Sinusitis and sinus disease affect more than 30 million adults in the U.S. each year. With seasonal fluctuations in diagnosis and severity of symptoms, it’s essential to know how your body will react to sinus inflammation and how to treat this condition.
In this article, Dr. Schalch Lepe discusses sinus disease and nasal inflammatory disorders.
What are the Symptoms of Sinus Disease?
Sinus disease and disorders include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Chronic rhinitis
- Any medical issue concerning the sinuses and nasal mucous membranes
Symptoms that indicate one of these sinus disorders include:
- Swelling, tenderness, sensitivity, facial and forehead pain, pressure around the eyes, and behind the cheeks
- Ear fullness and pressure
- A runny or blocked nose
- Green or yellow discharge from the nose and throat
- Thick post-nasal drip and cough
What Causes Sinus Disease?
The leading causes of sinus disease, particularly chronic sinusitis, are allergies, sinus infections, and nasal polyps (inflammatory growths inside nasal walls). A patient’s susceptibility to infection, reinfection and chronic infection depends on their environment, genetics, and how they treat the condition, as well as their underlying anatomy.
How Can We Treat Sinus Disease?
Treatment for sinus disorders varies according to the cause of the disorder and the patients’ anatomy.
Some patients might need to avoid certain environmental allergens, others might require medication, while others might get the best results from a procedure, such as Balloon sinuplasty: a minimally invasive technique that can be safely performed in the office, under local anesthesia. Some patients also benefit from placement of dissolvable nasal stents that deliver a steady dose of anti-inflammatory medication, such as Propel or Sinuva (www.sinuva.com). More advanced disease or large polyps might require functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in the operating room and under general anesthesia. Dr. Schalch Lepe will help determine the best treatment for you during your consultation.
Sinus Disease Treatments in San Diego, CA
As we mentioned, smell loss occurs for several reasons. If you’re concerned about smell loss caused by COVID-19, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, or nasal obstruction, contact Dr. Schalch Lepe for a consultation.
Depending on the cause of your nasal obstruction, there are plenty of available treatments, such as septoplasty, inferior turbinate reduction, or nasal valve stabilization. Dr. Schalch Lepe can also give in-depth advice about advanced treatment options. Simply call (858) 925-5800 or book your consultation online now.