East San Diego News

• Physical symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, sore throat, bad breath, or fatigue. 
• Short-term sinusitis could be caused by something such as a common cold, but chronic sinusitis may be caused by an infection or some other ailment.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis.

Inflammation of the sinuses is one of the key indicators of chronic sinusitis, a condition that affects many Americans. According to Dr. Paul Shalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, sinus inflammation can lead to worse health issues. 

"If you have a chronic inflammatory condition that's affecting the sinuses, it will extend into the nasal passages. It will cause problems with congestion and an inability to breathe through the nose, which will then have all kinds of secondary consequences for the patient's health and overall well-being," Dr. Shalch Lepe told East San Diego News. "So we are on the front lines of addressing any issues related to the nose and sinuses."

Nasal inflammation, also referred to as sinusitis, involves the inflammation or swelling of the sinus lining, according to the American Sinus Institute. This condition can obstruct air passages, leading to increased mucus production and the potential for infection. It's a relatively common issue, often triggered by something as simple as the common cold. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, which involves swelling of the nasal lining, can contribute to nasal inflammation. Another possible cause is a deviated septum or a structural shift within the nasal cavity, which can also initiate this condition.

Nearly 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of acute nasal inflammation each year, according to the American Sinus Institute. Those who suffer from conditions such as blockage of drainage ducts, nasal polyps, narrow drainage ducts, nasal mucous membrane swelling, or those whose medications compromise the immune system could be at greater risk for this condition. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke may also be more likely to have an attack.

According to WebMD, your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When the sinuses become inflamed—usually due to an allergic reaction or an infection—they swell, produce more mucus, and the channels that drain them can become blocked. The buildup of pressure in your sinuses can cause pain that feels similar to a headache.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses. According to Healthline, this procedure is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. Balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis after other treatments for their condition have proven ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal.

According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Schalch Lepe is an otolaryngologist and ENT doctor in San Diego who specializes in sinus, allergy, and sleep treatments. He completed his residency in otolaryngology at the UC Irvine Medical Center at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. He also earned his medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico School of Medicine in Mexico City.