SINUSITIS TESTING & TREATMENT

What is Sinusitis?

The inflammation of the sinuses is an incredibly common condition that affects thousands of people on a daily basis. When the sinuses become inflamed, and the mucous membrane that lines them is affected, a patient would be diagnosed with this uncomfortable condition. The infection and inflammation of the sinuses can be classified as either acute or chronic and can affect different areas of the sinuses.

What Are Common Symptoms of Sinusitis?

One of the most common symptoms of sinus inflammation is pain in the head and face, especially under the eyes and across the bridge of the nose. The afflicted may also experience dental pain, pain in the jaw, or an overall dull head ache or feeling of pressure.

In addition to pain, many will also experience the following symptoms:

• Nasal discharge
• Pain gets worse when bending over
• Dizziness
• Decreased sense of smell

What Are Your Testing Procedures?

Visiting our ENT physician, Dr. Jones, is the best way to find out what is attributing to chronic sinus infections, as well as for the best treatment to minimize symptoms. Upon visiting our practice, patients will be put through a physical examination in an effort to better understand their condition. After a thorough exam and going over test findings, Dr. Jones will then determine the most appropriate sinus treatment for each patient.

Most sinus infections are diagnosed after a simple physical exam where the doctor looks inside the nasal cavity and manipulates the sinuses externally, and from the patients’ answers to a list of questions. In severe cases, patients may need to undergo a CT scan or nasal endoscopy to better understand the problem.

What Are My Sinusitis Treatment Options? 

This common condition is usually brought on by a viral infection. Viruses tend to stay in the body for one week to ten days, and the condition should resolve itself in that time frame. Patients who are afflicted with a viral infection should rest, increase their intake of fluids and eat a nutritious diet.

There are times, however, that sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and that would warrant treatment with antibiotic medication. If sinusitis symptoms have progressed and continued for longer than seven days, it would become necessary to consult with a physician for further treatment. Our ENT physician will be able to easily diagnose and begin treatment in order to help the patient return to optimal health as quickly as possible.

Whether the inflammation is brought on by a viral or bacterial infection, the side effects of the condition can be treated in the same way. Over the counter pain relievers are an excellent sinus treatment to alleviate the pain brought on by the inflammation. Short term use of nasal sprays to help with congestion may be recommended for short term use only. Patients suffering from long term, chronic inflammation and who are prone to sinus infections may choose to consider surgical treatment to find relief.

It is important to not let sinus pressure and inflammation continue and you should be seen
by a Board Certified ENT physician, like Dr. Jones as soon as possible. Please contact our
office today to get your consultation scheduled.

Dr. Jones Has Performed Over 2,000 Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries Since 1989

Sinusitis needs to be treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Decongestants may be in the form of oral medications or nasal sprays. Dr. Jones strongly emphasizes management of allergic disease when treating sinusitis.

There are times, however, that sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and that would warrant treatment with antibiotic medication. If sinusitis symptoms have progressed and continued for longer than seven days, it would become necessary to consult with a physician for further treatment. Our ENT physician will be able to easily diagnose and begin treatment in order to help the patient return to optimal health as quickly as possible.

Patients who feel no resolution of their symptoms after 6-8 weeks of medical therapy are candidates for endoscopic sinus surgery intervention. For patients failing medical therapy, a CT scan will be ordered to further evaluate sinuses. Dr. Jones has performed over 2,000 endoscopic powered sinus surgeries. He uses instruments to remove diseased tissue and reshapes sinuses by opening them with precision under direct telescopic guidance. One of the many advantages of sinus surgery is that it is an outpatient procedure. You may go home in a few hours, after the operation.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jones and let him establish a treatment that is right for you.