Chronic Sinusitis Treatment in Corpus Christi, TX

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as persistent sinus inflammation lasting 12 weeks or longer despite attempted medical management. It is estimated to affect approximately 12 percent of U.S. adults and causes substantial impairment of quality of life including reduced productivity, disrupted sleep, impaired sense of smell, and significant nasal and facial symptoms. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to the evaluation and treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

Diagnosis requires two or more of the following cardinal symptoms for 12 or more weeks, confirmed by endoscopy or CT imaging:

Nasal obstruction or congestion
Anterior or posterior nasal discharge (mucopurulent)
Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
Reduced or absent sense of smell (hyposmia or anosmia)

Causes and Contributing Factors

Anatomical obstruction: deviated septum, nasal polyps, or concha bullosa impeding sinus drainage
Allergic disease: chronic mucosal inflammation from allergic rhinitis promotes sinusitis
Biofilm formation: bacterial communities embedded in a protective matrix resist conventional antibiotics
Fungal disease: allergic fungal sinusitis and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis
Immune dysfunction: conditions impairing mucociliary clearance
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)
Environmental exposures: occupational irritants, pollution, cigarette smoke

Medical Treatment

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

The foundation of CRS medical management. They reduce mucosal inflammation, improve nasal airflow, and decrease polyp burden in patients with nasal polyps. Consistent daily use is essential.

Nasal Saline Irrigation

High-volume saline irrigation mechanically clears mucus, allergens, and inflammatory mediators. A proven, low-cost adjunct to medical therapy.

Antibiotic Therapy

For CRS with bacterial superinfection or purulent exacerbation, a culture-directed course is appropriate. Low-dose, long-course macrolide therapy has anti-inflammatory properties beyond antimicrobial effects and benefits a subset of patients.

Biologic Therapy for CRSwNP

Dupilumab (Dupixent) and other targeted biologics are FDA-approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, significantly reducing polyp burden and sinus inflammation through targeted cytokine blockade.

Surgical Treatment

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is the surgical treatment of choice for CRS that has failed maximal medical management. It removes obstructing tissue, opens sinus drainage pathways, and creates an environment facilitating both improved drainage and topical medication delivery.

Balloon Sinuplasty

For select patients with anatomically obstructed sinus ostia without significant polypoid disease, balloon sinuplasty offers a less invasive dilational alternative. Medical therapy should be continued after surgery to prevent disease recurrence.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If sinus symptoms have persisted for weeks despite treatment, lasting relief is possible. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a chronic sinusitis evaluation.