Schedule In-Person & Virtual Visits Online

Scheduling online allows you to choose your location, provider, and your best time. Walk-ins welcome.

Have a Question?   Contact Us

Sinus Infections

The Ear, Nose & Throat Institute

Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Surgery

How do you get sinusitis?

Dealing with chronic sinusitis; or more commonly known as sinus infections? The symptoms of bacterial sinusitis mimic that of colds and allergies, making it a problem that’s often difficult to diagnose and treat. Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. Sinuses affected by a cold or an allergy attack become inflamed and unable to drain. This may lead to an acute infection needing specific sinus infection treatment.

When you have frequent sinusitis or the infection lasts more than three months, you may have chronic sinusitis. Untreated chronic sinusitis may cause damage to the sinus cavities and/or the cheekbones. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended for certain types of sinus disease. With the endoscope, our ENT surgeons can look directly into the nose which allows them to remove diseased tissue and polyps while clearing the narrow channels between the sinuses.

What is the fastest way to get rid of sinusitis?

Sinus surgery is generally recommended as the best treatment option for chronic sinus issues. Non-surgical treatment methods are nearly always tried before sinus surgery is suggested; however, in cases when an ENT Institute physician and patient find that sinus infections are recurrent and/or non-responsive to medication, Endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to enlarge the openings that drain the sinuses and relieve sinus pressure.

The surgeons at ENT Institute have the expertise and advanced technology to perform the necessary sinus surgery. A clinical history of the patient will be created before any sinus surgery is performed as a careful diagnostic workup is necessary to identify the underlying cause of chronic sinusitis. Often, the specialists at the ENT Institute will complete a CT scan of the sinuses to determine the best approach.

Testimonials

Natural Sinus Infection Remedies

To avoid developing sinusitis, keep your sinuses clear by:

  • Using an oral decongestant or a nasal spray decongestant (no more than three days).
  • Gently blowing your nose.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to keep your nasal mucous thin.
  • Avoiding air travel. If you must fly, try using a nasal decongestant spray before takeoff.
  • Trying to manage your allergy symptoms.

Allergy testing, followed by appropriate allergy treatment, may be very effective in preventing sinusitis/rhinosinusitis. Treating sinusitis requires good communication with a medical provider who can develop an effective treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

Learn More About Sinus Infections

Is a Deviated Septum Affecting Your Health?

Recently, I deviated from my everyday routine in the marketing department to learn more about…