Sinuses are air-filled recesses lined with soft tissue located near the nose. The air we breathe passes through the multiple sinuses present in the human skull. Sometimes, our immune system reacts strongly to certain particles present in air, causing swelling and infection in the sinuses. This allergic reaction can be temporary if we are exposed to this allergen only briefly. However, if the exposure is prolonged, the swelling and infection in the sinus also prolong and lead to chronic sinusitis. Some of the common symptoms seen are postnasal drip, headache, pressure and pain around the sinuses, blocked or running nose and repeated throat infections.
Changes in the season can cause an increase in the intensity of symptoms to the tune where the sinus stays swollen or infected for weeks or months. Antibiotics help with the infected sinus, while steam inhalation, warm compress and steroidal nasal spray help with relief from symptoms. Rinsing your nasal passages with neti pot or squeeze bottle has also found some success. When no relief can be found with these methods, some innovative techniques have found success.
Biologics, a biologic derivative, work best on sinusitis with polyps by controlling the response of the immune system.
Drainage of mucous in the sinus using an inflated balloon in Balloon Sinuplasty brings about relief from symptoms.
Sinus Stent Implants are biodegradable stents used post-surgery to maintain open sinus. They maintain a sustained release of anti-inflammatory medications to control the sinusitis.
With advanced imaging and navigation systems, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is an option for severe sinusitis that provides improved outcomes when compared to traditional sinus surgery. These new methodologies have ensured relief from chronic sinusitis, no matter the season.
(The author, Dr. Shama Shetty, is a Consultant – ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, at SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, Bangalore.)
