Chronic Sinus Disease

Chronic Sinus Disease is manifested by blockage of the sinus and nasal cavities resulting in frequent sinus infections requiring treatment with antibiotics.  Recurrent sinus infections can result from nasal allergies, nonallergic nasal and sinus inflammation, nasal polyps, exposure to irritants (tobacco smoke) or impaired immune function. At times, recurrent sinus infections are caused by anatomical blockage of the sinuses which is correctable by surgery. We evaluate patients with chronic sinus disease with allergy testing, tests to evaluate adequate immune capacity and CT scans of the sinuses. 

Allergy Shots

Nasal polyp disease
Nasal polyps are often associated with chronic sinus disease. Polyps are formed by soft, painless, inflamed tissue on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses. Nasal polyps are often associated with asthma and rarely, drug hypersensitivity to aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (ibuprofen). Aspirin hypersensitivity is manifested by worsening nasal symptoms and asthma after ingestion of aspirin. Larger nasal polyps can block nasal passages and result in loss of the sense of smell. Nasal steroids can often shrink nasal polyps and reduce symptoms, but surgery is sometimes recommended. In some selected patients with nasal polyps, asthma and aspirin hypersensitivity, patients can be desensitized to aspirin which is followed by daily aspirin use. This procedure can be beneficial in alleviating sinus and asthma symptoms.

Non-allergic rhinitis (or vasomotor rhinitis)
Non-allergic rhinitis is a condition of year roundyear-round nasal symptoms not caused by allergies. The nose can be hyperreactive to chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, cold air, changes in temperature, and eating spicy foods. Symptoms include nasal stuffiness, post-nasal drip, and clear nasal discharge out of the front of the nose. The cause is uncertain but it is likely that neurological reflex responses play a role. Nonallergic rhinitis can lead to complications such as sinus and ear infections. Distinguishing between allergic and nonallergic rhinitis is therefore very important to guide correct treatment. Whereas nasal allergies are treated with avoidance measures, medications, and sometimes allergy injections, nonallergic rhinitis is treated primarily with medications.