of any surgery. These symptoms can generally be managed with Tylenol and by increasing your liquid intake to loosen secretions.

Detecting sinus issues in children can be difficult, as the child may not be able to accurately describe their discomfort. Chronic sinus infections in children often result in tenderness around their face, nightly coughs, bad breath, chronic headaches, being constantly tired, and a postnasal drip.

When a child has to be repeatedly treated for sinus infections, then it may be time to consider more comprehensive options to attack the underlying problems. Clearing the sinus cavity can be done surgically by creating a small “window” in the sinus so that it may drain, a procedure called an antrostomy. This small window is made in the thinnest part of the bone surrounding the sinus cavity. After draining, these windows will often remain open for six months or longer. As long as the windows remain open, the child will have fewer breathing complications.

An antrostomy is an outpatient procedure that is carried out under general anesthesia. Immediately following the antrostomy, the child will stay in the office for a short period of time to slow nasal bleeding and monitor for complications.

Once home, children should be encouraged to drink fluids and rest completely for two days. A sinus window procedure for children will often require a recovery of four to seven days with the most noticeable side effects felt in the first 24 to 48 hours. During this period, they will most likely experience intermittent bleeding and draining. If the bleeding becomes extreme, contact us immediately.

Most children will be able to begin playing around the second day and get back to school within four to seven days. For at least two weeks, they should avoid sneezing and blowing their nose. If they feel that they must sneeze, they should do so with an open mouth to prevent excess pressure. A follow-up examination should take place within three to four weeks after the procedure.

Sinus Pain

Sinus pain is often accompanied by a feeling of pressure, aching or fullness over the sinus cavity. While the pain is focused on the face, it is often felt in the eyes, cheekbones and eyebrows.

Sinus pain is primarily caused by irritation and swelling in the sinuses. Outside stimuli such as bacteria, viruses and allergens may cause the sinuses to flare up. When a flare-up occurs, the cilia (tiny, hair-like projections on the surface of the nasal passage) are not able to move the mucus. The trapped mucus and inflamed sinuses are what makes the sinuses feel full and creates pressure in the sinus cavity. Pain and discomfort are the most common symptoms of sinus problems.

Activities such as diving and swimming may also cause discomfort. Abruptly coming into contact with chlorinated or salt water, in swimming pools or the ocean, may also lead to sinus pain and nasal congestion. Other conditions, such as the presence of polyps in the sinus cavities or nasal passages, may create blockages, resulting in sinus pain and nasal congestion.

A doctor that checks for sinus pain will make note of the symptoms and the patient’s medical history. The physician may also conduct a physical examination to eliminate any other possible ailments.

The treatment for sinus pain depends on the cause. If allergies are the source of the pain, the physician treats the allergies and advises the patient to avoid the allergens that are the source of the pain, swelling and stuffiness. The doctor may prescribe nasal decongestant drops, a decongestant spray, saline washes, pain medications and antihistamines. The patient may also need to use a cold pack over the sinus areas to relieve the symptoms. If the sinus pain is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

People with allergies or low resistance can avoid sinus pain by avoiding known allergens and the contaminated environment. We also recommend that people follow an active and healthy lifestyle.

Sinus Headaches

A sinus headache is a headache that develops when a build-up of pressure causes your sinuses to be swollen closed, congested with mucus or infested. Your sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that connect with the nose through small openings. Similarly to the nose, they are lined with membranes that make mucus, and the mucus drains through the small openings to the nose.

Allergies or a cold can be a common culprit behind a sinus infection. Bacteria, viruses, and fungus are other factors in sinus infections and sinus congestion. When the swelling and congestion or infection causes pressure, you experience a sinus headache.

During your examination, a Suncoast ENT physician inquires about your symptoms and medical history. Generally, tests are not needed, but they may include:

An x-ray of your sinuses
A CT scan to show detailed pictures of your sinuses

To relieve sinus pain, we recommend that you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. We recommend the following:

Avoid smoke and other inhaled irritants and allergens such as animal dander.
Put a warm, moist washcloth on your face
Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air. Be sure to keep it clean from mold.
Inhale steam from either a basin of hot water or in a hot shower.
Slightly elevate your head when lying in bed.
Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water to keep the mucus thin and runny.
Use decongestants as directed. Do not use nonprescription nasal sprays for more than three days, as they may make your symptoms worse after three days.
Take your medications as prescribed.
Treat any underlying problems that may be causing your headaches and congestion, such as allergies.
Use a humidifier at home, especially if the air is particularly dry. One way to tell if the air is dry is if you wake up in the morning with a dry mouth.
Use an oral or nasal decongestant before you fly, travel to high altitudes, or swim in deep water.

Your Suncoast ENT may prescribe a decongestant. If you have a sinus infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. If allergies are the suspected cause, then antihistamines may help. Your headache should stop after the sinuses become less congested. It usually takes 1 to 3 days after treatment to feel better.

Be sure to check with your Suncoast ENT before giving any medication containing aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen, including baby aspirin, certain cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Taking aspirin can put children and teenagers at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems, so it’s important to read the label and take as directed. The risks increase with age. Do not take NSAIDs for more than 10 days unless your Suncoast ENT recommends otherwise.