The septum is the divider that separates the right and left nasal cavities. In fact, the word septum comes from the Greek word for divider. This structure is simple in design as it has a lining on each side and thin eggshell bone and cartilage in the middle layer. As the nose grows during puberty […]
A little background about the sinuses – The sinuses are actually called the “paranasal” sinuses, meaning “around the nose cavities”. These hollow cavities surround the nose and have a thin lining that produces liquid. This liquid then moves by directional ciliary flow (often against gravity) to small natural pathways that enter into the nose. The […]
Infection in the sinus cavities that surround the nose can be viral, acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, or fungal. VIRAL SINUS INFECTION – Viral is the most common and is what we feel when we have a cold. In this sinus infection, there is an abrupt onset, more common in the winter, with congestion and sinus […]
We all have defenses against viral infections. These include systemic immunity and local immunity. Systemic Immunity Systemic immunity refers to our overall health and full-body immune system. This can be compromised by immune disorders that weaken the immune system as well as general illnesses, such as diabetes that also tend to make people more susceptible […]
You may have been told that your sinus infection is a “mold” sinus infection. Typically along with this explanation, you may have been told that there is no good treatment for this condition. Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS) is a very frustrating condition to treat as it is not like a typical bacterial sinus infection at […]
Can severe sinus issues be treated with the new Balloon Sinuplasty technology or does it require the patient to have traditional sinus surgery? As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Below is the before picture of a patient with a very severe sinus issue. The sinus cavities should be black, meaning-filled with […]
What causes a sinus headache? Many people suffer from a sinus headache. It can be quite debilitating and actually results in significant work loss. It can also be very difficult to treat as many attempts at medical therapy may be ineffective. The sinuses are actually not called sinuses. They are called “paranasal sinus cavities”. This […]
How can I avoid getting an “empty nose”? Many patients have had sinus issues for years and have begun to do research about how this condition can be corrected. During their research they see a frightening condition called empty nose syndrome resulting from sinus surgery. This syndrome is described as a dry and chronically congested […]
The Balloon Sinuplasty procedure is NOT the same anywhere you go! Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new treatment for chronic sinus issues. For years ENT doctors had two choices available to treat this issue: Medical therapies and sinus surgery. When medical treatment failed, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) would be offered. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery […]
Acute Sinusitis vs chronic sinusitis Most people know what it means to have a sinus infection. You were feeling fine and now you are sick. Lots of nasal discharge, yellow or green in color, congestion, sinus pressure, headache, sore throat, and possibly a fever. These are the typical symptoms of an Acute Sinusitis. This is […]
