Western Carolina Ear, Nose, and Throat
Nose & Sinuses
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with computer-assisted image guidance (Medtronic)
Balloon sinus dilation
Medtronic NuVent® Balloon Sinus Dilation
The Sinuses
Paranasal sinuses are air-filled pockets located in the head. There are four pairs of sinuses:
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Maxillary sinuses
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Frontal sinuses
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Ethmoid sinuses
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Sphenoid sinuses
When you breathe in air, mucus in the sinuses humidifies the air and collects bacteria and pollutants.
Tiny hairs lining the sinuses move the mucus (with pollutants) out of the sinus, into your throat.
You then swallow the mucus, and your stomach acid destroys the bacteria and pollutants.
Colds, allergies, environmental irritants or other conditions can slow or block natural drainage, and irritate the sinus lining. This, in turn, can lead to swelling, additional blockage, and sinusitis.
We can help you with sinusitis at Western Carolina Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists where we offer advanced technology and minimally invasive procedures to treat sinusitis.
Sinusitis is a common condition that afflicts over 35 million Americans every year.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. In healthy sinuses, mucus drains out and air is able to circulate. Sinusitis describes a swelling (inflammation) of the sinuses that can lead to blockages and prevent mucous from draining properly. This can lead to infection.
At our practice, we see patients suffering from chronic and recurrent sinusitis each week.
A number of factors can cause irritation and contribute to sinusitis, including:
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Bacteria
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Viruses
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Fungus
In addition, some studies have shown that structural issues such as narrowed drainage pathways may lead to sinusitis outbreaks.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
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Loss of smell or bad breath
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Cough
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Headache and facial pain or tenderness
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Lack of energy
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Nasal congestion and discharge
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Sore throat and postnasal drip
Sinusitis can be acute, chronic or recurrent acute. Every patient is unique, and requires a personal approach to therapy. Our typical treatment options include:
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Acute - symptoms last 10-12 days – typically addressed via self-care or medical therapy
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Chronic - symptoms last 3 months or longer—can be addressed via medical therapy, an office procedure such as balloon sinus dilation, or functional endoscopic sinus surgery
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Recurrent Acute – multiple acute sinusitis breakouts in calendar year—can be addressed via medical therapy, an office procedure such as balloon sinus dilation, or functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Want to find out which treatment option is the best for you? Schedule your initial consultation today!
Learn more about the sinusitis treatment options offered by Dr. Christopher Wenzel at Western Carolina Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists. Find out which treatment option is appropriate to your condition.
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Medical therapy
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In-Office balloon sinus dilation - minimally invasive procedure performed in office setting
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This procedure can be done in the office awake with topical and local anesthesia or under general anesthesia
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Endoscopic sinus surgery - performed in the hospital under general anesthesia