Sinus disease is a very important health condition impacting 31 million people in the United States. Sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities within the face. An infection often starts because of inadequate drainage from multiple causes including infections, a narrow opening, allergies, a weak immune system, or some combination of all of the above. Some of the symptoms of sinusitis include postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, nasal congestion, facial tenderness (usually not severe or acute), and bad breath. Sinusitis is more common in asthma. Treatment of sinusitis may improve the underlying asthma. Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis may also cause sinusitis.
Treatments which relieve sinusitis and/or it’s symptoms include antibiotics, antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, nasal saline washes, and in rare cases, surgery.
