WHAT ARE COMMON SINUS SYMPTOMS? DOES DR. RIZK TREAT SINUSITIS?

When the sinuses get blocked up, mucous collects. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

• Stuffiness
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Breathing problems
• Excessive drainage in to the nose (rhinorrhea)
• Excessive drainage into the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Bad breath
• Cough with mucous
• Tooth pain
• Bad sense of taste/smell

Sinusitis may be acute or chronic, but always refers to a situation in which the sinuses are not draining correctly due to a blockage. Causes include polyps, a deviated septum, and narrowing of the nasal passages from allergies.

Chronic sinusitis refers to cases in which sinusitis fails to clear up. It is usually due to a bacterial infection, whereas acute sinusitis typically occurs due to a viral infection. Patients with chronic sinusitis may see discharge with pus. The infection may spread, requiring allergy testing and possibly surgery.

Should you require surgery, you will need the help of an experienced ear, nose and throat specialist like Dr. Rizk. The first treatment is allergy testing, and antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and antibiotics may be needed. However, if the condition persists, endoscopic sinus surgery may be the best course of action. This advanced surgery involves the use of a small telescope, which projects an image to a TV screen in the operating room. Endoscopic sinus surgery works by enlarging the sinus openings.

Written by Dr. Sam Rizk