What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled pockets in the bones of the face. An infection usually occurs when swelling prevents adequate draining of fluid from the sinuses. One of the most common health-care complaints in the United States, sinusitis affects over 33 million Americans each year and may be classified as acute or chronic.
Acute sinusitis is generally caused by bacterial infection and tends to occur as a late complication of a common cold. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by bacterial infection but more often is an inflammatory disorder. Immunologic problems are another possible cause of chronic sinusitis, as are structural problems such as tumors, polyps or a deviated nasal septum.

Symptoms of Sinusitis
If you experience repeated colds or sinus infections and have had three or more of the following symptoms for more than 10 days, you may have sinusitis.

Primary Symptoms: - Feeling of fullness/congestion or pain in the face - Pressure behind the eyes - Nasal obstruction; difficulty breathing through the nose - Discolored nasal discharge - Postnasal drip - Foul smell in the nose - Low-grade fever
Secondary Symptoms: - Headache - Bad breath - Fatigue - Dental pain - Cough - Ear pain or pressure

When Pills and Nose Sprays No Longer Help

Tenet HealthSystem’s Doctors Hospital in East Dallas, Lake Pointe Medical Center in Rowlett, RHD Memorial Medical Center in Farmers Branch and Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton and have joined together to create Sinus Centers of Excellence to diagnose and treat chronic conditions.

Many patients may have more than one factor predisposing them to sinusitis, making it necessary to address all plausible causes of the infections. Should surgery become necessary, each hospital is equipped with VectorVision, an integrated Image Guided Surgery system from BrainLAB that helps accelerate the length of and add precision to surgical procedures.

Call toll free 1-866-MY-SINUS today to speak with a clinician to determine if a referral to a board certified specialist is appropriate. Appointments are made available to you within 7 days of your call, and related diagnostic testing is provided within 48 hours of your appointment.

Call toll free today 1-866-MY-SINUS Most insurance plans are accepted.