Glossary

Here are definitions of medical terms related to endoscopic sinus surgery.

Allergen: Any substance that causes an allergic reaction because the immune system recognizes it as "foreign" or "dangerous"

Antibiotic: A drug that kills a bacteria or virus

Antihistamine: A drug that dries excess mucus and blocks allergic reactions

Asthma: A disorder of the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing, and excess

mucus production

Bacteria: A one-celled microorganism that can cause infection

Benign: Not cancerous

Cilia: The tiny hairs along the mucous membrane that move mucus through the sinuses and out the nose

CT Scan: A special x-ray, usually of the head, that provides an overview of the body structures

Cystic Fibrosis: An inherited disease that causes the glands to produce thick mucus

Decongestant: A drug, often in nasal spray form, which shrinks blood vessels and reduces swelling

Dehydration: Too much loss of water from the body tissues

Deviated Septum: A crooked condition of the partition separating the left and right sides of the nose

Endoscope: A thin, lighted instrument, much like a telescope, that is inserted into the nostrils for viewing of the nose and sinuses through an eyepiece

Endoscopy: Endoscopic sinus surgery or examination of the sinuses with an endoscope

Ethmoid Sinuses: The pair of sinus cavities located between the eye sockets

Eustachian Tube: A tube in the inner ear that connects with the nose and throat

Frontal Sinuses: The pair of sinus cavities located in the forehead and above the eyebrows

Fungus: A parasitic plant or mold that can be microscopic and thus, ingested or inhaled

General Anesthetic: A drug that causes the patient to sleep during surgery, so that no pain is experienced during the procedure

Hay Fever: An acute allergic reaction when the seasons change to trees, grass, weeds and pollens

Humidifier: A device that adds moisture to the air

Local Anesthetic: A drug that numbs only the area where surgery will be performed, allowing the patient to stay awake during the procedure

Maxillary Sinuses: The pair of sinus cavities located in the cheekbones

Meningitis : An infection or inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord

Mucous Membrane: The lining of the nose and sinuses. There are also mucous membranes in other parts of the body

Mucus: The fluid made by the lining of the nose and sinuses, which carries dust and other particles out of the nose

Otolaryngologist: A doctor specializing in disorders of the ears, nose, and throat

Polyp: A noncancerous water-filled swelling

Rhinitis: Swelling of the mucous membrane in the nose, causing a runny nose

Rhinosinusitis: Swelling of the mucous membrane in both the nose and sinuses, usually just called sinusitis

Saline Nasal Spray: A spray containing a mild salt solution that cleans the nasal passages

Septum: The partition separating the left and right sides of the nose

Sinoscopy: Endoscopic sinus surgery or examination of the sinuses with an endoscope

Sinuses: The spaces between the bones in the face where air passes and mucus drains

Sinusitis: A condition of the sinuses that causes swelling and blockage in the nose, resulting in impaired breathing

Sphenoid Sinuses: The pair of sinus cavities located deep in the head at the back of the nose

Steroid: A hormone-like drug

Tumor: A swelling caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells, which can be noncancerous or cancerous

Virus: A tiny organism that feeds on the cells of animals and can cause infection