Problems of the Sinuses

When sinus symptoms or congestion does not get better, medical evaluation is needed. The Sinus Center team is versed in the full spectrum of sinus-related problems, including: 

• Sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses with or without infection
• Runny nose (rhinitis)
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Nasal polyp disease
• Sinus related facial pain
• Nasal discharge and bleeding
• Deviated septum
• Nasal problems affecting taste and smell
• Upper respiratory problems involving the sinuses
• CSF leaks and skull base defects
• Nasal and sinus masses

Sinus problems have their roots in a broad spectrum of causes. At the Sinus Center, the team approach is leveraged to fully investigate every case and custom-tailor the best possible treatment.

All possibilities are investigated, with treatment concentrating first on medical (non-surgical) options with the goal to preserve or improve function of sinuses. When surgery is needed, Mass. Eye and Ear is home to some of the world’s leading ear, nose and throat surgeons specializing in sinus repair.

Prone to problems

Sinusitis begins when the mucosa lining of the nose and sinuses becomes swollen with allergies or illness. The sinuses can become obstructed. If they stay obstructed long enough, the accumulating fluid can become infected.

Sinusitis is suspected when the patient reports

• Headache – when non-sinus sources are ruled out
• Facial pain at the locations of the sinuses
• Nasal congestion/nasal obstruction 
• Thickened and discolored nasal discharge
• Smell and taste loss

A variety of other symptoms can occur, including runny, itchy eyes, cough, ear discomfort, hoarseness and a bad smell in the nose.

Sinusitis can be caused by infection migrating to the sinuses during a bad cold. However, the Sinus Center works to determine other causes, for example nasal polyps or other obstructions that can block the sinuses and encourage infection. The Sinus Center also evaluates facial pain to determine or rule out non-sinus causes, including temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), dental disease and non-sinus headache.

Non-surgical treatment includes antibiotics to fight infection and medicines to help encourage the sinuses to open and drain including: oral and topical decongestants, topical nasal steroids,  antihistamines and nasal/sinus irrigations.

Smoking tends to complicate sinus problems because it disrupts the normal flow of fluid in the sinuses. Smokers are more prone to sinusitis; the success rate in treatment is lower for patients who smoke.