Sinus

CAC Services Sinus

What are sinuses issues?

The inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is called sinusitis, and may be due to infection, allergy, or autoimmune disorders.

What are sinuses?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bony structure of the cheeks, behind the forehead and eyebrows, on either side of the bridge of the nose, and behind the nose directly in front of the brain.

  1. Ethmoid sinus: Located inside the face, around the area of the bridge of the nose. This sinus is present at birth and continues to grow.
  2. Maxillary sinus: Located inside the face, around the area of the cheeks. This sinus is also present at birth and continues to grow.
  3. Frontal sinus: Located inside the face, in the area of the forehead. This sinus does not develop until around seven years of age.
  4. Sphenoid sinus: Located deep in the face, behind the nose. This sinus does not develop until adolescence.

Types of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities, or air-filled pockets, near the nasal passage. It usually occurs after a cold or an allergic inflammation.

  • Acute

    Symptoms last less than four weeks and get better with the appropriate treatment.

  • Chronic

    This type of infection happens with repeated acute infections or with previous infections that were inadequately treated. These symptoms last eight weeks or longer.

  • Recurrent

    In this case, three or more episodes of acute sinusitis occur per year.

What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinus issues can include one or more of the following:

  1. Headache, facial tenderness or swelling
  2. Pressure or pain in the sinuses, in the ears and teeth
  3. Fever, sore throat, and cough
  4. Cloudy discolored nasal or postnasal drainage or a feeling of nasal stuffiness

Sinus issues are typically treated with:

  1. Saline irrigation
  2. Nasal steroid sprays
  3. Antihistamines/decongestants
  4. Antibiotics

How are sinus issues diagnosed?

Diagnosing acute sinusitis usually involves a physical exam. Your doctor will gently press over your sinuses with their fingers to identify an infection. The exam may involve looking into your nose with a light to identify inflammation, polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities.

  • Physical Examination: A careful exam can often identify or exclude other medical problems.
  • Imaging Tests: Your doctor may order a CT scan or MRI to look for inflammation or other nose or sinus abnormalities.

Make an Appointment

Schedule your appointment with our board certified physicians and professional team of allergy specialists today.

Schedule Now