Indy Standard

Sinus inflammation specialists at Indianapolis Sinus Center strive to provide relief to patients who are suffering.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes found within one or more of the sinuses. An infection that lasts anywhere from a few days up to a month is called acute sinusitis, according to Steady Health.

“Sinusitis occurs when the linings of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a preexisting cold or allergies,” Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center told Indy Standard. "Chronic sinusitis is when this inflammation lasts three months or more. We offer on-site diagnostic testing, including low-dose CT scan, to get a better look inside your sinus cavity and identify inflammation and signs of infection.”

The sinuses are hollow air spaces located inside the bone cavities in the head. The sinuses make a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe, which is called mucus. 

In normal human anatomy, each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus. There is also a continuous mucous membrane lining that coats all the sinuses. Therefore, anything that causes swelling or infection in the nose also can affect the sinuses, according to Study Health.

Even though sinusitis theoretically affects only the sinus lining, the symptoms of sinusitis can in fact affect the functioning of your whole body and reduce your quality of life.

“We strive to be a one-stop shop for sinus and nasal problems, so you can get your diagnostic testing all done in our office,” Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center told Indy Standard. “We have an office CT scan, which can be done in about 20 seconds, and it has about roughly one-tenth of the radiation dose of a standard CT at a hospital or a radiology center. Plus, it tends to be much less expensive, too. We also offer in-office allergy testing. We do endoscopic examinations in the office. So generally, all the diagnostic testing you need for chronic sinusitis can be done in our office.”

The most common causes of sinusitis are viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the numerous viruses that cause the common cold.

The way that the infection happens is simple. When an infection, such as a cold, inflames and swells the mucous membranes in the nose, the swollen membranes obstruct the sinus openings and keep mucus from draining. This blockage is a critical point. As drainage becomes blocked, the blockage creates an environment in which bacteria and viruses trapped in the sinuses can grow.

Sinus infections are usually caused by a virus, and they are less commonly caused by bacteria. Secondary bacterial infection is also possible.

If you are interested in evaluating your symptoms and are considering seeing a doctor, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.