As ENT specialists, based in the Harley Street medical district, we’re knowledgeable about a range of topics that affect the ears, nose and throat. We’ve recently looked at problems with snoring, the thyroid and tonsillitis, but in today’s post, we’ll focus on the sinuses.
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses are cavities – essentially empty spaces – behind the cheeks, eyes, nose and forehead. They’re lined by a mucus layer which helps filter air and guard against pollutants, dirt, dust and micro-organisms.
What is a sinus infection?
Also known as sinusitis, this occurs when the mucus layer of the sinuses becomes inflamed. Usually, it’s caused by an infection such as from bacteria, viruses or even fungi. Sometimes, a sinus infection can clear up on its own, but on other occasions, it can become chronic (persistent). Symptoms of a sinus infection include a temperature, a reduced sense of smell, green or yellow mucus from the nose, blocked nose, and pain in areas such as the eyes, cheeks and forehead.
What other sinus problems are there?
There are many other sinus conditions, including:
– Allergies – such as hay fever, a pet allergy or a dust allergy. These cause extra mucus and itching, which can make the nose feel stuffy.
– Deviated septum – this refers to the piece of cartilage that divides the nostrils. If it’s angled too much to one side, it can affect airflow.
– Nasal polyps – these are tiny growths inside the nose, which can be caused by the above. These can cause breathing problems and a runny nose.
How can Jon Hughes help?
There are lots we can do to help. First and foremost, we can carry out sinus surgery. Although it sounds invasive, it’s actually a minimally-invasive procedure that can help target growths (like polyps) and open up the pathways to help with breathing and airflow. Sinus surgery is ideal for those with repeat sinus infections.
We can also offer other treatments, such as anti-snoring treatment. Sinus infections can make it more likely that you breathe through your mouth while asleep, which can increase the chances of snoring at night.
What else can I try?
Depending on the case, it’s possible you could try some at-home treatment to see if your sinusitis will clear up on its own. Rest, fluids and painkillers may all help, or you could try an at-home saltwater solution to try and flush the nose and ease congestion.
Book your sinus surgery
If you’d like to know how our team can help, either with sinus surgery or another approach, such as our anti-snoring treatment, then get in touch with our ENT specialists here in the Harley Street medical district today.