Nasal and Sinus Disease
Sinus and allergy disease affects nearly one quarter of all Americans and leads to significant impairment of life's quality, loss of participation in activities and work, and costly efforts seeking over-the-counter and prescription remedies. The Sinus and Allergy division of CENTA was developed in 1991 to provide a center of advanced care for patients who suffer from problems related to their sinuses, allergies and breathing.
Although antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays provide temporary relief from occasional allergy, nasal and sinus symptoms, they may not be the best solution for long-term and effective control. It is preferable to find the potentially elusive causes of the symptoms and eliminate them. Although there are a large number of causes, they often produce similar symptoms. Chronic infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungus cause headaches, congestion, drainage and fatigue, but only bacteria respond to antibiotics.
Although seasonal allergies lead to sneezing, itching and watery drainage, year-round mold or food allergies can create symptoms that are similar to infections. Exposure to irritants such as smoke, chemicals and pollution can trigger congestion, drainage, pressure or headaches. Thorough review of symptoms, environmental exposures, dietary patterns, responses to therapy, examination and prudent testing enable the doctors at CENTA to develop a treatment strategy that can relieve or solve persistent respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms of an irritated respiratory tract can be divided into primary and secondary. The primary symptoms are:
- Congestion or the feeling of blockage or obstruction in the nose or sinuses
- Drainage, which can be cause the nose to run, course through the back of the throat, or be produced by coughing
- Pressure or the sensation of fullness in the nose or sinuses
- Headaches, which can occur anywhere in the head or neck
Secondary symptoms result from the inflammation affecting the body or communicating structures such as the ears, throat, voice box, or lungs. These symptoms are:
- Fever, usually low grade
- Fatigue, lack of energy or desire
- Migraines, often begin with sinus pressure or headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Ear fullness
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Chest tightness
We are the experts in the medical and surgical management of nasal and sinus disease. Although all of CENTA's physicians actively work within this area, Drs. Freeman and Phillips are fellowship trained in Otolaryngic Allergy. Dr. Freeman subspecializes in the management of advanced sinus disease, and Dr. Huntley enjoys working on obstructive nasal breathing as it relates to snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Freeman's particular interest in the frontal sinus has led to his development of the Freeman Frontal Sinus Stent.
Sinus and allergy and related diseases treated at CENTA include:
- Nasal drainage
- Nasal obstruction
- Nasal and facial trauma
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal septal perforations
- Nasal tumors and cancers
- Sinus infections
- Sinus headaches
- Sinus polyps
- Sinus fungal disease
- Seasonal, year-round, mold, candida and food allergies
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this online website is only intended to provide broad consumer information about CENTA. The information should not be considered complete nor used in place of a visit, telephone call, consultation or advice of a physician or other healthcare provider. CENTA and its healthcare providers do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Information obtained by using this website is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, and physical conditions or their treatment. If you have any health-related questions, please call or see your physician or other healthcare provider promptly. You should not disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
