The sinuses are small cavities that are filled with air and are located above, in between, and below the eyes. They are connected to the inside of the nose through small tubes that are supposed to ventilate the sinuses and drain any mucus or secretions that accumulate within the sinuses.

The blockage will then lead to accumulation of secretions within the sinuses, which act as a perfect culture for bacteria to grow. This in turn leads to more swelling and inflammation leading to further closure of these tubes that connect the sinuses into the nose. If this is not adequately treated it might turn into a chronic low-grade infection causing symptoms that might persist from a few months to a few years.

Blocked nose, persistent drainage, facial & periorbital pain. Other symptoms include loss of sense of smell & taste, intermittent sore throat & cough due to post nasal drip and excessive tearing of eyes.

The diagnosis is usually based on patient’s symptom description & simple office examination for new cases. If the condition had lasted for a few months, and did not respond to initial treatment, or if the diagnosis is in question, then more studies are needed. There are two important tests, the first one is examination of the inside of the nose using a small endoscope that is inserted into the nose in the clinic to examine the tubes connecting the sinuses to the nose. The other important test is an x-ray called CT scan of the sinuses which shows clearly the inside of the tubes connecting the nose to the sinus.

HOW DO WE TREAT SINUSES?

• Topical steroid nasal sprays to reduce the swelling and promote drainage
• Antibiotic therapy to cure the infection responsible for the fever, pan, blockage
• Pain medication as needed