Did you know that your face and skull are fitted with air-filled sacs called sinuses? These components carry out several critical functions. Among said duties is to protect the nose and other parts of the respiratory tract from potentially harmful invaders like air pollutants and illness-inducing microscopic pathogens.
However, numerous medical, environmental, and lifestyle actions can adversely impact sinus health, resulting in untoward conditions that might necessitate a visit to a sinus doctor. One such occurrence is rhinosinusitis.
Rhinosinusitis Overview
Many people experience repeated bouts of sinus-related symptoms, such as runny noses, nasal irritation, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and coughing. In many cases, these manifestations are caused by passing, seasonal, and mild ailments like common colds and allergies.
However, in certain instances, they could indicate the presence of a more serious malady called chronic rhinosinusitis syndrome, which is sometimes abbreviated simply as CRS.
This ailment is categorized by nagging, painful, and possibly dangerous symptoms like swollen nasal passages, the buildup of thick mucus, headaches, and even breathing difficulties.
The SNOT Test
That said, differentiating between CRS and other medical concerns can sometimes prove challenging for healthcare providers. To combat this snag, said medical professionals have developed a diagnostic tool known as SNOT. SNOT is an acronym for the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test.
How Is the SNOT Test Performed?
The SNOT initiative is a patient-intensive activity requiring those stricken with nasal discomfort to disclose specific details of their condition. In short, the SNOT Test is presented as a questionnaire asking recipients to answer associated inquiries as candidly as possible.
Patients rate the severity of the issues they face, such as physical symptoms, the environmental or lifestyle factors they may be exposed to carrying the capacity to increase their chances of contracting CRS, and how said manifestations impact other aspects of their lives.
Intended Benefits
The SNOT Test is favored because it does not require any invasive action. Physicians suspecting appreciable sinus problems can utilize these assessments to determine which patients are more likely to be afflicted with CRS. Moreover, once said assertions are made, healthcare providers can more quickly initiate actions geared towards providing patients with sinus relief.
Ready For Relief?
Individuals with nagging sinus issues residing in Santa Monica, Culver City, and other southern California points are urged to contact us. Our team of experienced ENT doctors prides themselves on helping patients find relief from sinus conditions using minimally invasive diagnostic techniques and treatments.
