Sinusitis
NY Sinus and Thyroid Surgery Center
New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center – Edward J. Shin M.D.
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310 E. 14TH STREET 6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

Sinusitis Treatment NYC

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

Dr. Edward Shin offers sinusitis treatment in NYC for patients with chronic or severe cases of sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from sinusitis every year and require sinusitis treatment. While most people are bothered from a relatively short-term infection that may clear up after a few weeks (known as acute sinusitis), others can develop chronic sinusitis that, despite treatment, lasts more than 8 weeks or keeps returning. Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, can also be associated with the development of nasal polyps or other sinus conditions. While chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat, there are some measures that can help manage the disease and provide relief. At New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center, we offer a full range of advanced medical and surgical sinusitis treatments in NYC.

SINUSITIS OVERVIEW
CAUSED BY INFLAMMATION OF THE SINUS LINING
CAN AFFECT ALL 4 OF THE SINUS PAIRINGS (MAXILLARY, ETHMOID, FRONTAL, & SPHENOID)
INHIBITS MUCUS FROM DRAINING PROPERLY
CAN LEAD TO BACTERIAL OR VIRAL SINUS INFECTIONS
MAY CAUSE IMPAIRED BREATHING, RUNNY NOSE, NASAL DISCHARGE, HEADACHES, & MORE
CAUSES MUCUS TO FILL THE SINUS CAVITY
MAY BE EXACERBATED BY ALLERGIES & INFECTIONS
SINUSITIS MAY BE ACUTE, CHRONIC, OR REOCCURRING
VARIOUS SURGICAL & NON-INVASIVE SINUSITIS TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS
Sinusitis Treatment

What Are The Sinuses?

The sinuses are 4 pairs of air-filled spaces located on the sides of the nose (the maxillary sinuses), behind the eyes (the ethmoid sinuses), in the forehead (the frontal sinuses), and at the back of the nasal cavity (the sphenoid sinuses). Sinuses help to moisten the air as we breathe. They also produce mucus to help trap dust and germs.

When the sinuses are functioning normally, the mucus they produce drains out of the sinus passages and is directed down the throat to the stomach. However, if the sinuses become inflamed, the tiny openings that help to drain the sinuses can become blocked, preventing mucus from draining. The trapped mucus creates an environment in which infections can take hold; this helps explain why many patients with chronic sinusitis also develop reoccurring sinus infections.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to inflammation in the lining of the sinuses. When the sinus pathways are inflamed, mucus cannot drain properly. Improper drainage causes backups and can foster the growth of bacteria. Sinusitis attacks make you feel miserable. They can cause a wide range of symptoms that can include difficulty breathing, headaches, pain behind the eyes and cheeks, persistent nasal discharge, fever, and fatigue. Beyond the discomfort of these symptoms, if sinusitis is left untreated, in rare cases it can lead to severe medical problems and even death.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS

There are 3 main types of sinusitis: acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS
Acute Sinusitis
Symptoms last a few weeks before dissipating. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by an infection or sudden exposure to allergens.
Subacute Sinusitis
Symptoms can last for up to 8 weeks before dissipating. Subacute sinusitis is typically due to infections or seasonal allergies.
Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms last longer than 8 weeks or keep reoccurring. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by underlying sinus conditions or unknown exposure to allergens.

What Causes Sinusitis?

One of the reasons sinusitis is difficult to treat is because it’s often hard to determine the exact causes for a specific case of sinusitis. While allergies and infections often play a role in exacerbating nasal inflammation, in many cases they are not the root cause of the condition; that is why chronic sinusitis often can’t be cured with antibiotics and allergy treatments alone. Some causes of chronic sinusitis may include:

SYMPTOMS OF ENLARGED TURBINATES
Allergies
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Nasal polyps or sinus tumors
Deviated nasal septum or another deformity in the nose or sinus
Respiratory tract infections
Other medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux or immune disorders
Irritation of the sinus lining from chemical or environmental factors, such as smoking
Side effects of medication

What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis?

Below are some common symptoms of sinusitis. Many of these symptoms overlap with other sinus-related conditions, so it is important to see a sinusitis specialist to receive a professional diagnosis.

SINUSITIS SYMPTOMS
TROUBLE BREATHING THROUGH THE NOSE
PERSISTENT NASAL DISCHARGE (OFTEN YELLOW OR GREEN IN COLOR)
COUGH (WHICH MAY BE WORSE AT NIGHT)
HEADACHES
PAIN BEHIND THE EYES, FOREHEAD, & CHEEKS
ALTERED SENSE OF TASTE & SMELL
PUFFY OR WATERY EYES
EAR PAIN
POST-NASAL DRIP
SORE THROAT
ACHING IN THE UPPER JAW & TEETH
FEVER

What Are Some Common Sinusitis Treatments In NYC?

While medications are usually effective in treating the acute and subacute forms of sinusitis, longer-term chronic sinusitis is more difficult to treat. Depending on the underlying causes for your condition, Dr. Shin will develop a sinusitis treatment plan that will focus on:

SINUSITIS TREATMENTS FOCUS ON
Relieving symptoms
Reducing inflammation
Promoting sinus drainage
Maintaining open sinuses
Eliminating underlying causes, when possible
Removing nasal polyps and other sinus obstructions
Reducing severity, duration, and frequency of attacks

There are many medical and non-surgical treatments to help control symptoms. Saline nasal spray may be recommended to rinse nasal passages. Decongestants can help improve airflow and breathing function. Nasal corticosteroids can prevent and reduce inflammation. In certain situations, our sinusitis specialist may suggest oral or injected corticosteroids for short-term use only. Patients who are suffering from infections that exacerbate sinusitis are given antibiotics to treat the infection. Those with allergies that cause chronic sinusitis symptoms may be recommended allergy shots and other treatments.

Sinusitis Surgery

Can Sinus Surgery Treat Sinusitis?

Dr. Shin may also explore sinusitis surgery to improve sinus drainage and remove nasal polyps. Chronic sinusitis surgery involves using endoscopic technology and digital imaging to see inside the nasal and sinus cavities in real-time. Dr. Shin can remove obstructions, open the sinus passageways, and flush out buildup from the sinuses to help relieve symptoms using the below techniques.

SINUS SURGERY TREATMENTS
Balloon Sinuplasty
This sinusitis surgery method uses small balloon catheters to slowly inflate the sinus pathways. Once the sinuses are opened, our sinusitis doctor will clear out mucus from the sinus cavity using a saline rinse.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis uses an endoscopic probe to see inside the sinuses. Blockages can be identified and removed to allow for proper sinus drainage. The sinuses can also be flushed out to clear congestion.

Your sinusitis treatment will depend on your individual symptoms and situation. Dr. Shin can discuss which chronic sinusitis treatments are right for you during your consultation.

How Do I Learn More About Sinusitis Treatment In NYC?

Our sinus surgeon in NYC would be happy to discuss acute, subacute, and chronic sinusitis treatments in more detail with you. To schedule a consultation, please call 646.943.7985 or request an appointment online at our NYC office.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Edward J. Shin, M.D.

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985

New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Of Mount Sinai

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985