Ethmoiditis Overview
Learn About Ethmoiditis
Ethmoiditis is an infection or inflammation of the ethmoidal cells in the sinuses. These are the air-filled spaces behind the nose and between the eyes.
Ethmoiditis is a type of sinusitis.
Bacteria cause most ethmoid sinus infections. Some types of fungus and viruses can also be involved.
Symptoms usually include:
- Headache between the eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Loss of sense of smell
Symptoms of more serious infections can include:
- Vision loss
- Double vision
- Redness or bulging of the eyes
Proliance Surgeons
Thomas A. Knipe, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric disorders of the head and neck. While practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, he has a special interest in sinus, sleep and breathing disorders and tumors of the head and neck. He is trained in advanced surgery of the sinuses and skull base to bring his patients safe and proven treatments for complex tumors of the skull base and more common sinus and breathing limitations alike. He treats patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands and is trained in salivary gland-saving endoscopic techniques to remove salivary stones. In his practice, he takes great care to educate his patients and apply his medical expertise to partner with and guide each one through important medical decisions.He is committed to serving the world’s poor and underserved through medical and surgical mission work. He travels overseas to perform surgical repair for children and adults with cleft lip and palate, thyroid disease and benign and malignant disorders of the head and neck.A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Knipe takes the Northwest’s healthy and active lifestyle to heart. He is an avid runner and works hard to keep up with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and competing in ultimate Frisbee. Dr. Knipe is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ethmoiditis. His top areas of expertise are Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Trachoma, Perichondritis, and Tissue Biopsy.
Proliance Surgeons
Adrienne Laury, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist who manages a wide range of adult and pediatric disorders of the ear, nose and throat. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and treats patients with environmental and food allergies. Dr. Laury has a particular interest and significant research experience in the medical and surgical management of sleep disorders, sinonasal diseases, as well as sinus/barometric pressure headaches.Dr. Laury originally grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She attended Villanova University where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and then completed her residency training at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Laury then served as an Otolaryngologist in the United States Air Force for four years. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Maj. Laury was an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and instructed numerous residents and medical students. She also served a tour in Afghanistan where she managed facial trauma injuries for deployed American troops.Dr. Laury has received numerous distinctions in teaching and brings that excellence in education to her patients. She is also a nationally recognized lecturer on allergy and sinus headache. Additionally, her extensive research endeavors have enabled her to utilize the most current techniques to care for her patients.Dr. Laury is married and has two young boys and a baby girl. Her husband, originally from Germany, works in software development for Amazon. Dr. Laury enjoys cooking, cycling, traveling, and her guilty pleasure - reality TV. Dr. Laury is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ethmoiditis. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Sinusitis, Nasal Polyps, and Empyema.
Proliance Surgeons
Roger S. Zundel, MD, practices general and pediatric otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, and otology. He believes listening to his patients is the key to earning their trust. He understands that ensuring a patient feels cared for is as important as his medical expertise. He is an active member of Overlake Hospital's staff and has served on multiple hospital committees.Outside of work, Dr. Zundel enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is learning Spanish and classical guitar. Dr. Zundel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ethmoiditis. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Published Date: September 10, 2023
Published By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Benninger MS, Roxbury CR, Stokken JK. Acute rhinosinusitis: pathogenesis, treatment, and complications. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 40.
DeMuri GP, Wald ER. Sinusitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 62.


