Sinusitis - ENT

Sinusitis Treatment Abroad

Overview
Sinusitis is one of the most commonly experienced complications of asthma. Individuals diagnosed with sinusitis often experience swelling and infection of the nasal passages. The nasal passages as well as the sinuses are located in cavities behind the cheekbones. Sinus cavities are connected through openings to the ear canals as well as the throat.

Individuals diagnosed with sinusitis may experience symptoms such as tender pressure points around the eyes or the cheekbones, sensations of a slightly swollen face, headaches, and throbbing facial or tooth pain. Sinus infections can worsen symptoms of asthma and may require antibiotic treatments.

There are two different types of sinusitis -chronic and acute. Acute sinusitis is a relatively short-term infection or episode, while chronic sinusitis defines recurring episodes of infection or swelling that last months or years. Sinusitis directly interferes with the ability of the nasal passages to drain mucus. Therefore, mucus builds up, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or chronic infections.

Sinusitis Treatments
Regardless of the type of treatment utilized for sinusitis, goals are to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, determine an underlying cause for the condition, and open nasal passageways and draining capabilities. Reducing the number of episodes and individual experiences a person has are also main treatment goals.

Some of the most common treatments for chronic sinusitis conditions include Over-the-Counter and Prescription medications and products such as:

Nasal sprays - these offer short-term relief for acute sinusitis sufferers
Injected or oral corticosteroids - such injections may provide temporary relief from severe sinusitis episodes, especially in the event a person is diagnosed with nasal polyps. Oral-based corticosteroids may lead to side effects when used long-term, so they're not typically used to treat long-term sinusitis, although they are used to treat severe asthmatic symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain relief - ibuprofen, a stem enough in an aspirin are often used to help provide relief of pain caused by chronic sinusitis.
Decongestants - over-the-counter decongestants are also available, but again, provide temporary relief

Antibiotic treatments may also be prescribed for bacterial infections of the sinuses. Studies have shown however, that most chronic sinusitis conditions are not caused by bacteria, so the effectiveness of antibiotics is limited.

Immunotherapy - some chronic sinusitis conditions are caused by allergies. In such cases, yearly allergy shots may provide relief and treat the condition

Surgery, called endoscopic sinus surgery, may be indicated for individuals who have tried other medications are treatments without relief. Endoscopic sinus surgery is most commonly employed when doctors have determined the presence of nasal polyps. Doctors may also opt to enlarged sinus openings to help increase and promote nasal drainage.

How much does sinusitis treatments cost?
Cost of sinusitis treatments will depend on the type of treatment and course of treatment chosen. Individuals diagnosed with chronic sinusitis may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a yearly basis on a variety of medications, nasal sprays, and treatments. Chronic sinusitis patients may spend well over $1,000 a year on medications, nasal steroid sprays, and over-the-counter remedies and antibiotics treatments.

Patients venturing to Mexico or other locations may find or order such medications for less, saving hundreds of dollars a year.

Finding an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon or Specialist
An ear, nose and throat specialist or surgeon undergoes traditional medical school, internship, residency and hospital training and then specializes in ear, nose and throat surgical procedures. An experienced ENT surgeon treats a wide number of conditions and diseases. An ENT surgeon may spend as many as 12 years in schooling and training which includes four years of medical school, one year of general surgery training followed by four years of specialized ENT surgery training and education.

Accredited and certified surgeons should belong to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology or the Entomological Society of America or other similar organizations or boards in the surgeon’s country of origin. Always verify the education, training and experience of any surgeon who may perform surgery and make sure they are licensed to practice in the facility of your choice.