Sinusitis occurs when viruses or bacteria infects the sinus cavities, usually due to blockage of the small tubes attached to the nasal passages. This causes an inflammation of the sinuses, which stops proper drainage. Symptoms include facial pain, headaches, nasal drainage, cough, postnasal drip, bad breath, upper jaw pain, sore throat, sensitive eyes, swelling of the eyelids, general fatigue, and fever.

Even after treatment of a sinus infection, inflammation can persist. Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that continues for at least a few weeks, but often continues for months or even years.

Chronic sinusitis affects approximately 35 million Americans each year, or 15% of the population. Sinusitis is more prevalent that arthritis or hypertension. Americans make 645,000 emergency department visits annually due to sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis resulted in approximately 13 to 18 million physician visits in 1994. The health impact of sinusitis on bodily pain and social functioning is worse than that of congestive heart failure, angina, or back pain

At The Nose and Sinus Center, Dr Becker can do a fiberoptic evaluation of your nose and sinuses to pinpoint the problem, and he can show you the specific problem on a video screen. Then he will discuss treatment options. Recent technology has made these treatments more effective, safer, and more comfortable than ever before. For more information regarding technology, Click here.

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON SINUS INFECTION, SEE OUR OTHER SITE, www.sinustreatmentcenter.com