Chronic sinus infections

The paranasal sinuses are hollow areas of the facial and cranial bones. The sinuses are paired (one on the left and one on the right of each type) and are named according to the bones they are contained within: frontal, ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. The function of the sinuses is not well understood. The sinuses have opening into the nasal airway. These openings (called ostia) can become obstructed when the mucosal tissue that lines the sinuses and nasal passages becomes inflamed. An obstructed sinus ostia can lead to a buildup of mucosa within the sinus. This may lead to symptoms of pressure within the facial bones and headaches. Bacteria may become trapped in these obstructed sinuses and can multiply to cause an acute sinus infection or Chronic sinus infections.

Sinus ostia are small openings and are therefore easily blocked when the surrounding tissues become inflamed. There are many causes of inflammation. Allergic disease, bacteria, fungi, or viruses lead to inflammation of tissues. Additional causes include autoimmune diseases. Anatomic abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum or a nasal fracture may also obstruct the airway. Nasal polyps may develop and cause additional obstruction. Less common causes of sinus obstruction include autoimmune diseases and other rare disorders of the immune system.

Both acute and chronic sinus infections are first treated with nasal sprays to try to maintain patency of the sinus ostia. Acute, bacterial sinus infections are often also treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria within the sinus. If these measures do not work, patients may require sinus surgery to reopen sinuses and clear infected tissues.

The otolaryngologists (doctors who specialize in diseases of the ear, nose, throat and other regions of the head and neck) at the Advanced Center for Specialty Care are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of nasal and sinus diseases. If acute or chronic sinusinfections or obstruction persist despite the use of medicines for sinus infection treatment, Chicago otolaryngologists, Dr. Michael Friedman and Dr. TK Venkatasen may recommend surgical treatment. Chronic sinusitis surgery at Chicago’s Illinois Masonic Medical Center is a procedure performed in the operating room. Using instruments inserted via the nostrils, the inflamed or infected tissues are removed and sinus ostia are enlarged to prevent future obstructions. The entire surgery is done through the nose without incisions on the face.