WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Under normal circumstances, the sinuses produce a small amount of mucus. However, when inflammation sets in, the mucosal lining substantially increases mucus production. Inflammation is usually caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or allergic processes.
The inflammation of the nasal sinuses leads to swelling of the sinus mucosa, resulting in blockage of the sinus drainage. Thus, the pus cannot escape into the nose and builds up pressure inside the sinus cavities, causing increased inflammation. This creates a vicious cycle of increasing inflammation and obstruction of the drainage pathways.
THE MOST COMMON
SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS INCLUDE…
- Pain and tenderness
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- General malaise and fatigue
- Thick green or yellow nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip
- Throat irritation secondary to post-nasal drip
- Ear congestion
- Dizziness
- A feeling of facial ‘fullness’ or ‘tightness’
- Aching upper teeth
- Bad breath
- Anosmia (the inability to smell or detect odors)
IN ADDITION,
SINUSITIS CAN LEAD TO…
- Chronic Sinusitis – If untreated, sinusitis may develop into a chronic condition.
- Acute Asthma – Sinusitis can trigger an asthma exacerbation.
- Meningitis – The infection can spread to the lining of the brain.
- Vision Problems – Reduced vision or blindness may occur if the infection spreads to the eyes.
- Aneurysms or Blood Clots – The infection can cause problems in the veins surrounding the sinuses, interfering with blood supply to the brain.
HOW IS SINUSITIS
DIAGNOSED?
The symptoms of sinusitis can resemble those of colds or allergies. Sinusitis can have severe complications so it is important to determine
if you are a victim of sinusitis in Nagpur. There are several methods
and used to help screen for sinusitis:
HOW CAN SINUSITIS BE
PREVENTED?
- Reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections – Minimize contact with people who have colds. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Use a humidifier – Be sure the humidifier is clean and free of mold.
- Limit alcohol consumption
HOW IS SINUSITIS TREATED?
- Antibiotics –
- Saline Nasal Sprays -.
- Decongestants –
- Inhaled Nasal Steroids –
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) – desensitization
- Endoscopic sinus surgery –
- Nutrition – Good nutrition is essential for resisting and recovering from an infection..
- Pain Relievers –
Some types of obstructions do not respond to medications or minimally invasive procedures, in which case endoscopic sinus surgery may be warranted. Dr. Darakshan performs cutting-edge sinus surgery in Nagpur to help improve your breathing as well as your quality of life.
WHAT IS
ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY?
Sinusitis that persists for three months or more is considered chronic.
The most common procedure for the treatment of chronic sinusitis is endoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure is performed to unblock the sinuses when drug therapy is not effective or when sinusitis complications exist, such as structural abnormalities, the spread of infection into the eye, or fungal sinusitis.
HOW IS
ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY PERFORMED?
In endoscopic sinus surgery, fiber-optic surgical techniques are utilized
to open the natural drainage areas of the sinuses and to remove polyps, if any are present. Endoscopic sinus surgery unblocks obstructions, allowing ventilation and drainage. This provides relief from sinus headaches and congestion, improves nasal breathing, and often enhances the patient’s sense of smell.
The goals of endoscopic sinus surgery include:
- Reduction of the number and severity of sinus infections
- Improvement of symptoms associated with sinusitis
- Improvement of airflow through the nose
- Improvement of the patient’s sense of smell
HERE ARE 5 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF SINUS SURGERY:
- Helps prevent future sinus infections –
- Improved sense of smell –
- Diminished facial pain –
- Clears a pathway for sprays and rinses to be more effective –
- Improved sleep –
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is sinusitis, and why does it cause severe discomfort?
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection, allergies, or structural issues. This inflammation can cause symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, headache, and post-nasal drip. Chronic inflammation may also affect sleep quality, productivity, and overall well-being, making early evaluation important.
How does your ENT team approach sinusitis treatment differently?
Our specialists use a comprehensive, personalized approach. We assess your sinus anatomy, medical history, and triggers before recommending treatment, which may include:
Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, corticosteroid sprays for inflammation, or antihistamines for allergy-related sinusitis.
Nasal irrigation: Helps flush out mucus and reduce congestion.
Lifestyle guidance: Tailored recommendations for home care and environmental adjustments.
Minimally invasive procedures: For patients with chronic or structural issues, endoscopic sinus surgery can restore normal sinus function.
This approach ensures faster relief, long-term prevention, and reduced risk of complications.
What lifestyle adjustments can help manage sinusitis?
Simple measures can support medical treatment:
Stay hydrated: Helps thin mucus.
Use humidifiers: Prevents dryness in nasal passages.
Avoid irritants: Smoke, pollution, and allergens can worsen symptoms.
Manage allergies: Reducing triggers lowers the risk of sinus infections.
Integrating these adjustments enhances recovery and reduces recurrence.
When should you consult an ENT specialist for sinus issues?
See a specialist if:
Symptoms persist longer than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.
You experience recurrent infections multiple times a year.
Pain, swelling, or fever is severe.
There is nasal obstruction or post-nasal drip affecting daily life.
Prompt evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, preventing chronic problems.
Can children and older adults experience sinusitis differently?
Yes. Children may show irritability, sleep disturbances, or poor concentration due to sinus discomfort. Older adults may experience prolonged recovery, higher risk of complications, or coexisting conditions that complicate treatment. Our team customizes care based on age, ensuring safe and effective management.
What are the complications of untreated sinusitis?
If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to:
Chronic sinusitis: Persistent inflammation and frequent infections.
Spread of infection: Rarely, infections can reach nearby tissues like the eyes or brain.
Sleep disruption and fatigue: Affecting quality of life.
Early diagnosis and management help you avoid serious complications and improve overall health.
How can you prevent recurrent sinus infections?
You can reduce flare-ups by:
Practicing good nasal hygiene: Regular saline rinses.
Managing allergies: Identify and minimize triggers.
Avoiding irritants: Such as smoke and strong pollutants.
Maintaining overall health: Good hydration, nutrition, and rest support immune function.
Consistent preventive measures complement medical care and minimize recurrence.
Are there long-term solutions for chronic sinusitis?
For persistent sinus problems, a combination of medical management, lifestyle modifications, and targeted procedures may be required. Endoscopic sinus surgery can restore natural drainage and prevent repeated infections. With the right approach, you can regain comfort, reduce flare-ups, and improve quality of life.