Ear, Nose And Throat

While it is quite uncommon, sinusitis can become serious, especially in children. If left untreated, an infection that has spread to the eye can cause blindness. Spread of the infection into the brain can result in serious diseases such as meningitis. Fortunately, with the modern antibiotic treatments available, such spread of infection is very rare. […]

Here are some frequently asked questions related to sinusitis: Q: How do I know if I have a deviated septum? A: Only a doctor’s examination can determine if you have a deviated septum. Most people have a slightly deviated septum. Most of the time, it does not aggravate symptoms enough to have it surgically corrected. However, if

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to sinusitis: Sinusitis is a common condition, usually easily treated, in which swelling blocks the opening of the sinuses through which mucus drains into the nose. When mucus drainage is blocked, the result can be a feeling of pressure and pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as

Here are definitions of medical terms related to sinusitis: Allergen: Any substance that causes an allergic reaction because the immune system recognizes it as “foreign” or “dangerous” Antibiotic: A drug that kills a bacteria or virus Antihistamine: A drug that dries excess mucus and blocks allergic reactions Asthma: A disorder of the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing and excess

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on sinusitis: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery  Phone: (703) 836-4444 http://www.entnet.org This is the website for the professional organization of doctors who specialize in otolaryngology (the field of ear, nose and throat medicine). It contains a helpful “Do you have sinusitis?” test. National

There are two different types of sinusitis, and each has different causes: Acute sinusitis Chronic sinusitis Acute Sinusitis Acute sinusitis means that the symptoms of the condition are temporary, usually lasting no more than 30 days. However, the symptoms of acute sinusitis are more severe and painful than the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The most

A doctor will usually diagnose sinusitis based on the symptoms you report and the ones that he or she observes upon examination. Unfortunately, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not give an accurate picture of the sinuses. However, some doctors find an x-ray of the head called a CT scan to be useful. For

Treatment options for sinusitis include: Antibiotics typically clear up an infection within two weeks. However, in the case of chronic sinusitis, antibiotics may need to be taken for up to 28 days. Antihistamines sometimes used to block allergic reactions and dry excess mucus. However, antihistamines should be used with caution, as they can cause severe drying

Sinusitis affects all age groups. Any healthy person can develop it, but certain groups are more prone to it than others. Allergy sufferers are particularly prone to sinusitis, especially during hay fever seasons, or in environments where the air is filled with smoke or fumes. For some people, sinusitis will develop after eating a food