If you’ve experienced persistent coughing, sneezing, congestion, headache, and sleepiness for three weeks or longer, you may be one of the 32 million Americans suffering from chronic sinusitis.

ENT of Georgia and wsbradio.com are pleased to present an online seminar to help you learn more about chronic sinusitis. The seminar, hosted by ENT of Georgia’s Dr. Robert Hoddeson, debuts Thursday, October 30 at 7:30pm and will be available on wsbradio.com through the end of the year. You can learn about treatment options

Stop suffering and improve your quality of life! Join our online seminar or contact any one of ENT of Georgia’s 22 locations.

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The doctors at ENT of Georgia are dedicated to helping their patients archive their medical goals.

ENT of Georgia, LLC. Administrative Office
4380 Georgetown Square, Suite 1002, Atlanta, GA 30338
Telephone: 770-220-8409  /  Fax: 770-220-8401

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What is sinusitis?

Mucus helps keep your sinuses clean. Interference with the natural drainage of mucus—caused by colds, allergies, or obstructions—may lead to sinusitis (sinus inflammation and infection). Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly, often right after an upper respiratory infection like a cold. Chronic sinusitis is ongoing swelling of the sinus lining, the result of allergies or chronic

Prevention

Colds, flu, and allergies can lead more easily to sinusitis. Do your best to prevent sinusitis by preventing these underlying problems. Do what you can to avoid getting colds and other infections. Avoid any allergens (substances that cause allergies), and keep your sinuses as moist as possible.

Do what you can to avoid exposure to colds and flu. Whenever possible, take more time to rest when you feel something "coming on.“

• As much as possible, stay away from infected people.
• Follow these standbys for beating the "bugs": eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get extra sleep
• Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season.

To avoid allergens, first, find out what substances you're allergic to. Then, take steps to minimize exposure to allergens or irritants in the air such as dust, pollution, and pollen.

• Wear a mask when you clean, to help minimize your exposure to dust.
• Avoid the outdoors during peak pollution hours such as rush hour.
• Keep an air conditioner on during allergy season and clean its filter regularly.

Keeping your sinuses moist makes your mucus thinner, allowing your sinuses to drain better. This, in turn, helps prevent infection. Ask your doctor about these suggestions:

• Use a humidifier, regularly cleaning out any mold or mildew in the reservoir.
• Drink several glasses of water a day.
• Avoid drying substances such as alcohol and coffee.
• Avoid smoke, which dries out sinus linings.
• If you've had surgery and get a cold, use saltwater rinses until the cold ends

Treatment

Medication

Even if you've already been on sinus medication, your doctor may try again to manage your chronic sinusitis medically before going ahead with surgery. If medication isn't completely effective, your doctor may recommend one of two types of surgery, depending on the cause of your sinus problem and which sinuses are involved.

If your medication wasn't fully effective in the past, your doctor may try a new or longer course of medication.

Allergy injections may help desensitize you to particular substances. Or you may need to stay on an antibiotic for a longer period. If your symptoms recur, call your doctor, who may have you come in for a visit. If you don't get better, further tests such as a CT scan may help evaluate the extent of your problem.

Surgery

If Nasal and or Sinus Surgery is needed, there are a few options.

Septoplasty or Straightening the Septum - To fix a deviated septum, your surgeon reshapes or trims the cartilage and bone that divide the nose. After surgery there is more breathing space. Enough support remains for the nose to hold its shape.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - During surgery, your surgeon uses the endoscope and other instruments to clear blockages. If you have local anesthesia, you'll be awake and may hear sounds or feel tugging. But you shouldn't feel any pain. After blockages are removed, air circulates and mucus can drain normally.