Chronic sinusitis sufferers have 90 percent chance of improvement with surgery.

By Nick Rees

As many as 34.3 million Americans, or 12.6 percent, suffer from chronic sinusitis, a recent National Health Interview Survey study reports.

Chronic sinusitis is a relatively common condition that causes the cavities around the nasal passages, also know as sinuses, to become inflamed and swollen. It can last for 12 or more weeks despite treatment attempts.

"Sometimes medical treatment, including antibiotics, attention to allergies and anti-inflammatory medication fails to control the symptoms of chronic infection in the sinuses, which is usually evident by symptoms of facial pressure, nasal congestion and chronic drainage," Dr. Stephen Yeh, MD, selected by TopTierMD as one of Chicago’s top rated otolaryngologist, said. "When this happens, sinus surgery may be required."

Other symptoms of chronic sinusitis include the drainage of a thick yellow or greenish discharge from the nose of down the back of the throat. Chronic sinusitis may also cause nasal obstruction or congestion resulting in difficulty breathing through the nose. Pain, tenderness and swelling may also be present around the forehead, cheeks, nose and eyes. Additionally, the senses of smell and taste may be reduced.

"To correct chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery can be performed to widen the sinus passages to promote drainage and healing of the sinuses," Dr. Yeh said. "Sinus surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. We do it endoscopically through a nostril so there are no external incisions.

"Typically, the procedure takes between one to two hours. Post-op, almost all patients are able to breath through their nose because we generally do not need to use removable packing."

The success rate for the procedure, Dr. Yeh said, is generally very high.

"Overall, about 90 percent of people are improved," Dr. Yeh said. "For those who don't improve initially, half improve with revision surgery and some cases can be managed with inhaled antibiotics."

There are many causes for chronic sinusitis, including nasal polyps or tumors that may block the nasal passes or sinuses, allergic reactions that trigger fungal infections of the sinuses, facial trauma and a deviated nasal septum, which may restrict or block sinus passages.

The risk of getting chronic sinusitis is increased by aspirin sensitivities, which may cause respiratory symptoms, medical conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hay fever or other conditions that affect the sinuses, asthma and regular exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke.

Dr. Stephen Yeh, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Chicago. He specializes in surgical treatment of chronic ear disease, salivary glands and chronic sinusitis.