FAQs Page 4

Medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for a sinus condition. Most patients respond to some combination of antibiotics, nasal medications, allergy treatment (if indicated), and nasal irrigations.

Many people who have suffered from sinus infections find relief while they are taking medication, but the complaints return when the antibiotics are stopped. In this instance, the correction of the sinus infection may require more than simple medical therapy.

As a rule, medical therapy alternatives are explored - and exhausted - before surgery is recommended.

The most important information is the clinical history. Further information is obtained from a careful endoscopic examination of the interior of the nose with special emphasis on areas critical to sinus function. A CT scan of the sinuses may also be needed.

A nasal endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure using a fiberoptic scope to explore the nasal passages. A careful search is made for structural abnormalities, swelling, polyps, and significant sinus drainage. The procedure is offered as a part of the initial evaluation for all sinus complaints.

If medical therapy does not provide long-term relief, a more in-depth evaluation can be obtained from a CT ("CAT") scan of the sinuses. A CT scan is a type of X-ray that provides significant insight into the architecture of the sinuses.

A CT scan is also quite helpful in demonstrating where the problems are - which sinuses are diseased, how bad they are, the contributing factors to the problem, and other valuable information for the development of a treatment plan.

Should medical therapy fail to provide satisfactory results, surgery may be the next step. If so, the CT scan acts as a "road map" for the surgeon in identifying and treating the problem areas.