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Sinus Infection/Sinusitis
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages that can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. Sinusitis a condition indicated by the sudden onset (acute) or long term (chronic) sinus infections.
Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.
Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
When sinus infections become recurrent and unresponsive to simple treatment methods, CT scanning and nasal endoscopy can help identify those people who might benefit from sinus surgery. These are generally one-day surgical procedures, but several postop clinic visits can be required to remove splints and bloody crusts. It is not a cure-all for every sinus infection, but patients with five or more sinus infections per year can see a reduction in frequency of infections to the 'normal' one or two per year. This technique is also the standard approach for most benign and some aggressive sinus tumors.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are a common nasal condition that has many causes including dryness, inflammation, and injury and can be exacerbated by blood thinners. Treatment for nosebleeds depends on the underlying cause which can be determined by your doctor after an examination.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between the nostrils, made of cartilage and bone, develops or becomes off center.
A deviated septum is a common condition and many people with a deviated septum do not need treatment.
Some symptoms such as a stuffy nose or postnasal drip may be alleviated with medication, including decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays.
If a deviated septum causes breathing problems or sleep apnea and snoring, surgery may be recommended to repair the septum. Surgery to fix a deviated septum is called a septoplasty, or septal reconstruction.