What Is Diffuse Sinus Disease?

Sinus disease can affect one or more of the eight sinuses. Sinus diseases become diffuse when it spreads from one region and affects other sinuses.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will order one or more tests to determine if you have diffuse sinus disease. CT scans provide a more detailed look than an X-ray, so many doctors prefer to use them for diagnosis. MRI scans are another more thorough option.

Effects

• Diffuse sinus disease causes deterioration of the sinus tissues. In turn, this creates susceptibility to chronic sinus infections, thickening of the sinus walls and possible bone damage.

Considerations

• Once a sinus disease has become diffuse, treatment is necessary to not only heal the affected areas, but also to keep it from spreading further, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Treatment

• Treatments for diffuse sinus disease can include endoscopic surgery, anti-inflammatory medications and nasal irrigation. Diseased tissues are removed and/or better sinus drainage openings are created. Reducing inflammation helps prevent further damage to the tissues.

Warning

• Some diffuse sinus diseases can be fatal when they are left untreated. Chronic sinus symptoms such as headache, facial tenderness, chronic congestion and drainage of thick yellow-green mucus need checked by a doctor.