Focusing on You: Chronic Sinusitis Causes Congestion, Cough, and Facial Pressure
UHealth’s multidisciplinary approach helps patients breathe again.
Corinna Levine, M.D., M.P.H., is a rhinologist who specializes in sinus and skull base surgery at the University of Miami Health System.
MEET SUSY BOBENRIETH:
For years, Susy Bobenrieth felt completely congested and had a nagging cough.
“I just felt like I constantly had a cold, I constantly had a bit of a headache. I felt I was super stuffed up,” Susy says.
She went to see Dr. Corinna Levine, a rhinologist at UHealth who specializes in sinus and skull-based surgery.
“Chronic sinusitis is a disease of the sinuses. And so, everybody has sinuses in their face, and those sinuses can have swelling and inflammation. And when that happens, it causes a backup of the mucus,” says Dr. Levine.
The chronic condition causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Nasal obstruction, also nasal drainage or postnasal drip, lots of thick mucus, but also smell loss and facial pressure.
Dr. Levine
“I was coughing so much, I felt like I was almost cracking a rib,” says Susy.
Susy had CRS or severe chronic rhinosinusitis. She needed surgery to open her sinuses.
“Talk about UHealth’s multidisciplinary approach in treating a patient with this condition,” says anchor Pam Giganti.
“We involve facial plastics and infectious disease, as well as our really excellent rhinology team, which includes nurses, residents, fellows, and myself,” says Dr. Levine.
Dr. Levine also uncovered a rare bacteria causing Susy’s sinus infections and got her on the right treatment. Now she’s back to her active life and feels great!
“It’s amazing. So, thanks to the doc and everybody at UHealth,” Susy says.
For more information about chronic sinusitis and the treatment services offered, click here.
Video transcript compiled by Janna Ross for ‘Focusing on You: Innovations in Modern Medicine,’ a series of healthcare-related stories airing regularly on WPLG Local 10. For more stories like this one, visit UHealth’s YouTube channel.
Tags: chronic sinusitis, Dr. Corinna Levine, focusing on you, rhinologist, rhinology, rhinosinusitis, sinus surgery, sinusitis
