The MUSC Health Sinus Center Approach to Sinusitis

Suffering from uncomfortable pressure in the forehead, between the eyes, and behind the cheeks may be more than signs of congestion experienced during a common cold. This pressure throughout the head is one of the many symptoms of sinusitis - an illness more than 30 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with each year.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa, which is the lining of the sinuses. This inflammation can often be triggered by environmental factors such as allergies, tobacco smoke, viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, making those with hyperactive immune systems a high risk. Sinusitis can also be impacted by previous sinus surgery, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps

According to Dr. Rod Schlosser of the MUSC Health Sinus Center, sinusitis is typically divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis has a relatively short duration and can typically be resolved on its own with antibiotics. On the other hand, chronic sinusitis is present for at least three months and is inflammatory rather than infectious.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis are usually facial pain/pressure, nasal discharge, loss of smell, and nasal congestion. Other symptoms include weakness, fever, and fatigue.

Jim Tulley is a patient at the MUSC Health Sinus Center and has been coming to see Dr. Schlosser for the last five years. Jim suffered from chronic sinusitis that finally manifested into an irritating chronic cough.

“I always was exhausted and quite frankly, I was getting to the point where it was starting to affect my emotional state,” said Tulley.

After undergoing surgery recommended and performed by Dr. Schlosser and his medical team at MUSC Health Sinus Center, Jim says his sinusitis and chronic cough is almost completely cured.

“My quality of life has increased more than I ever expected it to. I have more energy. The annoyance factor of the constant coughing has gone away.”

Jim Tulley is just one of the many patients at MUSC Health Sinus Center grateful to Dr. Schlosser and his team and is hopeful that the treatment he went through at MUSC Health will clear up his problems. He urges others who suffer from sinusitis to come to MUSC Health and receive the same relief he did.

Unlike Jim Tully, not all patients suffering from sinusitis reach a point of needing surgery. Sinusitis patients are first treated with medications in an attempt to clear the infection and reduce inflammation. Dr. Zachary Soler, Dr. Schlosser, and MUSC Health Sinus Center are focusing on giving their patients the best care for long-term successful outcomes, starting with an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Soler says he gets a sinus infection about once a year, and it reminds him just how his patients with sinusitis are feeling.

“I feel an immense responsibility to deliver the best care that we can,” says Soler.

Learn more about sinusitis and how MUSC might be able to help. To make an appointment, visit the MUSC Health Sinus Center, or call 843-792-3531.