Frequently Asked Questions
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 800-914-8561 or 800-992-9475, or click on this 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?
Sinus Questions
- 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"
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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
