Spokane Valley Ears, Nose and Throat

Sinusitis may be an acute, recurrent, or chronic condition. Frequent sinus infection is often associated with allergy and asthma. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal obstruction, congestion, sinus pressure and pain and nasal drainage. Many symptoms attributed to sinusitis are in fact due to nasal problems such as obstruction due to septal deformity and mucous membrane congestion due to allergy.

Medical Treatment includes antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and sometimes steroid medications. Surgical management may be indicated for unresponsive sinus infection, nasal polyps and fungal sinus disease. Nasal and septal deviations cause obstruction to the nasal airway and contribute to the symptoms associated with sinus infection.

Allergic Management includes avoidance of exposure to various environmental factors or foods to which the patient is allergic. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays help control symptoms. Allergy skin testing and desensitization shots may be indicated.

Surgery involves opening the obstructed sinuses and draining infection and removal of polyps. This is usually done endoscopically through the nose, but occasionally requires external incisions. Most procedures are done as an out patient.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is performed in the operating room, on an ambulatory basis, usually under general anesthesia. Small telescopes are used to examine the nose and sinus openings and to observe and monitor the sinus procedure. The sinuses are opened and drained or are biopsied with small instruments inserted through the nose or occasionally under the upper lip. Enlarging the sinus openings and removing obstructing tissue or polyps usually controls the problem of chronic infections.

CT Scans of Sinuses provide valuable, cost-effective, comprehensive x-ray information about the extent of sinus and nasal disease. Scans help to determine whether surgery is indicated and assist in monitoring the progress of treatment.