About Sinusitis
Only a Person Who Has Suffered With Sinusitis Understands the Pain and Frustration
Sinusitis . . .
- can rob you of your sense of smell and taste
- can make it difficult to breathe and impossible to sleep
- can throb like a headache*
Unfortunately, many treatment options only offer temporary relief, or they don’t work at all. This can be extremely frustrating and depressing for sinusitis sufferers.
Finding effective, longer-term relief starts with education.
Understanding the Sinuses
The sinuses are four pairs of air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose and eyes. The sinuses work together to warm or cool inhaled air, humidify it and remove dust and allergens.
Several factors can inflame or block the sinuses. They include:
Allergies
Colds and respiratory infections
Nasal polyps
Bacterial infections
An anatomical problem
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the sinus cavities that blocks airflow and drainage. When the sinuses don’t drain properly and mucus stops flowing, the sinuses get backed up. This is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection, often caused by a cold/virus or bacteria. It typically lasts less than four weeks, and often clears up on its own.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is when there are two or more sinusitis symptoms and swelling/inflammation that lasts 12 weeks or longer.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinusitis can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. People suffering from acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis often also experience:
Facial pain and pressure
Nasal congestion and blockage
Lost or reduced sense of smell and/or taste
Headaches
Postnasal drip
Sinusitis symptoms often get misdiagnosed as other conditions. Allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections share similar symptoms.
Chronic Sinusitis Overview
Chronic Sinusitis is . . .
Inflammation that lasts for 12 weeks or longer
Not always treatable by antibiotics1
Expensive; It costs the United States 8.6 billion per year2
Unproductive; It generates 73 million days of restricted activity or lost work3
Treatable; There are new sinusitis treatment options and advances
Could it be sinusitis?
Could your symptoms be signs of chronic sinusitis?
Take the sinusitis self-assessment to find out. TAKE THE ASSESSMENTWhy find an ENT physician ?
If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, you may need to see an ENT physician, who is also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor or an otolaryngologist. These specialized physicians are experts in both the medical and surgical management of chronic sinusitis.
Intersect ENT makes information available about physicians and facilities that offer the PROPEL® mometasone furoate sinus implant. Physicians and facilities are listed based upon proximity to the zip code you have entered.
Learn More About Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a complex and frustrating disease. But learning about the causes, symptoms and treatments available can help you find the solution that is best for you.
December 05th, 2017
How chronic sinusitis affects quality of life and the role of sinus surgery
Breathing is fundamental and usually automatic. If you’re doing it right, you don’t notice it. If your breathing goes wrong,
November 24th, 2017
An overview of nasal rinses and sprays
When sinus conditions occur, there are different topical treatments, or therapies that can be applied directly to the affected area
November 17th, 2017
How long is sinus surgery recovery?
When planning for surgery, it’s important to make sure you have enough time available for a full recovery. Rushing back
* PROPEL is not intended to treat deficits associated with smell, taste or sleep.
1. Han JK, Marple BF, Smith TL et. al., Int. Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2012; 2:271-279
2. National Health Interview Survey 2012
3. U.S. Pharm. 2012; 37(&)27-30
Safety Information
The purpose of the site is to help create awareness about sinusitis and treatment options for the disease. Please note that information contained on this site is not medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for speaking with your physician. Always talk with your physician about diagnosis and treatment information.
The PROPEL sinus implants are intended for use after sinus surgery to maintain patency and to locally deliver steroids to the sinus mucosa: PROPEL for use in the ethmoid sinus, PROPEL Mini for use in the ethmoid sinus and frontal sinus opening, and PROPEL Contour for use in the frontal and maxillary sinus ostia. The implants are intended for use in patients ≥18 years of age. Contraindications include patients with intolerance to mometasone furoate (MF) or a hypersensitivity to bioabsorbable polymers. Safety and effectiveness of the implants in pregnant or nursing females have not been studied. Risks may include, but are not limited to, pain/pressure, displacement of implant, possible side effects of intranasal MF, sinusitis, epistaxis, and infection. For complete prescribing information see IFU at www.IntersectENT.com. Rx only.