A clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is available at Muskogee Regional Medical Center. The Balloon Sinuplasty system uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.

Historically, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

There is an alternative solution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty technology. A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Sinusitis is generally caused by a cold or an allergy. When a cold or allergy takes place, swelling of the sinus cavity lining occurs. When bacteria enter the sinus cavities, they attack the swollen lining which then causes greater inflammation. The cilia is a part of the sinuses which usually flushes out the bacteria and mucus. When a large amount of inflammation occurs, the cilia can no longer function as it should and so the bacteria and mucus end up becoming trapped in the cavities and as a result the sinusitis infection takes place.

Frequently, the symptoms of an acute sinusitis infection may include cough, congestion, facial pain and pressure, green nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is known as chronic sinusitis and can have added symptoms such as loss of sense of taste and smell and fatigue may also be experienced. Other symptoms may also occur depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies in. A sinus headache may also occur. A sinus headache happens then the inflammation from the sinusitis infection pushes on the nerves. Other symptoms such as upper tooth pain may occur because of the pressure also.

There are numerous medications and treatments meant to offer relief to the sinusitis infection sufferer. One of the most common treatments is oral medications such as antibiotics, decongestants, and anti-fungals. Oral medications work on infections and other problems by traveling through the blood stream to the infected area. In the sinus cavities there are very few blood vessels. Since the oral medications use the blood stream to flow to the area where they are needed, only a small amount of the medication can be delivered to the sinusitis infection which may lead to little or no relief from the treatment. Also since these medications use the blood stream, it then is distributed through out the rest of the body also which can lead to many side effects such as stomach pain, drowsiness, amongst many others depending on which type of medication is being used.

There are also many treatments which are directly distributed into the sinus cavities. These treatments are generally meant to help moisten the cilia so that it can flush out the trapped mucus and bacteria. Nasal sprays are commonly used and can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. The nasal sprays may offer some relief to the lower part of the sinuses but often times may not help the infection since their particle sizes are too large to make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to the sinusitis infection. The same holds true for a treatment called irrigation which distributes saline up to the sinus cavities. Irrigation is also very messy and generally unsuccessful in offering relief.

A newer treatment that is used nasally is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications are used very much like nebulized asthma medications. These antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories are broken down into a small particle size so that it can pass the inflammation and make its way up to the sinusitis infection. Generally a small amount of these medications are used which results in little to no side effects in the rest of the body.

There are many options on the market which are meant to offer relief for sinusitis infections. It is important to find the treatment that works best for you and to treat the infection before it worsens and surgery is then left as the only option.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a cold or an allergy. When a cold or allergy takes place, swelling of the sinus cavity lining occurs. When bacteria enter the sinus cavities, they attack the swollen lining which then causes greater inflammation. The cilia are small hairs in the sinuses which usually flushes out the bacteria and mucus. When a large amount of inflammation occurs, the cilia can no longer function as it should and so the bacteria and mucus end up becoming trapped in the cavities and as a result the sinusitis infection takes place.

Oftentimes the symptoms of an acute sinusitis infection may include cough, congestion, facial pain and pressure, green nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is considered a chronic sinusitis infection and can have added symptoms such as loss of sense of taste and smell and fatigue may also be experienced. Other symptoms may also occur depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies in. A sinus headache or tooth pain may also occur. This happens then the inflammation from the sinusitis infection pushes on the nerves.

There are numerous medications and treatments meant to relieve the symptoms of a sinusitis infection and to cure the infection itself. One of the most common treatments is oral medications such as antibiotics, decongestants, and anti-fungals. Oral medications work on infections and other problems by traveling through the blood stream to the infected area. There are some problems in using oral medication in a sinusitis infection due to the fact that in sinus cavities there are very few blood vessels. Since the oral medications use the blood stream to flow to the area where they are needed, only a small amount of the medication can be delivered to the sinusitis infection which may lead to little or no relief from the treatment. Also since these medications use the blood stream, it then is distributed through out the rest of the body also which can lead to many side effects such as stomach pain, drowsiness, amongst many others depending on which type of medication is being used.

There are also many treatments which are directly distributed into the sinus cavities. These treatments are generally meant to help moisten the cilia so that it can flush out the trapped mucus and bacteria. Nasal sprays are commonly used and can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. The nasal sprays may offer some relief to the lower part of the sinuses but often times may not help the infection since their particle sizes are too large to make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to the sinusitis infection. The same holds true for a treatment called irrigation which distributes saline up to the sinus cavities. Irrigation is also very messy and generally unsuccessful in offering relief.

A newer treatment that is used nasally is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications are used very much like nebulized asthma medications. These antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories are broken down into a small particle size so that it can pass the inflammation and make its way up to the sinusitis infection. Generally a small amount of these medications are used which results in little to no side effects in the rest of the body.

There are many options on the market which are meant to offer relief for sinusitis infections. It is important to find the treatment that works best for you and to treat the infection before it worsens and surgery is then left as the only option.

There are different types of sinuses: frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid and the symptoms might differ when each one is affected; the symptoms also differ for acute and chronic sinusitis.

The role of the sinuses is not completely elucidated, scientists believing that the sinuses are important in absorbing impacts that occur from the front and preventing them from affecting the brain. They are also important in warming, moistening and filtering the inhaled air.

In the air there are numerous bacteria and when breathing we inhale them. If the cilia filter is malfunctioning, these bacteria can get blocked in the sinus cavities and produce an infection.

For acute sinusitis, that generally lasts 2-3 weeks, doctors recommend antibiotic treatment for 5 to 7 days. The chronic sinusitis lasts longer, about 6-8 weeks and it is more difficult to treat. Infectious sinusitis is generally caused by a bacteria; the non-infectious one is caused by pollutants and allergic factors.

The sinus infections affect every year 37 million Americans. Sinusitis also appears when the nasal membrane gets affected by pollutants, cold or dry air and becomes inflamed. People who have a weakened immune system (due to cancer, HIV, diabetes), children and elders can easily develop sinusitis. People who work in places exposed to infections, people who suffer of allergies, and smokers are more vulnerable to sinusitis than others.

If a patient has followed the classical antibiotic therapy and there were no signs of improvement the surgical therapy will be recommended because a complication could have occurred: the infection of the facial bones.

Some general symptoms of sinus infection are: headaches, fatigue, facial and upper jaw pains, and tenderness of the sinus area, sore throat, cough, colored nasal drainage, bad breath and swollen eye lids.

If symptoms last longer than 10 days you should call your doctor before any complications occur.

The doctor will diagnose sinusitis by looking inside the nose with an endoscope, then request for a computerized axial tomography, and even a MRI. Others might perform a rhinoscopy for looking into the back of the nasal passages.

Treating sinusitis is made with drugs prescribed by the doctor, and some home remedies.

The treatment must kill the bacteria, make facial pain and pressure disappear, clear up the nasal cavities and maintain intact the sinus and nasal tissues.

For keeping your cilia system intact and for avoiding or recovering more quickly after sinus infections you should drink hot tea. If you get hydrated, your cilia movements will improve and the mucus from your sinuses will be washed out, so you will cure faster. Chicken soup is also helpful.

Applying wet bandages on your face also helps. The compresses must be soaked in warm water in order to help the cilia move more efficiently. You must apply them three times a day and keep them for five minutes on your face. You can also use steam inhalations to minimize your nasal congestion.

The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic drug (oral or inhale drugs) if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterium; a decongestant, analgesics who will reduce the pain and corticosteroids to slow down the inflammation in the nasal cavities.

The most important thing is preventing sinus infections by keeping your nose clear, quitting smoking and treating well and as soon as possible any type of colds and allergies

You can visit http://www.sinus-infection-guide.com or http://www.sinus-infection-guide.com/home-remedies.htm for more home remedies information

Sinus headaches can be very sever and is always accompanied by stuffy nose and a persistent green or yellow colored nasal discharge. There are several very effective over the counter cures for sinus headaches and sinusitis. Unfortunately, these treatments have been known to fail among individuals who have mistakenly diagnosed themselves to have sinusitis and therefore suffer from sinus headaches.
In severe rare cases, one may also experience ear aches, neck and top of the head pains as part of the sinusitis headache symptoms. It is important to take note of all the symptoms of sinusitis because a lot of individuals only think that they have sinus headaches when in fact, they are actually suffering from migraines instead.

It is important to note that sinusitis headache is not the only symptom of sinusitis. If it is indeed sinusitis, you will experience inflammation and tenderness of tissues around the eyes resulting in swollen eyelids and red eyes. Aside from this, there can be a loss of smell from a congested nasal passage.

Furthermore, aside from sinus headaches and other symptoms already mentioned here, sinusitis could trigger fever and cough. The cough can sometimes be a result of a post nasal drip from the draining of the sinuses that irritate the upper windpipe which causes it to be sore and encourages us to cough as a result. Sinusitis is also always accompanied by general weakness and tired feeling.
While it is true that up to 97% of individuals who think they suffer from sinusitis headache symptoms are mistaken because they are actually suffering from migraine, it is very important to make the correct distinction between the two. First, one needs to be properly diagnosed for illness specific medication treatment. It can be quite frustrating to be taking sinus medication to treat sinus headache symptoms when in fact; the headache is cause by a migraine.

With this said, one must never take the sinus headache symptoms for granted and haphazardly assume that it is a migraine. In some rare instances of complications, sinus headache symptoms may be a signal of acute sinusitis, which results in brain infection.It is therefore very important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment whatever the cause of the headache.
Studies have been reported to produce results that show that among individuals who think they suffer from sinus headaches, up to 97% of them actually suffer from migraine instead. It was found that people and sometimes doctors mistake migraine for sinus headaches, resulting in false and useless treatments. Imagine suffering needlessly with these supposed headaches and not getting the much sought after relief from use of sinusitis medication. Naturally, if you suffer from migraine and not sinus headaches, you must get migraine specific medication.

Otherwise, you will continue to suffer from migraines without getting proper treatment and this of course can result to a serious impediment on the quality of life you deserve to enjoy. It is quite easy to mistake migraines for sinus headaches because some individuals who suffer migraine also suffer from sinusitis like symptoms such as pain in the face area as well as a stuffy nose and ref puffy eyes. Although, people must keep in mind that if it is indeed a sinus headache induced by a sinus infection then along with the other symptoms, the person with sinusitis will have constant yellow or green nasal discharge. Without this, it is not a sinus headache from sinusitis. It could be migraine.

To help you and your doctor be able to correctly diagnose the root cause of your headache and determine whether it is indeed sinus headache or migraine, it has been said that it is helpful to keep a headache diary. Keeping tabs and taking notes every time one experiences a headache can help one accurately log the experience and details that may otherwise have been neglected will be highlighted and will help in proper diagnosis.

The sinuses can cause many problems. The most common problem is a sinusitis infection. A sinusitis infection is caused by a blockage of bacteria and mucus in the sinus cavities. The blockage begins usually with a cold or allergy. The sinus cavity lining becomes swollen when a cold or allergy exists. When bacteria get into the sinus cavities, they attack the swollen lining which then causes greater inflammation. The cilia, which are tiny hairs in the sinuses, are used to flush out bacteria and mucus. When the inflammation from the bacteria occurs, the cilia can no longer flush out the bacteria and mucus therefore it becomes trapped and the sinusitis infection begins.

There are many symptoms which can take place with sinusitis. Commonly, a person may experience cough, congestion, facial pain and pressure, green nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is considered chronic and can have additional symptoms such as loss of sense of taste and smell and the person may also become fatigued.

There are many forms of treatment for a sinusitis. Nasal sprays are one common treatment. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution up into the sinus cavities. Nasal sprays are meant to moisten the cilia so that the trapped bacteria and mucus can be washed out. The problem with nasal sprays however is that they have large particle sizes that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics and other oral medications are also frequently used treatments. Oral antibiotics work on infections by flowing through the blood stream to the infected area. Oral antibiotics are usually ineffective when it comes to sinusitis infections due to the fact that there are only a small amount of blood vessels in the sinus cavities which makes it difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic, along with anti-fungals and anti-inflammatories, to make it to the sinus infection. Another treatment that may be used is irrigation. Irrigation, like nasal sprays, is meant to moisten the cilia so that it can function properly. Also like nasal sprays, it is difficult for it to make it through the inflammation and to the sinuses. Irrigation is also usually a very messy treatment.

Surgery is a treatment option which is usually used when all other treatments have failed. Sinus surgery is painful and usually only offers short term relief since during the surgery they only remove a portion of the inflammation and infection which causes the infection to usually return. Many sinusitis suffers end up having several sinus surgeries in their lifetime.

Our sinuses have important functions and it is important to keep them clear from infection and preventing it from getting to the point of surgery. A sinusitis infection can become an inconvenience in many ways and also may cause future problems for the sinus cavities. It is best to take care of a sinusitis infection at the beginning and to prevent it from becoming chronic and from leading to surgery.

Sinusitis usually is caused by a cold or an allergy. Swelling of the sinus cavity lining occurs with a cold or allergy. When bacteria enter the sinus cavities, and attack the swollen lining, greater inflammation occurs. The cilia is what usually flushes out the bacteria and mucus but when a great amount of inflammation occurs, the cilia can no longer function and so the bacteria and mucus become trapped in the sinus cavities and as a result the sinusitis infection begins.

The problems which may occur with acute sinusitis may include cough, congestion, facial pain and pressure, headache, green nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. When the sinusitis infection becomes chronic and lasts for twelve or more weeks, a person can have added problems such as loss of sense of taste and smell and fatigue may also take place. Other symptoms may also occur depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies in.

There are several medications and other treatments that are meant to help offer relief for the symptoms that occur with a sinusitis infection. Oral medications such as antibiotics, decongestants, and anti-fungals are commonly used treatments for sinusitis. Oral medications work on infections and by traveling through the blood stream to the area where the infection lies. Oral medications use the blood stream to travel to the area where they are needed, but in the sinus cavities there are only a small amount of blood vessels so only a small amount of the medication can be delivered to the sinusitis infection which generally leads to little or no relief from the treatment. These medications can also cause side effects throughout the rest of the body since they travel through the blood stream and through the whole body.

Treatments such as nasal sprays and irrigation are also frequently used. These treatments are distributed directly into the nasal cavities. These treatments are used to moisten the cilia so that it can flush out the trapped mucus and bacteria. Nasal sprays are commonly used and can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. The nasal sprays may offer some relief to the lower part of the sinuses but often times may not help the infection since their particle sizes are too large to make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to the sinusitis infection. The same is for irrigation which usually uses a water pick to distribute saline up to the sinus cavities. Irrigation is also very messy and generally unsuccessful in treating the sinusitis infection.

Aerosolized medications are a newer treatment which also distributes the medications directly into the nasal cavities. Aerosolized medications are used similar to nebulized asthma medications. These antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories are broken down into a small particle size so that it can pass the inflammation and make its way up to the sinusitis infection. Generally a small amount of these medications are used which results in little to no side effects in the rest of the body.

There are many treatment options for sinusitis suffers. Treatments will work different for each person because our bodies are so different and react differently. It’s important to know the difference between when you are getting a cold and getting a sinusitis infection and to know what treatments work best for you.

Before we venture further into identifying symptoms of sinus infection, it is essential that we know the cause so that we can recognize and treat them. Sinus infection will give rise to congestion of the nasal and sinus passageways as well as inflammation of the sinus membranes. They are actually air pockets found on the sides of the nose, behind the eyes and in the forehead. Sinuses produce mucus that function to clean and moisten the membranes of our throat and nose but in the event of infection, it will give rise to pain and discomfort.

We will now discuss the symptoms of sinus infection that we need to recognize in order to seek treatment. There are differences between sinus infection and the common cold or the flu. When symptoms of sinus infection hit you, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.

With the symptoms, you are most likely to feel extremely tired just like when you have the flu or fever. Besides that, you are likely to cough and sneeze too, leading to more exhaustion. Those afflicted do sometimes feel that they are just unfortunate and by popping pills will solve it. But with sinus infection, if it is not properly treated, it will lead to more problems.

Headaches are very common when you wake up as well as watery eyes and inflammation of the eyelids. The sides of the nose will feel tender too accompanied by loss of smell and runny or stuffy nose. There is also pain and pressure in the areas of the sinuses and that may include pain in the jaw and the teeth in addition to bad breath. Lastly, there may be a thick yellowish or greenish discharge.
Symptoms of sinus infection will usually happen right after a cold or flu and sometimes in the middle of an acute allergy reaction. When the symptoms last longer than a week, it is likely that you have sinus infection. With that, it is necessary to seek an appointment with the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Sinus infection when treated early can mean an early cure but when prolonged, it can lead to complication. It is not advisable to self- medicate through home remedies unless it is the doctor advice.

* A nasal passage abnormality, such as a deviated nasal septum, or nasal polyps

* Aspirin sensitivity that causes respiratory symptoms

* A medical condition such as cystic fibrosis or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

* An immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis

* Hay fever or another allergic condition that affects your sinuses

* Asthma — about one in 5 people with chronic sinusitis have asthma

* Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smokeIf you would like to prevent getting a chronic sinus infection, you can:

* Avoid those with upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people who have colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals.

* Carefully manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.

* Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.

* Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.If you are diagnosed to have a chronic sinus infection, these self-help steps can help relieve your symptoms:

* Get plenty of rest. This will help your body fight infections and speed recovery.

* Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or juice. This will help dilute mucous secretions and promote drainage. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can be dehydrating. Drinking alcohol can also worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.

* Steam your sinus cavities. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the steam from a bowl of hot water. Keep the steam directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and help mucus drain.

* Apply warm compresses to your face. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks and eyes to ease facial pain.

* Rinse out your nasal passages. Use a specially designed squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages. This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses.

* Sleep with your head elevated. This will help your sinuses drain, reducing congestionMore sinusitis infection treatment information like chronic sinusitis infection can be found at Sinusitis – Sinus Dynamics.

There are many different kinds of symptoms that may be experienced with a sinusitis infection. Some of the most common symptoms which may appear as cold like symptoms are cough, congestion, postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, and facial pain and pressure. A person may also experience a headache or even tooth pain due to the pressure of the inflammation pushing on the nerves in face. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is then considered chronic sinusitis. With chronic sinusitis a person may also experience loss of sense of taste and smell and they also may become fatigued.

There are numerous treatments which are used for a sinusitis infection. One common treatment which is used is over the counter or prescribed nasal sprays. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution or medication up into the sinuses. The nasal sprays however have a large particle size that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to where the infection lies. The nasal sprays may only offer relief to the lower part of the sinuses. Oral antibiotics are also a commonly prescribed medication by physicians. Oral antibiotics work on many types of infections by flowing through the blood stream to the area of infection. The sinus cavities only contain a small amount of blood vessels therefore it is difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic to arrive at the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics also can cause problems throughout the rest of the body, such as abdominal pain. Another newer form of treatment is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications work great because they are directly distributed into the sinus cavities so that they can cure the problem where it started.

Home remedies are also frequently used. Some people may breathe in hot steam. The steam is meant to help moisturize the sinuses and help thin the mucus. Though the steam may offer temporary relief and help some symptoms, in there is in fact an infection, only antibiotics may help cure it. Irrigation is also another common home remedy. Irrigation is used by inserting saline solution in to the sinus cavities to also help moisten them. Just like steam, this may only offer temporary relief and medication will need to be used.

Another option in treating a sinusitis infection when all other treatments have failed is sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is painful, can leave scar tissue which can lead to future problems, and usually only offers temporary relief since only a portion of the inflammation and infection is removed and so the sinusitis infection often returns.

Just like in any medical condition, different treatments work for different people. In sinusitis it all depends on what stage the sinusitis is in along with other factors. What is important is finding the treatment form that works best for you and treating the sinusitis before it gets to a chronic stage that may create more problems and involve more extreme treatment options.