Frequently Asked Questions: Nose and Sinus Disorders

Who should be seen at the Michigan Sinus Center?

We treat all sinus needs – from simple to complex. Common reasons for referral to our center include:

  • Chronic sinusitis that persists despite broad spectrum antibiotics and appropriate care from primary physicians
  • Recurring acute sinus infections that occur three or more times a year
  • Chronic or recurrent acute infections that have significant underlying allergies that need evaluation and treatment
  • Chronic sinus disorders that have been difficult to manage despite allergy treatment, surgeries or other means
  • Complicated sinus disorders that require a second opinion regarding sinus surgery
  • Unusual sinus disorders such as fungal sinusitis, mucoceles mucopyoceles, osteomyelitis or cerebrospinal fluid leaks (CSF)
  • Nasal polyposis (including triad asthma, which is aspirin sensitivity, asthma and nasal polyps)
  • Persistent or markedly decreased sense of taste or smell associated with sinus symptoms

What health insurance do you take?

If you have a question about whether we accept a particular insurance, please call 855-855-0863, or visit our Insurance page for a list of participating insurance carriers. Keep in mind that some insurance carriers require pre-authorization to be seen. Obtaining this approval is your responsibility. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in a bill for services.

What will happen when I come to the Michigan Sinus Center?

Please see Diagnosis

What are sinuses?

Sinuses are the air-filled spaces between, above, below and behind the eyes.

Why do we have sinuses?

No one is certain but some scientists believe sinuses serve to help cushion the brain from injury.

What is sinusitis?

The sinuses are lined with mucosa, a very thin, moist, pink lining usually less than 1mm thick. If the mucosa becomes inflamed (“itis”), the condition is called “sinusitis.”

What types of sinusitis are there?

If sinusitis lasts less than 4 weeks, it is called acute sinusitis.

If it lasts between 4 and 12 weeks, it is called subacute sinusitis.

If it lasts more than 12 weeks, it is called chronic sinusitis.

How can I avoid sinus infections?

See this interview with Jeffrey Terrell, M.D., Director, Michigan Sinus Center, from www.health.com, "Expert Advice on Recognizing, Treating and Avoiding Sinus Infections".

I have frequent headaches. Could this be a sign of sinus disease?

There are many reasons for headaches, including stress. But if you have the following symptoms in addition to frequent, recurring headaches, you could have a sinus disease, so make sure to talk with a doctor:

  • Worsening nasal obstruction lasting days or months
  • Worsening yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Any combination of these three symptoms