CHRONIC SINUSITIS -
A BASIC
INTRODUCTION
Angelo Consiglio

Introduction
 As head of Sinus and Allergy Center in Marianna, Florida, Angelo
Consiglio, MD, treats a variety of surgical and nonsurgical
conditions. Dr. Angelo Consiglio draws on extensive experience in
the treatment of chronic sinusitis.
A common health complaint in the United States today, chronic
sinusitis prompts more than 11 million office visits per year and
affects 29.4 million people nationwide. It occurs when the nasal
cavities become swollen and, as a result, lose the ability to drain
mucous properly. The condition is chronic when infection and
drainage issues remain unresolved for 12 weeks or more.
Chronic sinusitis often occurs as a secondary condition to asthma
or nasal allergies, as these conditions increase a patient's risk of
airway inflammation. Infection may be a contributing cause for
similar reasons, while structural abnormalities can interfere
physiologically with the flow of fluid through the sinuses.

Chronic Sinusitis
 A diagnosis of chronic sinusitis means that
inflammation has persisted despite medical
treatments. It can therefore be a difficult condition to
address effectively, though some medical and surgical
interventions can help to reduce inflammation,
encourage drainage, and even address the root cause
of the issue.
Nasal corticosteroids may be effective at reducing
swelling, while irrigation with saline can encourage
proper drainage. Some patients may require
antibiotics or short-term oral or injected
corticosteroids, though these interventions are safest
as limited-time responses. Finally, patients whose
conditions resist non-invasive options may require
surgery to open the passages or enlarge the opening
in the sinus itself.