We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information

Show Me 100 for MS

Matthew Porter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014 at the age of 37 and has used his condition as a catalyst for change in his life. As a husband and father of three teenage children, he has a passion for living life to the fullest. “Having MS has made me more aware of my time, and I want to invest it in things that matter and make a difference.”

Read more

Heart Valve Surgery Gives New Lease on Life

Looking forward to resuming their active lifestyle in 2022, Connie and Arlin have two trips planned early in the year. Connie said that her heart surgery has given her a new lease on life. "Every time I'm at Missouri Baptist, I feel cared for, listened to and taken seriously. I always tell people that if you have heart problems, go to MoBap."

Read more

New Technology for Treating Cardiac Arrhythmias

The new technology at MoBap — robotic magnetic navigation (RMN) — introduces the benefits of robotic precision and safety to cardiac ablation, a common, minimally invasive procedure used to treat arrhythmias

Read more

Lung Cancer Screening Results in Early Detection

Michael, a 51-year-old business owner, was a one-pack-a-day cigarette smoker for 30 years who quit in 2017. As someone who enjoyed good health, Michael never worried about his lungs. However, chronic shoulder pain that he attributed to over-exercising and weightlifting began to bother him. On a whim, Michael Googled "causes of shoulder pain" and was surprised when lung cancer came up in the search result.

Read more

MoBap Breast Cancer Survivor Credits Annual Mammogram for Saving Her Life

Even though Jessica Hayes had no family history of breast cancer, as an assistant administrator at Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur, she knew the importance of breast cancer screenings. “Work keeps me busy, and Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Mammography Van had scheduled times at Delmar Gardens for residents and employees, making it convenient for me to get screened.”

Read more
123468910Last

Related Content

Is it a sinus infection or just allergies?
James W

Is it a sinus infection or just allergies?

Patients with congested nasal passages often assume they have a sinus infection or 'sinusitis." Inflamed nasal passages actually can be caused by allergies or viral colds. Physicians, therefore, generally limit the definition of sinusitis to bacterial infection of the sinuses.

There are four pairs of sinuses. These include the frontal sinuses above the eyes, the maxillary sinuses under the eyes and behind the cheeks, the group of small ethmoid sinuses between the eyes, and a pair of sinuses deep behind the nose at the base of the brain known as the sphenoid sinuses.

The mucus membrane lining of the sinuses is a very specialized layer of cells characterized by microscopic fingers known as cilia. The cilia trap bacteria, viruses and other particles and propel them in a mucus blanket from the sinuses into the nose for clearance. The average person secretes 1 to 1 ½ liters of nasal and sinus secretions per day. Secretions in excess of this amount should be evaluated.

Many people believe that any sinus drainage is abnormal. This, of course, is not true and we rely on a steady flow of mucus from our nose and sinuses to keep these structures clean and relatively sterile.

Sinuses drain into the nose and circulate air from the nose into the sinuses through a series of holes known as ostia. Anything which obstructs this airflow, including mucus membranes, swelling, bone derangements from injury or inherited conditions, or polyps will result in impairment of ventilation and drainage, and ultimately sinusitis.

The symptoms of sinusitis differ between the acute and chronic phases. Acute sinusitis — usually the first four weeks — is characterized by nasal discharge, headache, facial pain, fever, tooth pain, decreased sense of smell and cough.

Chronic sinusitis — when the condition persists for 12 or more weeks — is less localized and presents with a dull headache, chronic nasal congestion, thick posterior nasal drainage and often eustachian tube dysfunction with ear blockage.

The treatment of sinusitis typically includes antibiotics prescribed for 10 to 21 days, decongestants and mucolytics, topical vasoconstrictors such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine, and in selected cases systemic steroids.

Unfortunately, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics and stronger antibiotics are more often required than in the past.

In cases of recurrent sinusitis, the physician looks for underlying causes, like septal deviation, allergies, nasal polyps, an immunocompromised state, tumor and foreign body (particularly in children). This search will include very likely an endoscopic exam and imaging studies, often in the form of a CT scan.

An uncommon, but well recognized variant of chronic sinusitis includes fungal sinusitis, caused not by bacteria but by fungi. This form of sinusitis is more difficult to treat, and usually requires surgery.

Over the years the medical community has become aware that the sinuses are not an isolated organ system, but one end of the respiratory system. Sinusitis, therefore, can impact our pulmonary health and aggravate asthma and other lung conditions. Therefore, treatment of sinusitis may be necessary before lung conditions can be brought under control.

Dr. Barry Rosenblum, Fellow, American College of Surgeons, is an ear, nose and throat specialist who is board certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery. He is a member of BJC Medical Group and on-staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He received his medical degree from University of Missouri-Kansas and did his internship and fellowship at St. Louis University School of Medicine.

Print
15019 Rate this article:
3.7

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now