Recent studies by otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons have better defined the association between rhinitis and sinusitis. They have concluded that sinusitis is often preceded by rhinitis and rarely occurs without concurrent rhinitis. The symptoms, nasal obstruction/discharge and loss of smell, occur in both disorders. Most importantly, computed tomography (CT scan) findings have established that the mucosal linings of the nose and sinuses are simultaneously involved in the common cold (previously, thought to affect only the nasal passages). Otolaryngologists, acknowledging the inter-relationship between the nasal and sinus passages, now refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitis.

Sinusitis_ENT_Denver

The catalyst relating the two disorders is thought to involve nasal sinus overflow obstruction, followed by bacterial colonization and infection leading to acute, recurrent, or chronic sinusitis. Likewise, chronic inflammation due to allergies can lead to obstruction and subsequent sinusitis.

Other medical research has supported the close relationship between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. In a retrospective study on sinus abnormalities in 1,120 patients (from two to 87 years of age), thickening of the sinus mucosa was more commonly found in sinusitis patients during July, August, September, and December, months in which pollen, mold, and viral epidemics are prominent. A review of patients (four to 83 years of age) who had surgery to treat their chronic sinus conditions revealed that those with seasonal allergy and nasal polyps are more likely to experience a recurrence of their sinusitis.

How your respiratory system works and doesn’t work when it’s sick. The body’s nasal, sinus, and lung membranes have similar responses to viruses, allergic insults, and common bacterial infections. Membranes become swollen and congested. This congestion causes pain and pressure; mucus production increases during inflammation, resulting in extra nasal and chest secretions. These secretions may thicken over time, may slow in their drainage, and may predispose to future bacterial infection of the respiratory system. This applies to the nose, throat, and lungs.

Congestion of the nasal membranes may even block the Eustachian Tube leading to the ear, resulting in a feeling of blockage in the ear or fluid behind the eardrum. Additionally, nasal airway congestion causes the individual to breathe through the mouth.

Each year, more than 50 million Americans seek treatment for sinusitis. They typically complain of nasal congestion, thick yellow-green nasal discharge, facial pain, and pressure. Many do not understand the nature of their illness or what produces their symptoms.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull. Portions of the sinus cavities occupy part of the top of the nose in the middle of your face between your eyes, but other sinuses connect to your nose through small passageways into your forehead, cheek and skull bone in the back of your nose. The connecting passageways are dual purpose in that they allow mucus that is normally formed in the sinuses to exit and also allow air pressure equalization to occur between the nose, the environment outside your nose, and the sinuses. Blockages in the openings from swelling due to colds, flu, or allergies may lead to acute sinus infection which may include the symptoms of increased thick drainage, headache, facial pain, vision changes, and many other symptoms. Sinus complaints at this time are the most common problem for which adult patients seek medical care in the United States!

What Patients Are Saying

I had a severely obstructive scar tissue band removed from my right nasal cavity as well as a turbinate reduction. My surgery with Dr. Rasband was 1 month ago and I am LOVING the outcome! Just a few days after surgery, I was breathing 100% better. Dr. Rasband provided me with some cool pictures of the surgery. Recovery was quite easy, I was actually able to attend a work meeting the next day in office. I saw her a few times since then for post-op appointments. No re-adherence of the scar tissue band, and I am breathing 100% better. It’s amazing to have both sides of my nose open!

Great staff. Got me in right away. Dr. Griffin is great.

Dr. Jeffrey Cutler is terrific. I have had chronic sinusitis for years. Dr. Cutler has mapped out strategies and procedures to mitigate the frequency of my sinusitis episodes. He is personable, relatable, and takes the time to question and completely understand your current situation. He uses diagnostic tools, your history & physical examination to estblish a differential diagnosis and then discusses treatment options with you NOT to you. He is top notch.

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How Do I Know If I Have a Sinus Infection?

Many patients are unsure if they have a nose problem or a sinus problem. In fact, the nose and the sinuses are intimately related and infection or problem with either may easily affect the other. Many other patients are unaware that they have sinus problems at all and have gone on for years believing that they have migraine headaches, uneven vision, or sore teeth. It is not wise to make any assumptions about chronic nose problems, headaches, facial pain, or any related symptoms without seeking the evaluation and advice of your physician.

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It usually is preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. Unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician’s diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to cure the infection and prevent future complications.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection. Diagnosis of acute sinusitis usually is based on a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms. Your doctor also may use CT imaging of your sinuses or obtain a sample of your nasal discharge to test for bacteria.

A viral “cold” that persists for 10 days or more may have become an acute bacterial sinus infection. With this infection, you may notice increased post-nasal drip. If you suspect that you have a sinus infection, you should see your physician for evaluation.

Chronic Sinusitis

When you have frequent sinusitis or the infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe than those of acute; however, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes require surgery to repair.

Chronic Sinusitis occurs when sinus blockages persist and the lining of the sinuses swell further than they may have been during an acute infection. Generally, patients with chronic sinus problems have been experiencing discomfort for at least 3 months without significant relief with antibiotics or other treatments. Polyps (growths in the nose) may develop with chronic sinusitis. Patients with polyps tend to have irritating, persistent post-nasal drip. Evaluation by an otolaryngologist may include an exam of the interior of the nose with a fiberoptic scope and CT scan. If medication does not relieve the problem, surgery may be recommended.

Why Do I Have Chronic Sinusitis and What Can I Do About It?

The astute ENT doctor will be considering many factors that predispose patients to sinus disease, particularly chronic infections. We know from intensive studies in the last decade that the lungs and the sinuses are very similar and in fact are inextricably linked. Asthma and chronic sinus disease will aggravate each other if either is left untreated. Environmental allergies will make management of chronic sinus disease hopeless if left untreated. Medication allergies can also cause swelling in the nose. This is sometimes seen with subtle allergies to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or Naprosyn sodium. Immune dysfunction, even subtle, which otherwise leaves a patient healthy and with a normal lifespan, can wreak havoc on sinus function. Connective tissue diseases, such as those that cause arthritis or autoimmune reactions, can first manifest as sinus disease.

All of these and more are addressed during a thorough sinus disease workup. Imaging in the form of CT or MRI will help to identify anatomy changes that predispose some patients to sinus infection. Appropriate medical treatment often involves several different types of topical nasal sprays, systemic oral therapies, and frequent cultures of nasal secretions to identify uncommon pathogens. Molds and other unsuspected bacteria that otherwise might not be thought to grow in the nose are often found in chronically ill sinus patients

Bacterial Sinusitis

Therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include an appropriate antibiotic, which cannot be based on guesswork alone. If you have three or more symptoms of sinusitis (see chart), be sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Antibiotics offered without the use of culture to identify the offending organism may be an unnecessary risk to your well-being and will likely prolong if not worsen your suffering. In addition to an antibiotic, proper nasal hygiene with the use of saline rinses and appropriate topical sprays should be recommended and maintained, often indefinitely.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance means that some infection-causing bacteria are immune to the effects of certain antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Antibiotic resistance is making even common infections, such as sinusitis, challenging to treat. You can help prevent antibiotic resistance. Maintain your own motivation for getting a culture, following through on the results, and taking the full course of a carefully selected antibiotic. It is important that you take all of the medication just as your doctor instructs, even if your symptoms are gone before the medicine runs out, in order to prevent further resistance of the bacteria growing in your nose and sinuses which may not any longer be causing you symptoms but are waiting for an opportune time to cause you trouble in the future.

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Sinusitis Procedures

Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove physical obstructions that may contribute to sinusitis. Surgery should be considered only if medical treatment fails or if there is a nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications. The type of surgery is chosen to best suit the patient and the disease. Almost always, the surgery is performed through the nose, without external incisions, bruising, swelling, or other temporary appearance alterations.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended for most types of sinus disease. With the endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the nose, while at the same time, removing diseased tissue and polyps and clearing the narrow channels between the sinuses. This is performed under general anesthesia with special microscopic instruments to preserve the important normal structures inside the nose.

Before surgery, be sure that you have realistic expectations for the results, recovery, and postoperative care. Good results require not only good surgical techniques but a cooperative effort between the patient and physician throughout the healing process. It is equally important for patients to follow pre- and postoperative instructions. Sinus surgery is unique in this regard; patient and surgeon relations must continue for quite some time after the procedure to ensure the best long-term results

Preventing Sinusitis

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:

Maintaining excellent nasal hygiene. Use a twice-daily, large-volume nasal rinse to purge your nose of external irritants Considering the long-term use of topical anti-inflammatory and antihistamine sprays to keep nasal mucus membranes in optimum condition Avoid systemic medications that will cause nasal dryness or swelling. These include the regular use of decongestants, antihistamines, certain sleeping aids, and over-the-counter cold and sinus remedies drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin managing your environmental allergies (see our allergy section)

Children & Sinusitis

Your child’s sinuses are not fully developed until beyond age 20. However, children can still suffer from sinus infections. Although small, the maxillary (behind the cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses are present at birth. Sinusitis is difficult to diagnose in children because respiratory infections are more frequent, and symptoms can be subtle. Unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician’s diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to prevent future complications.

The following symptoms may indicate a sinus infection in your child:

  • A “cold” lasting more than 10 to 14 days, sometimes with low-grade fever
  • Thick yellow-green nasal drainage
  • Post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to or exhibited as sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea and/or vomiting
  • Headache, usually not before age 6
  • Irritability or fatigue
  • Swelling around the eyes

If despite appropriate medical therapy these symptoms persist, care should be taken to seek an underlying cause. The role of allergy and frequent upper respiratory infections should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a sinus infection spread through your body?

It is rare but possible that sinus infections lead to blood infections, or to meningitis, an infection around the lining of your brain.

Can an ENT drain your sinuses?

In certain cases, an ENT can drain your sinuses.

Can blocked sinuses cause headaches?

In some cases, yes.

Can I beat a bacterial sinus infection without antibiotics?

You may have a bacterial sinus infection if you have had significant nasal congestion, facial pressure, and possibly fevers for more than 10-14 days. Most of the time, a bacterial infection requires antibiotic at this point.

Can you have sinus headache without congestion?

Yes - you can have a sinus headache without congestion. However, many sinus headaches are not actually related to your sinuses and may represent tension or atypical migraine headaches.

Do I have a cold or sinus infection?

If you have symptoms that persist longer than 10-14 days, you should see your physician.

Does brain MRI show sinus infection?

It can pick up signs of sinusitis, but a dedicated CT scan is much better

Does sinus CT scan show teeth?

Yes - a sinus CT scan does show the upper teeth.

How can I unblock my sinuses?

Nasal irrigations and nasal steroid sprays can help to unblock your sinuses.

How do doctors test for sinus infection?

If your ENT thinks you may have a sinus infection, the doctor may use a small scope to look inside your nose and take a culture of any pus draining from your sinuses. If the exam does not show a clear infection, your ENT may order a CT scan of your sinus, which takes a series of X-rays of your sinuses to let us know whats going on inside the sinuses.

How do you get sinusitis?

At its base, a bacterial sinus infection is caused when the opening of the sinus is blocked. This causes trapped fluid within the sinus itself, which becomes an incubator for infection. Patients who experience recurrent sinus infections may have underlying anatomic abnormalities or allergies that predispose them to infections.

How do you know if you have a bacterial sinus infection?

If you have experienced nasal congestion, thick drainage, facial pressure, and maybe fevers for more than 10 days, you may be experiencing a sinus infection.

How does ENT check sinus?

Using in office nasal endoscopy if they have had prior sinus surgery.

What is sinusitis symptoms and treatments?

Nasal congestion, facial pain, headaches, postnasal drip, occasional upper teeth pain. Over the counter Neil med sinus rinses can help, if that does not work, schedule an appointment with ENT for further evaluation and treatment.

What is the best decongestant?

Over the counter Afrin nasal spray. Although it is not recommended to use longer than 5 days.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

Neil med sinus rinses over the counter or/and antibiotics, oral steroids.

What should I do if I have sinusitis?

Come into the office so we can take a culture and see what bug is growing out.

What triggers sinus headaches?

Inflammation

Which tooth is closest to maxillary sinus?

Upper molars

Will a CT scan show fungal sinusitis?

Yes - a CT scan will show fungal sinusitis.

What is the best cure for sinusitis?

There are various treatment options for sinusitis. These include saline nasal sprays, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, allergy medications, pain relievers, antibiotics, or immunotherapy. The treatment that is right for you will depend on various factors; the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is through a visit with one of our physicians.

Can a sinus infection clear up on its own?

In some cases, sinusitis can clear up on its own- usually within four weeks. However, if symptoms are not cleared up, antibiotics may be needed.

Can you catch sinusitis?

No, sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the bacteria or viruses that may cause sinus infections may be contagious.

Do I need antibiotics for a sinus infection?

If your sinus infection is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics will not be effective. However, if the cause of sinusitis is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

How do you tell if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial?

Sinus infections may be viral or bacterial. Viral infections affect the sinuses, triggering inflammation and mucus buildup, which blocks drainage passageways. Bacterial infections occur on their own or can be created by a viral infection. The best way to determine the right treatment for your sinus infection is to visit one of our ENT specialists.

Read Our Blog

A Quick Guide to Sinusitis

READ BLOG

Common Sinusitis Symptoms

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Dr. Jeffery Cutler headshot
Jeffrey L. Cutler, M.D.
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Dr. Jeffrey Cutler is board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology and received his medical degree at Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans. He performed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. In addition, he completed a 1 year fellowship in nasal and endoscopic sinus surgery.  His area of expertise includes the medical and surgical treatment of complicated sinus and skull base diseases.  Dr. Cutler has published many articles on office based nasal and sinus procedures - particularly on balloon sinus and Eustachian tube dilation  When not at the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, skiing and cycling.

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