Recurrent Sinus Infections

Thomas S. Higgins, Jr., M.D., M.S.P.H.
www.higgins-sinus.com
Offices in Kentucky and Indiana

Sinus Infections

Sinus infection, commonly known as sinusitis, is a cold-like condition in which the sinuses are inflamed or swollen.  Four or more sinus infections in a year is typically termed "recurrent sinus infections." The paranasal (“around the nose”) sinuses are the void spaces present in the bones that are located around our nose, in the bones of cheeks, behind the eyebrows and forehead and behind the nose in front of the brain. There are some channels that connect these void spaces to the nose. Due to infections, the sinus lining get swollen and block the intermediate channels. And Sinusitis is the condition in which these channels get blocked.

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Causes of Sinusitis
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There are several causes of sinus infections. The Common Cold virus can cause swelling that contributes to sinusitis. If someone has a Cold for more than seven to ten days, then there is a higher chance that bacterial sinusitis is present. Bacterial infection is a major cause of sinusitis; rarely, fungal infection can also cause sinusitis.
The person’s anatomy can also contribute to the development of sinusitis, including:
  • Narrow bony openings in the sinuses
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Extra “air cells” in the sinuses (some names include concha bullosa cells, Haller cells, Onodi cells, and frontal cells)

Symptoms of Sinus Infections
Some common symptoms and signs of sinusitis are:
  • Postnasal drip (behind the nose drip into the throat)
  • Nasal congestion
  • Discoloration of nasal discharge
  • Altered smell or taste
  • Coughing
  • Redness and swelling nasal lining

Symptoms from sinus infections and allergies can be confusing. Allergies of the nose tend to cause “rhinitis” (swelling of the passages of the nose only) and include more sneezing, itchiness, and watery nose/eyes. Asthma is another term that is linked with chronic sinus disease. These two conditions can worsen each other, so it important to maximally treat both.

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Diagnosis of Sinus Infections
The diagnosis for a sinus infection involves the examination of nose, sinuses and throat. An endoscopy (a tube with a small camera on the end of it is gently inserted into the nose) can helpful to locate the sinus infection and determine if the person has anatomy that worsens their risk for sinus infections. If a sinus infections is severe or lasts for an extended period, a CT scan (picture) of the sinuses may be recommended. These tests will enable the doctor to know the type of infection and which relative medicine should be given to the patient. For example, if the sinusitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be recommended. If nasal polyps are present, your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as corticosteroids.

Sinusitis Treatment
  • Antibiotics
Antibiotics are recommended for bacterial sinusitis. Overuse of antibiotics can cause resistant bacteria, so antibiotics should be avoided for allergies and viral Colds. The period of medication can vary from 5-28 days, depending on the antibiotic and type of sinusitis. Extended treatments are occasionally recommended. Rarely, resistant sinusitis may require intravenous (IV) courses or direct application of antibiotics into the nose (via irrigations, sprays, or nebulizers).
  • Antihistamines
Antihistamines help to prevent the allergic reactions and block inflammation.
  • Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
These are the sprays that prevent swelling and inflammation in nasal passages.  
  • Oral Corticosteroids    
Oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation throughout the whole body, including the sinus cavities. These medications often are given for severe inflammation or nasal polyps.If none of the above given treatments work, then surgery is recommended to assistant the medicine to work better. This surgery is performed by an otolaryngologist to open the sinus cavities and allow function drainage of the sinus cavities. An in-office minimally invasive procedure, called balloon sinuplasty or balloon sinus dilation, is also an option without the need for cutting. Other procedures are also considered, including Septoplasty and Inferior Turbinate Surgery.
To see Dr. Thomas Higgins, a fellowship-trained Rhinologist (Sinus Specialist) in Kentucky and Indiana, click below
or call (502) 894-8441.