The Nasal and Sinus Center at Creighton University Medical Center, led by Dr. Thomas Dobleman, offers advanced treatment options for nasal and chronic sinus disorders.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining lasting a minimum of eight weeks or, in some cases, the condition may last for years, even a lifetime. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic illnesses.
Common Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Facial pain, congestion, pressure
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus
- Teeth pain
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
For Chronic sinusitis a complete exam is recommended including a fibrotic nasal and sinus exam and a CT scan. Other nasal and sinus problems may mimic or contribute to sinusitis including allergies (chronic Rhinitus). Structural problems such as a septal deviation, enlarged turbinates or even a tumor, either benign or malignant, may also contribute to nasal obstruction and sinusitis.
Treatment
Until recently, chronic sinusitis sufferers have been limited to two treatment options: medication such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional nasal surgery. While medical therapy helps 75 to 80 percent of chronic sinus patients, it is inadequate for the rest. For those patients, sinus surgery is the best option. However, because surgery involves painful bone and tissue removal, many patients opt to live with chronic sinus pain instead.
Creighton University Medical Center offers another option for sinus sufferers,
balloon sinuplasty.