SINUSITIS
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the sinuses, the empty spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. This discomforting condition is experienced annually by one in every eight adults. Sinusitis often originates from a cold, where your sinuses become infected by viruses or bacteria. In response, your body’s immune system triggers swelling in the sinus lining, obstructing the channels that facilitate sinus drainage. As a result, mucus and pus accumulate in the nose and sinus cavities. For some individuals, sinusitis could be a reaction of their immune system to environmental factors.
What distinguishes acute sinusitis from chronic sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis is inflammation persisting for less than four weeks. Conversely, chronic sinusitis refers to an infection or inflammation lasting over 12 weeks. Some individuals may experience recurrent acute sinusitis, identified as having four or more sinus infections (acute sinusitis) within a year, with symptoms subsiding between each infection. At Hear Now ENT Sinus & Allergy, our specialists can assist in determining the type of sinusitis you have and recommend appropriate treatment.
What are the indications of sinusitis?
Symptoms of sinusitis include cloudy, discolored nasal discharge, alongside:
- A congested, stuffy, or blocked nose
- Pain, pressure, or fullness in the face, head, or around the eyes
- Persistent cold symptoms
- Symptoms that neither improve within 10 days nor initially get better before worsening again
If you exhibit at least two of these symptoms for a minimum of 12 weeks, you’re likely dealing with chronic sinusitis. Thickened nasal discharge and loss of smell are also associated with chronic sinusitis. For a complete diagnosis of chronic sinusitis, our team may need to identify polyps, pus, or thickened mucus in your nose or conduct a CT scan.
How is sinusitis managed?
Treatment for sinusitis depends on its cause. Acute sinusitis caused by bacteria may be treated with antibiotics, but in 98% of cases, it’s caused by a virus and won’t respond to antibiotics. For viral sinusitis, symptoms can be alleviated with salt water nose irrigation, over-the-counter pain relievers, and steroid nasal sprays. For chronic sinusitis, our doctors will discuss potential treatment options, including surgery when symptoms are unresponsive to medications. If you suspect you have sinusitis, give us a call to schedule an appointment.