Weary from Chronic Sinus Infections?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year 11.7 million Americans visit their physician offices with a primary diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Silver Cross Hospital is offering a free program that will inform area residents about the causes for chronic sinus infections and treatments for healing sinuses.

Sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbone, and in the forehead. Sinuses generate mucus, which helps keep the inside of your nose moist.

“If the tissue in your nose is swollen from a cold, allergies, or environmental causes, it can block the sinus passages,” said Ankit Patel, M.D. “Then your sinuses can’t drain, and you may feel discomfort. If patients continue to suffer with sinus problems, they may have a more severe condition called chronic sinusitis and should see a doctor for treatment.”

Free Lecture

The inflammation of the sinuses is one of the most common problems doctors treat. Dr. Ankit Patel, ear, nose, throat, head and neck surgeon, will present the latest treatments to treat chronic sinusitis including image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery allowing for faster healing and less post-operative pain.

The free Solutions to Sinus Problems program will be held on Tuesday, March 1 from6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

What is chronic sinusitis?

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chronic Sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or longer and is usually caused by prolonged inflammation, rather than a longstanding infection.

Chronic sinusitis lasts for a longer period of time than acute sinusitis and is likely caused by different things. Acute sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms last up to 4 weeks. It is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Infection can be a part of chronic sinusitis, especially when it worsens from time to time, but is not usually the main cause.

Since chronic sinusitis is caused more by inflammation than infection, the treatments for chronic sinusitis are meant to control the inflammation. Saltwater nasal irrigation and/or nasal steroid sprays are the main treatments for the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

It may help to look for other factors that can go along with chronic sinusitis and possibly make the problem worse, and have them cared for too. Some of these causes are allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, and problems with the body’s ability to combat infections.

Finally, if you have recurrent sinus problems, you might talk to a physician about surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years, a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers and was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score SM by The Leapfrog Group.

With nearly 4,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 296-bed acute care hospital and 5 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices.