ENT Services / Sinus Disease Treatment

Sinus Disease In Atlanta, GA

Millions of Americans suffer from sinus disease, and it can get in the way of your everyday life.

What Is Sinus Disease?

Your sinuses are passages that lie near the side of your nose and go up towards the bottom of your skull. They should allow for drainage, but can get blocked and develop sinus disease.

Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis can be the result of the common cold and usually goes away on its own if there are no complications. You have chronic sinusitis if your symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, and recurring sinusitis is when your symptoms continue to return after you treat them.

Symptoms of Sinus Disease?

Symptoms of Sinus Disease

Headaches that are not migraines.
Pain and pressure around the eyes and cheeks.
Thick yellow or green mucous discharge.
Stuffy nose.

TYPES OF SINUS INFECTIONS

The sinus passages surrounding the nose can develop various infections that are divided into four types.

Viral infections. Viruses are the most common cause of sinus infections, presenting with congestion, clear to slightly colored nasal discharge, and sinus pressure. They are most common in the winter and resolve after five to seven days. Viral sinusitis treatment in Atlanta consists of saline nasal sprays, decongestants, rest, and hydration.
Acute bacterial infections. Bacteria can infect the sinuses after episodes of viral or allergic sinusitis when normal immunity is compromised. Compared to viral infections, bacterial sinusitis is associated with more pain and pressure, consistently discolored nasal discharge, and may present with a fever. These typically do not resolve after five to seven days requiring antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, and decongestants to fully treat.
Chronic bacterial infections. Even with the resolution of bacterial sinusitis symptoms and treatment, acute infections can persist, causing chronic bacterial infections. Symptoms include nighttime nasal congestion and snoring with chronic coughing, hoarseness, and throat clearing. These infections typically occur in patients with abnormalities in nasal anatomy, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or narrow sinus passageways. Successful treatment consists of in-office non-surgical balloon sinuplasty and treatment of associated nasal abnormalities.
Fungal infections. Fungal sinusitis is a severe allergic reaction to mold spores resulting in significant swelling of the lining of the sinuses and the development of polyps. These typically present with similar symptoms as chronic bacterial infections but fail to respond to antibiotics. Treatment consists of balloon sinuplasty, polyp removal, and sinus irrigation with an antifungal solution followed by prescription medications.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR SINUS INFECTIONS?

Individuals with the following risk factors are more likely to develop sinus infections:

Allergic rhinitis secondary to various environmental allergens (pollen, ragweed, molds)
Diseases that affect the cilia within the nose (primary ciliary dyskinesia)
Thickened mucous secretions (cystic fibrosis)
Smokers
Weakened immune systems (HIV, chemotherapy)
Abnormalities in sinus anatomy (deviated septum, polyps, narrowed passageways)

SINUSITIS TREATMENT COSTS IN ATLANTA

Sinusitis treatment in Atlanta costs can range from $3,500 to over $10,000, depending on the complexity of the sinus surgery. Fortunately, many health insurances cover sinus surgery if it is medically necessary. The overall out-of-pocket expenses with your insurance will depend on the plan’s coverage and deductible. Contacting your health insurance carrier can help determine the expected cost of the procedure based on your coverage.

For those without insurance, the wide range in pricing can be intimidating. However, during the initial consultation, Dr. Aaron Fletcher will provide a detailed explanation of the procedure’s cost and any post-surgical expenses that might be encountered. This upfront pricing helps to eliminate any confusion and reduce the financial stress of the surgery.

Surgical treatment of sinusitis can be performed on-site in the comfort of our office, which reduces the need for expensive hospital and operating room fees, and also simplifies your experience.

Solutions to Sinus Disease

The first strategies to try are conservative approaches that can help get rid of symptoms. The goals are to reduce inflammation, get rid of any infections, and promote draining of your nasal passageways. At home, you can use a warm compress or try breathing over hot water to clear out your sinuses. You can also be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Sometimes medications can help.

Oral or injected corticosteroids to fight inflammation.
Nasal corticosteroids
Nasal irrigation with sprays or solutions to get rid of irritants.
Antibiotics to fight infection.

You might need surgery such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is more conservative but still effective, and you can get it done in on-site at Georgia Center for Ear, Nose, and Throat. Our ENT Otolaryngologists can evaluate you and recommend the best course of action for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

SINUS DISEASE TREATMENT FAQ

How serious is sinus disease?

Mild sinus disease can be quite problematic. It can lead to trouble breathing, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and general fatigue. Severe or prolonged sinus disease can spread to other areas of the face and head, including the eyes, and may even cause damage to the eye sockets and potentially permanent vision loss. It is advised to seek treatment for chronic or severe sinus disease as soon as possible to prevent possible long-term complications.

How long does sinus disease last?

Sinus disease can be intermittent, lasting a few weeks at a time to upwards of a few months. Unlike sinus infections which are triggered most often by a virus or bacteria, sinus disease is a result of a complex inflammatory disorder and thus can have many triggers or causes and can last for varied lengths of time.

It is important to get diagnosed as quickly as possible as the side effects, symptoms, and treatment options are different compared to a standard sinus infection.

What foods should you avoid if you have sinus problems?

Certain foods should be avoided if you have a history of sinus problems. First on the list of foods to avoid is dairy products. These products are known to cause congestion and aid in the production of mucus, which can worsen existing sinus conditions. Refined sugars, found in most snacks and sugary drinks, can cause inflammation, and foods with gluten can also aggravate the sinuses.

Other foods like tomatoes contain certain histamines that can trigger an allergic or immune response, particularly in those who are already sensitive.

How much does sinus surgery cost?

The cost of sinus surgery in Atlanta depends on a number of different factors, so we cannot provide an exact quote. Things like age, health, risk factors, any additional preparation or care, and insurance coverage all go into the cost of sinus surgery.

It is best to speak with our sinus doctor in Atlanta about your situation, and after reviewing all of the relevant information, they will be able to give you a better idea of the cost of your individual sinus surgery.

LOOK AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL!

The Georgia Center for Ear, Nose, and Throat is more than an advanced sinus treatment facility. We offer a wide array of cosmetic facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Aaron Fletcher and his staff are committed to making sure you feel comfortable in each stage of the process. Call and schedule a consultation to learn more about Dr. Fletcher’s brow lift and other facial procedures. Call us at 678.902.9495 or contact us online for your consultation.

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