StructuralGoing to the doctor can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Use of technical terms and jargon can hinder your true understanding of sinus issues and treatments. The following are a few pivotal, but sometimes confusing sinus issues. They are often associated with Chronic Sinusitis, and can be corrected in conjunction with Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. If you should have any questions regarding these terms, please feel free to discuss them with your physician or nurse. The Septum is the wall which divides the nasal cavity in half. Ideally the septum is straight and positioned in the center of the nose. A Deviated Septum occurs when the septum is bent or curved, causing one nasal passage to be misshaped or smaller than the other. Patients with this disorder find it difficult to breathe, especially out of one nostril. A deviated septum can be genetic or it can occur because of an injury. This structural issue can be corrected by performing a Septoplasty, a surgical procedure that removes or straightens deviated sections of the septum. Turbinates are bony, finger-like projections within the sinuses. Each nostril has three turbinates which mainly function in filtering and humidifying the air you breathe. In some cases, turbinates can become enlarged or elongated. For example, Concha Bullosa is the inflammation or ballooning of the middle turbinate. This inflammation blocks the nasal passages which makes breathing and mucosal drainage difficult. A Turbinectomy can be performed to reduce the size and length of these structures. Please note: Because of their moistening function, it is not recommended that turbinates be removed completely. Nasal Polyps are small non-cancerous growths which develop in the lining of the sinuses. They are usually caused by chronic inflammation in the nasal cavities. Normally, nasal polyps can be treated with medication, such as steroids. In some cases, however, medication cannot completely reduce the swelling and surgical removal is necessary. It is important to note that a polyp is not the same as a tumor. Polyps are made of the same tissue as their surrounding areas, while tumors are growths created by tissue foreign to the area. Diagnosis:
CT (Computed Tomography) SCAN
CT scan is simple, painless, short, and extremely informative in determining your diagnosis. CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. This scan which provides clearer pictures than other x rays is important in determining the cause of your sinus issues. An Endoscope is a narrow tube which has a magnifying device and a light at the tip. A Sinus Endoscopy is a painless and minimally invasive procedure in which the endoscope is inserted into the nose. This procedure allows the interior nasal passages, sinuses and throat to be examined and causes of Sinusitis to be explored. |
