i got the sinus

Everyone does! Actually, 4 on each side to be exact (maxillary, ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid)! But jokes aside, problems such as recurrent sinusitis (known as recurrent acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis or RABRS) and chronic sinusitis (known as chronic rhino-sinusitis or CRS) affect a large percentage of the population- causing many lost work days and sleepless nights. While more common in adults, children can have problems too. Sinus issues often result from blockage (obstruction) of the tiny openings (ostia) which naturally drain the sinuses. Viral infections can cause ostial obstruction which then allow bacteria to take over, worsening symptoms. For acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis, treatment is supportive care and antibiotics when needed. For patients with recurrent acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis totaling more than 4 episodes per year, ENT consultation is recommended to investigate causes and discuss treatment strategies. Some patients with recurrent acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis will transform into developing chronic rhino-sinusitis. Chronic rhino-sinusitis is a different disease altogether- in this condition, patients experience many symptoms of acute bacterial infection every day for more than 3 months due to chronic sinus inflammation with periodic worsening of symptoms from bacterial 'flare ups'. Chronic rhino-sinusitis is not curable, but treatments can improve daily symptoms by more than 80%.

If you've 'got the sinus,' we've got the doctor!