Sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses or nasal passages become inflamed and swollen due to bacterial, fungal, viral, and allergic processes. The inflammation in the sinuses leads to blockage of sinus drainage pathways and causes mucus buildup.

Common symptoms include: nasal stuffiness, facial pain and pressure, colored mucus, headaches, fatigue, upper teeth discomfort, decreased sense of smell, and ear fullness. These symptoms can be similar to those of colds or allergies.

Sinusitis, however, can lead to severe complications and therefore should be considered as a potential source of such symptoms. There are several diagnostic tools Dr. Chang uses to help screen for sinusitis.

• Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible fiberoptic camera is placed into the nostril and is used to visualize the sinuses. It provides visualization of the sinonasal anatomy and sinonasal mucosa (membrane), as well as growths or other abnormalities of the nasal or sinus cavities. It is a typically a painless procedure and only takes a couple minutes to perform.
• CT scan: Computerized tomography (CT) scans make detailed pictures of the nose and sinus cavities. It can identify inflammation or physical obstruction that may be difficult to detect using an endoscope.
• Sinus culture: Performing a culture, or sampling of fluid from the nose, can aid in identifying the bacteria or fungus responsible for sinus inflammation. This is often used when medical treatment fails.
• Allergy Testing: If the condition is caused by or exacerbated by allergies, an allergy skin test may be recommended. This may help identify allergens responsible for recurrent sinus infections. This is a quick, painless procedure performed on the back. Results are available within
  minutes.

Dr. Angela Chang uses the latest and most advanced medical and surgical techniques in treating nasal and sinus disease. She focuses on innovative techniques and treatment modalities that offer her patients long term results while minimizing risk. She is committed to treating the underlying cause, and not just the symptoms, of recurrent sinus problems. Treatment for sinusitis may include:

• Antibiotics: The type and duration of antibiotic is selected based on extent of disease, culture results, and medical judgment.
• Saline nasal sprays: Simple and effective, nasal saline sprays and sinus rinses can significantly reduce nasal congestion and improve clearance of crusts and mucus that often develop in the nose.
• Inhaled nasal steroids: These nasal sprays decrease inflammation in the nose and sinuses, which can then reduce congestion and improve sinus drainage.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops): If allergies are contributing to chronic sinusitis, re-training the immune system through allergy desensitization may help alleviate the condition.
• In-office balloon sinuplasty: Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure in which a balloon is used to dilate the natural sinus opening in order to improve sinus drainage pathway. It can be performed in-office or used in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery.
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery: When sinusitis in no longer responsive to medication, endoscopic sinus surgery may be an option.