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Our patients often have the same questions and concerns. To help answer them, we've put together
a list of the questions asked most often. Click on a question below to receive an answer, or
simply scroll down the page to view all questions and answers.
We've also put together a Sinus Owner's Manual for our patients. If you would like to receive a
free copy, please fill out our information request form.
About The Sinuses
About Treatment
About The Sinuses
What causes sinus problems?
Sinus problems are typically caused by some persistent blockage of sinus passages. A number of things can cause blockage:
- Swelling from a typical cold
- Swelling from allergies
- Irritants like cigarette smoke or fumes
- Growths in the nose, such as polyps
- Deviated septum or other abnormalities
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Are sinus problems common?
Yes! Over 34 million Americans suffer from chronic sinus problems. That's about 1 in every 8 people. Unfortunately,
many sinus sufferers are not taken seriously, and they end up just "living with" their condition. They've
failed to find relief in the past, so they decide headaches, chronic coughs, congestion and fatigue are
just normal for them. Relief is available, and sinus sufferers should contact a sinus specialist at the
Setliff Sinus Institute.
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What is the difference between sinus problems and allergies?
Sinus problems stem from abnormalities in the sinus cavity, while allergies are the body's response
to outside irritants. Because allergies often cause swelling and blockage, they can trigger sinus
trouble. In fact, the incidence of sinus infection among allergic patients is much higher.
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How do I know if my problems are allergies or sinuses?
Call the Setliff Sinus Institute and request a SQ Test. With this simple test, we can determine
with 99% accuracy whether your symptoms stem from allergies, sinus problems or both.
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How do I know if my problems are even really a problem?
Any symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life are indeed a problem, and you should seek treatment.
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What are the most common symptoms of sinus trouble?
Visit our Symptoms page to learn more.
Should children be treated for sinus problems?
Children certainly develop sinus problems. Symptoms of sinus problems in children include bad breath,
hearing loss, sore throat, cough, low energy level and, of course, a chronic runny nose. Children
as young as three years old can take the SQ Test to determine if they have a sinus problem.
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About Treatment
What is a typical course of treatment?
Sinus problems vary greatly among patients, so treatments can be vastly different.
However, a new patient at the Setliff Sinus Institute will often follow this course:
- SQ Test
With the simple SQ Test, we test patients
for the most common allergens to determine whether symptoms stem from allergies, sinus problems or both.
- Medical Questionnaire
We complete a detailed medical history to learn all about the symptoms you've experienced,
treatments you've tried and the results of those treatments.
- Nasal Endoscopy
Using an endoscope, we look for obstructions in your sinus passages.
- CT Scan
Depending on the results of the endoscopy, we may do a CT scan. We have this sophisticated equipment
on-site, so our patients do not have to travel to other facilities and wait for results.
A CT scan will provide an even more detailed look at sinus structure.
- Medical Treatment
After we determine the problems, we begin exploring medical therapies, including nasal irrigations,
allergy treatments, antibiotics and nasal medications. If other treatments do not provide satisfactory
results, surgery may be considered.
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Does insurance cover sinus procedures?
In most cases, insurance does cover sinus treatment.
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How successful is treatment?
The Setliff Sinus Institute has an exceptionally high rate of success for our sinus patients.
Over 90% of our surgical patients show significant improvement.
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Is surgery the only form of treatment offered?
No. In fact, surgery is considering only after exhausting other medical therapies,
including nasal irrigations, antibiotics, nasal medications and allergy treatments.
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Should people who have had prior unsuccessful surgery consider further treatment?
Absolutely. While traditional surgery may help some people, the techniques do not effectively
address sinus function in all patients. Tools and techniques available today allow us to
better target the surgery to the areas that need repair - and to only those areas. Many
patients who could not find relief before have found relief at the Setliff Sinus Institute.
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How long does surgery take?
Surgery typically lasts between 1 and 1 ½ hours.
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What about post-operative care?
At the Setliff Sinus Institute, sinus surgery is typically same-day surgery requiring no overnight stay.
Post-operative care is limited to nasal irrigation and a topical nasal spray; there are no uncomfortable
nasal packs. The first post-operative visit is typically around 10-14 days after surgery. Remaining
visits occur every 2 weeks until complete healing has occurred.
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