Sinus Issues

What are the most common sinus issues?

There are many different sinus issues, the most common including:

Rhinitis

Rhinitis causes nasal symptoms like congestion and a runny nose. Allergic rhinitis is caused by airborne allergens like pollen, weeds, and mold spores. Nonallergic rhinitis is caused by irritants like smoke and dust.

Deviated septum

The septum — the thin sheets of bone and cartilage between your nostrils — can cause breathing problems, congestion, and other nasal issues if it’s not straight and adequately proportioned.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are small growths in the lining of your nasal passages. Although noncancerous, they can cause a runny nose, sinus pain, and breathing problems.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a bacterial infection in your sinus cavities. It causes a thick mucus discharge, congestion, and facial pressure. Most people experience a cold, allergic rhinitis, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or other sinus problems before developing sinusitis.

What are the symptoms of sinus issues?

Sinus issues can cause unpleasant symptoms like:

• Thick yellow-green mucus discharge
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Breathing difficulties
• Facial and sinus pain
• Headaches
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea

If you regularly have these symptoms or your sinus problems affect your quality of life, it’s time to see the ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC team for a diagnosis.

How are sinus issues diagnosed?

The ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC team completes a comprehensive sinus exam and reviews all of your sinus issues in detail.

In most cases, a CT scan is the best diagnostic tool for sinus issues. A CT scan allows the team to determine how widespread a sinus infection is. They can also diagnose structural problems like a deviated septum or nasal polyps.

How are sinus issues treated?

Treating sinus problems often starts with conservative efforts like sinus rinsing and antibiotics. If you have chronic sinus infections — more than three sinus infections within a year — you might need a minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery.

Your doctor can correct a deviated septum, remove nasal polyps, and complete other anatomical corrections during endoscopic sinus surgery. Endoscopic surgery is minimally invasive. It uses a thin tube with a light affixed to its end. The tube is inserted through the nostril or a tiny incision.

Call the ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC office now or schedule an appointment online for help with sinus issues.