In a recent interview with Dr. Weisstuch, an experienced ENT specialist, we delved into the fundamental aspects of sinus health. From understanding the basic anatomy of sinuses to differentiating between acute and chronic sinusitis, Dr. Weisstuch sheds light on common symptoms and when to seek medical attention. Additionally, he discusses both medical and surgical options available, emphasizing the importance of exploring all avenues before considering surgery.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Hi, Dr. Weisstuch. How are you today?
Dr. Weisstuch (00:30):
I'm good. How are you? Good afternoon.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
It's great to see you again. Thank you for your time. I want to ask you a few questions about sinuses.
Dr. Weisstuch (00:39):
Sure.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
So the first one, we're going to get super basic. What are the sinuses?
Dr. Weisstuch (00:44):
The sinuses are cavities or pockets inside your head that drain into the nose. They're normally filled with air and lined with mucus glands that help clean and ventilate the nasal cavities.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
So what are some symptoms of common sinus issues?
Dr. Weisstuch (01:03):
Some of the common symptoms are congestion, pressure, drainage, fevers. Those are commonly seen, and some patients will have, some patients will have all. And also, not all patients have all of them or present that way. And then there are other diseases or disorders that can present with overlapping or similar symptoms that are not necessarily sinus problems, like for example allergies or migraines, or if there's an anatomic blockage from something like a deviated septum. So some of the symptoms will clue us into a sinus problem and some will point us in a different direction.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
How long do sinus infections typically last? And when should someone seek medical attention if their symptoms persist?
Dr. Weisstuch (01:51):
Sure. An acute bacterial sinusitis can last for weeks, especially if it's not treated. Viral sinusitis will usually last for less than a week, only a few days, and get better quicker with some nasal sprays or anti-inflammatories. But if a patient is using some over-the-counter medicine and sprays, and after a few days things are getting worse or not getting better and they start to experience some of the other symptoms like colored discharge and fevers, that's when they should start to seek medical attention.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Can you explain the differences between acute and chronic sinusitis?
Dr. Weisstuch (02:24):
Sure. Acute sinusitis is an infection that lasts less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis is an infection that lasts 12 weeks or more, and also patients that are having recurring acute infections. They're also considered in the chronic category.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Are there any surgical options available for severe or chronic sinus issues? And if so, what are the benefits and risks?
Dr. Weisstuch (02:49):
Yeah. As ENTs, we are surgeons and we do like to perform surgery, but the goal when we see our patients is to first maximize all the medical options. And we do have a lot of medical options available for our patients that aren't necessarily offered or available from urgent cares or their primary care doctors. But if and when we exhaust those options, there are surgical options both in the office, which are less invasive, done awake with the patient able to walk out. And then there is sinus surgery, which can be done in the operating room with the patient asleep. Both methods are done for different types of sinus patients. The office is for less severe but still chronic, and the more severe cases are done in the operating room. But the good thing even about the more invasive, the surgical option is it's become less and less invasive over the years, and most patients go home the same day and are back to regular activity within a few days.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Fantastic. Before I let you go, I do have one more question. As somebody who's had friends with chronic sinus problems, what would you say to those that are reluctant to go to the doctor either for fear of surgery or they just don't like going to the doctor? Any advice?
Dr. Weisstuch (04:04):
Sometimes those patients are pleasantly surprised when they go to the doctor and they find out that the interventions or the cures are much easier and less invasive than they initially imagined. And going is just getting information. You don't have to act on that information, but if you go and you find out there's an easy way to help you, your quality of life would really improve.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
That's great advice. Thank you so much, doctor. I really appreciate your time.
Dr. Weisstuch (04:28):
You're welcome. Happy to talk.
