The air-filled cavities around the nose, on the forehead, behind the eyeball, and in the upper jawbone are called sinuses. Approximately half a liter of secretion occurs in the sinuses per day. If air entry and exit into the sinus is disturbed (cold, flu, curvature of the nasal bones, polyps, adenoids, etc.), microbes begin to reproduce and multiply. Thus, the sinus mucosa becomes inflamed. This is what we call “acute sinusitis”. If the cause is eliminated, the sinus begins to air again and regain its healthy state. Otherwise, if the event continues and this process lasts up to 3 months, “chronic sinusitis” occurs. While the treatment is easy and the process is short in acute sinusitis, the treatment is difficult in chronic sinusitis, mostly surgical methods are required.
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

There may be nasal congestion, runny nose, weakness, mild fever, pain and tenderness in the forehead, behind the eyes, and in the upper jaw. Acute sinusitis should be suspected in the case of a cold with a runny nose that turns yellow-green. The diagnosis of sinusitis can be made with the history of the disease and endoscopic examination. But the definitive diagnosis is made by radiological examinations. Although direct radiographs such as Waters and Caldwell can give an idea, tomography is the best diagnostic method. Tomography is a test that should not be applied too much, except for chronic sinusitis.
 
How Is Sinusitis Treated?

Acute sinusitis often responds to antibiotic therapy. Surgical intervention is usually required for chronic sinusitis. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), which has been applied in recent years, is the most effective surgical method in the treatment of sinusitis. The results are very successful with this surgical method, which is well-indicated and performed in competent hands. In chronic sinusitis, surgery is usually decided by taking a tomography after 2-3 weeks of antibiotic treatment. Surgical intervention can be performed under local or preferably general anesthesia. Cleaning the inside of the nose after the operation and the recommendations of the physician should be strictly followed.
 

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are mucous bubbles that develop due to chronic inflammatory diseases of the membrane (mucosa) lining the nose and sinuses. They have a soft consistency and tend to combine with each other to form grape cluster-like structures. Sometimes they can grow to the extent that they hang out of the nose. They are seen more in men. Nasal congestion is the most common complaint. There may be sneezing, itching, runny nose and postnasal drip. Snoring and sleep apnea may occur. Smell and taste disorders may occur. Diagnosis can be easily seen by direct or endoscopic examination. It is also possible to view polyps in the sinuses on tomography. The most effective drug in nasal polyps is cortisone. If relief cannot be achieved with cortisone, surgical treatment is planned. In recent years, less bloody and easy cleaning can be done more effectively with tools called shavers.