Sinusitis & Sinus Surgery in Singapore
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located behind the forehead, cheeks, eyes and nose. The sinuses produce mucus that helps keep the nasal passages moist while trapping dust, allergens and other particles. When the sinus drainage pathways become blocked, mucus can build up within the sinuses, leading to facial pressure or pain and creating an environment where bacteria may multiply, potentially leading to infection.
What Are the Types of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is classified based on how long symptoms last and whether they recur. Identifying the type of sinusitis helps guide treatment and determine whether further investigation or surgical treatment may be appropriate.
| Type | Duration | General Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Acute sinusitis | Less than 4 weeks | Usually develops after a viral upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold, and often improves with appropriate medical treatment. |
| Subacute sinusitis | 4 to 12 weeks | Symptoms persist longer than acute sinusitis but have not continued long enough to be considered chronic. |
| Chronic sinusitis | More than 12 weeks | Persistent inflammation that may be associated with allergies, nasal polyps, structural abnormalities or ongoing problems with sinus drainage. Sinus surgery may be considered if symptoms do not improve with appropriate medical treatment. |
| Recurrent acute sinusitis | Four or more episodes a year | Each episode resolves completely before returning, but repeated infections may warrant further evaluation to identify underlying causes. |
What Are the Causes of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can develop when the sinuses become inflamed or blocked, preventing mucus from draining normally. This may occur due to one or more of the following:
- Infections: Viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, are the most common cause of acute sinusitis. Bacterial infections may develop when mucus remains trapped within the sinuses.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, mould or animal dander can trigger ongoing inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining.
- Structural abnormalities: Conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps can obstruct normal sinus drainage, increasing the likelihood of recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
- Environmental irritants: Cigarette smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes can irritate the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as allergic rhinitis, cystic fibrosis and certain immune disorders can increase susceptibility to sinusitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis often shares symptoms with the common cold, making it difficult to tell the difference without considering how long the symptoms last or whether they keep returning. Recognising the common symptoms can help you decide when it may be time to seek medical attention.
- Nasal congestion or blockage: Swelling of the sinus lining can obstruct the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
- Facial pain or pressure: Discomfort may be felt around the forehead, cheeks, eyes or between the eyes and often worsens when bending forward.
- Thick nasal discharge: Mucus may be yellow or green and drain from the nose or down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
- Reduced sense of smell or taste: Inflammation and congestion can interfere with the ability to smell and, consequently, taste.
- Headache: Pressure within the blocked sinuses may contribute to headaches, particularly around the forehead or behind the eyes.
- Bad breath: Trapped mucus and infection can contribute to persistent bad breath.
- Cough: Postnasal drip may irritate the throat, resulting in a cough that is often more noticeable at night.
- Fever: This is more commonly associated with acute sinusitis caused by an infection.
While a common cold usually improves within a week or two, sinusitis may persist, recur or continue affecting your daily activities. If your symptoms are ongoing or repeatedly return, Dr Lau Chee Chong can assess the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination of the nose and face. Depending on your symptoms and suspected cause, your ENT specialist may recommend one or more of the following tests:
Nasal Endoscopy
A thin, flexible endoscope is inserted through the nostrils to examine the nasal passages and sinus openings. This allows your doctor to identify inflammation, nasal polyps, discharge or structural abnormalities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
CT Scan
A CT scan provides detailed images of the sinuses and may be recommended if chronic sinusitis, recurrent infections or structural abnormalities are suspected, or when planning sinus surgery.
Nasal or Sinus Culture
If your symptoms persist despite treatment or an unusual infection is suspected, a sample of mucus or tissue may be collected to identify the bacteria or fungi responsible.
Allergy Testing
If allergies are thought to be contributing to recurrent sinusitis, allergy testing may help identify triggers, allowing them to be better managed.
What Are the Treatment Options for Sinusitis?
Treatments for sinusitis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. While many cases improve with medical treatment, sinus surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment or if structural problems prevent normal sinus drainage.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many cases of acute sinusitis can be managed without surgery. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms and how long they have been present.
Medications
Medications may be recommended to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation or treat an underlying bacterial infection. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation within the nasal passages.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to manage facial pain, headache or fever.
- Antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is suspected.
- Nasal decongestants to temporarily relieve nasal blockage.
- Antihistamines when allergies contribute to sinus inflammation.
- Mucolytics to thin mucus and improve drainage.
Saline Nasal Irrigation
Saline nasal irrigation may be recommended alongside medications to help relieve congestion and support sinus drainage. It helps flush mucus, allergens and other irritants from the nasal passages, promoting natural drainage and improving symptoms.
Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery may be considered if chronic or recurrent sinusitis does not improve with appropriate medical treatment, or if nasal polyps, structural abnormalities or blocked sinus drainage pathways continue to cause symptoms. The aim of surgery is to restore normal sinus drainage while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is performed entirely through the nostrils using a thin endoscope, avoiding external incisions. Depending on the underlying cause, the procedure may involve removing nasal polyps, enlarging blocked sinus openings or correcting structural problems to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to gently widen narrowed sinus drainage pathways. Because no tissue is removed, it may be suitable for selected patients with less extensive sinus disease.
Image-Guided Sinus Surgery (IGS)
For selected cases, Dr Lau uses image-guided surgery (IGS) to enhance surgical precision. Using real-time navigation based on your CT scan, IGS helps identify the position of surgical instruments in relation to surrounding structures, including the eyes and skull base. This may be particularly beneficial for complex anatomy, revision surgery or disease involving multiple sinuses.
When Should You See a Sinus Specialist?
You should consider seeing a sinus specialist if you experience:
- Symptoms that persist for more than 10 days or repeatedly return
- Nasal congestion or facial pressure that does not improve with treatment
- A reduced sense of smell that persists
- Thick nasal discharge that continues or frequently recurs
- Suspected nasal polyps or another structural problem affecting sinus drainage
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling around the eyes or changes in vision
- A high fever (above 39 °C)
- Severe headache or forehead swelling
- Symptoms that rapidly worsen despite treatment
Early assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by temporary inflammation or an underlying condition requiring more specialised treatment. Dr Lau Chee Chong provides comprehensive evaluation and management for both acute and chronic sinusitis, including sinus surgery where appropriate.
Can Sinusitis Lead to Complications?
Most cases of sinusitis improve without causing serious complications. However, untreated or severe cases of sinusitis can occasionally spread beyond the sinuses or lead to ongoing inflammation.
Potential complications include:
- Chronic sinusitis: Inflammation that persists for more than 12 weeks despite treatment.
- Spread of infection: In rare cases, infection may spread to nearby structures such as the eyes or, less commonly, the brain.
- Worsening asthma or respiratory symptoms: Sinus inflammation may aggravate asthma or other existing respiratory conditions in some individuals.
Breathe More Comfortably with Dr Lau Chee Chong
Persistent or recurrent sinus symptoms can affect your breathing, sleep and daily comfort. Whether your symptoms are caused by acute or chronic sinusitis, early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether medical treatment or sinus surgery is the most appropriate option.
At ENT Centre CC Lau, we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of sinus conditions, from medical management to advanced endoscopic sinus surgery. Treatment recommendations are guided by a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history and the underlying cause of your condition.
Dr Lau Chee Chong is an experienced ENT specialist who manages both routine and complex sinus conditions. Where surgery is recommended, he performs endoscopic sinus surgery using evidence-based techniques, including image-guided surgery for selected patients. If you have persistent or recurrent sinus symptoms, schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
FAQs on Sinus Surgery
3 Mount Elizabeth, Suite 14-11 (14th Floor)
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
