Have you ever experienced facial pain and pressure, difficulty breathing or ear pressure and pain? If so, you might be one of the approximately 37 million people in the United States that suffer from sinusitis.

Healthy sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps germs or particles in the air as it enters the nasal passage. A sinus infection stops the flow of healthy mucus, causing the nasal tissues to swell and trap the mucus in the sinuses.

For many people, this inflammation occurs when a virus or bacteria infect the area, such as a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. However, allergies can also cause sinusitis.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis include:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Discolored nasal discharge (yellow or green)
  • Cough and congestion
  • Toothache
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Tenderness of the face
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Pressure around the eyes, head or forehead
  • Congested or blocked nose

No matter the symptoms, Dr. Shuaib will diagnose your sinusitis into one of two types: acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is a temporary inflammation. If you have any of the above symptoms for up to four weeks, you may be diagnosed with acute sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis occurs when symptoms become more frequent or worse. If you have more than three sinus infections in a year or your symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, Dr. Shuaib might diagnose you with chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis is treated differently based on the cause. Dr. Shuaib treats sinusitis in the least invasive ways possible. Some of his medical treatments include:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Allergy medications
  • Nasal Irrigations
  • Steroid treatments

Dr. Shuaib may also suggest the following conservative treatments:

BALLOON SINUPLASTY

During this procedure, there is no cutting of the nasal bone or tissue. Dr. Shuaib will place a tiny balloon into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses. Then, it is inflated to gently expand and restructure the sinus opening. Fluid may be sprayed into the infected sinus to flush out mucus. The procedure is safe, effective and has a quick recovery. In fact, most patients return to work and normal activity within two days.

FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY

This type of surgery is recommended for patients that have not seen success with previous medical treatments. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that enlarges the drainage pathways of the sinuses. The operation may last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and be performed under general or local anesthesia. Once you awaken from the anesthesia, your nose will feel stuffy and will ache. Dr. Shuaib will prescribe pain medication and an antibiotic to avoid any serious infection.

Dr. Stefan Shuaib is one of the top head and neck surgeons in Texas and provides on-site diagnosis and treatment in the Rio Grande Valley. If you are concerned about any changes or symptoms you have been experiencing, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shuaib by calling (956) 362-8125.

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