Jammed Plumbing | About Sinusitis |

Think of your sinuses like the plumbing system of your home. Sinuses keep the air you breathe clean and moist, much like pipes that deliver fresh water. But when this system clogs—due to mucus buildup, nasal polyps, or inflammation—it's like a blocked drain or leaky pipe, leading to issues like nasal congestion (taking too slow to drain), acute sinusitis (a sudden blockage), or chronic sinusitis (a persistent leak). At Walnut Hill ENT, we're here to unclog your sinus "pipes," ensuring smooth airflow and function, preventing the common "plumbing issues" of your respiratory system.

In other words, your sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones surrounding your nose. They produce mucus, which drains out of the nose, helping to filter the air you breathe and enhance vocal resonance. When these sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, they can become infected and inflamed, leading to sinusitis. Allergies and flawed anatomy are often coconspirators in chronic sinus infections.

Comprehensive Sinus Care at Walnut Hill ENT 

What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or longer. Unlike acute sinusitis, which often resolves within a few weeks, chronic sinusitis requires a different approach to both diagnosis and treatment.

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Persistent nasal stuffiness or congestion 
• Facial pain, pressure, or fullness, particularly around your nose, eyes, cheeks, or forehead 
• Thick, yellow or green mucus discharge from your nose
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Post nasal drip, which can cause a sore throat, feeling of mucus stuck between nose and throat
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Ear pressure or pain
• Bad breath
• Fatigue or tiredness

What Factors can Trigger Chronic Sinusitis?

• Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can lead to sinus infections.
• Allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites can cause chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, Dallas is ranked as the second worst city in the U.S. to live in for seasonal allergies. And, allergies and flawed anatomy are often co-conspirators in sinusitis.
• Anatomic Structure
  • Nasal Polyps: See our blog post Treating Nasal Polyps.
  • Deviated Septum: A crooked partition lining of your nose or sinuses between your nostrils can obstruct airflow.
Diagnosis at Walnut Hill ENT | Dallas, TX

Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical examination. 

If indicated, Dr. Henri Tannas may conduct:

• Nasal Endoscopy: Using a small, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your nasal passages.
• Same-visit In-office Sinus CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the sinuses to check for blockages or abnormalities. The high-quality resolution images are available immediately for Dr. Tannas to review, diagnose, and create a treatment plan during the same visit. The whole process takes a few minutes. (The scan itself takes 20 seconds.) You can avoid missing more work to go to another imaging center before returning for another appointment.
• Allergist Referral: Dr. Tannas may refer you to a local allergist in Dallas for allergy testing.
  (Allergies and flawed anatomy are often co-conspirators in sinusitis.)

Why is Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis Important?

Left untreated, chronic sinusitis can lead to recurrent bacterial infections, complications like infections spreading to the eyes or brain, asthma flare-ups, or worsening of sleep apnea. It can also diminish your quality of life, affecting everything from social interactions to work productivity.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Options

Natural Approaches

• Saline Nasal Irrigation: Dr. Tannas always advocates that every patient use a neti pot or NeilMed squeeze bottle to flush out mucus and allergens.
• Humidity: Using a humidifier, especially during dry seasons.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin.
• Avoiding Irritants: Steering clear of tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants.

Medical Management

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
• Corticosteroids: Sparing use of nasal sprays like Flonase or oral steroids like prednisone for reducing inflammation.
• Saline Nasal Irrigation: A neti pot or NeilMed squeeze bottle used to flush out mucus and allergens.
• Allergy Management: Antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, or immunotherapy if allergies are a significant factor. Dr. Tannas may refer you to a local allergist in Dallas for allergy testing. 


Surgical Interventions

• In-office Balloon Sinuplasty: Minimally invasive procedure for chronic sinusitis where a small balloon is inserted into the sinus passages and inflated to widen them, similar to how a balloon angioplasty opens blocked coronary arteries. This technique helps improve sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and often relieves symptoms without the need for extensive surgery or bone or tissue removal, offering a quicker recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery.
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: With more extensive sinus disease requiring more than balloon sinuplasty Dr. Tannas uses advanced techniques to remove polyps, open sinus passages, or correct anatomical issues like a deviated septum, and turbinate hypertrophy.
• Post-Operative Care: Ongoing management post-surgery to ensure optimal healing and prevention of recurrences.

See our blog post Before and After: In-office Balloon Sinuplasty.

See our blog post Stubborn cold symptoms? | Sinusitis Calculator.

Next Steps

If chronic sinusitis is impacting your life, take the first step towards relief by scheduling a consultation with Walnut Hill ENT. Call us at (214) 647-1836 or book your appointment online. Walnut Hill ENT is an independent, private ENT clinic located on the campus of Presbyterian Dallas Hospital. We offer same-day appointments.

At Walnut Hill ENT, we are committed to not just treating symptoms but addressing the root causes of chronic sinusitis. Board-certified otolaryngologist Henri Tannas invites you to explore how we can help you breathe freely and enjoy a symptom-free life.