Sinusitis

By: Timothy L. Smith, MD, MPH, FACS

Professor and Director, Oregon Sinus Center

Nathan B. Sautter, MD
Assistant Professor, Oregon Sinus Center

Lindsay Wyant, MS, PA-C

Instructor, Oregon Sinus Center

Sinusitis

The prevalence of sinusitis has increased dramatically in the last two decades. Today, sinusitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States.

Fifty million Americans, 20% of the nation's population, suffer from sinusitis and many are forced to breathe through their mouth because of the constant stuffy nose. Many people with sinusitis feel there is not much that can be done about this condition and continue to live with it until an uncontrolled acute aggravation of the symptoms forces them to get urgent care from a specialist or emergency room.

Sinusitis is often a chronic disease that includes the symptoms of nasal obstruction, chronic nasal drainage, decreased sense of smell, facial pressure, frequent sinus infections, and inflammation which can lead to chronic fatigue, pain in the upper teeth, headaches, and related respiratory ailments such as asthma.

There is widespread confusion among patients on whether they suffer from allergies, a common cold, or a sinus condition. Symptoms and signs for each condition differ. Understanding that each one requires a unique treatment regimen aids patients in making an informed choice for appropriate medical care.

The various types of sinusitis (allergic, bacterial, or fungal) can require medical treatment, surgical treatment, or both. An otolaryngologist, can discuss the latest diagnostic procedures and provide the optimum course of treatment.