Sinusitis is inflammation and swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. This interferes with normal mucus drainage, leading to breathing difficulties, pain and pressure. When the condition persists for 12 weeks or longer, it is considered chronic.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the number one reported chronic condition in the United States, affecting an estimated 37 million Americans. It’s most often caused by an infection brought on by a cold or allergies, but may also be the result of nasal polyps, a deviated septum, trauma to the face, hay fever, complications from immune system disorders or tumors.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Individuals suffering from sinusitis experience a variety of cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion and discharge, postnasal drip, sore throat, facial pressure and swelling, loss of smell and taste, headache, fever, fatigue and bad breath.
Complications can include asthma attacks, meningitis, vision problems, aneurysms and stroke.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
In addition to a physical examination and a review of your medical history, your doctor will inspect your nasal passages for polyps and other abnormalities and check for inflammation and a buildup of fluid. Additional tests utilizing nasal endoscopy, CT scans, MRIs and allergy tests can be used to help confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
Treatments will vary depending upon the severity of your sinusitis and whether it’s an acute or chronic condition. Saline nasal sprays and corticosteroids are useful for rinsing your nasal passages and relieving inflammation. Decongestants are a good short-term solution, but extended use can actually worsen the condition. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial infections.
Antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, saline washes and oral steroids all provide long-term relief. More permanent solutions such as immunotherapy (allergy shots) or surgery can bring relief to those suffering from chronic sinusitis.
Treating Recurring Sinus Infections Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix recurring sinus infections?
Treatment options for recurring sinus infections include medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, oral steroids, and antibiotics. If these treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be recommended to remove nasal obstructions and enlarge the sinus openings, facilitating better drainage.
Why does my sinus infection keep coming back?
Recurring sinus infections can result from various factors, including allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, trauma to the face, hay fever, complications from immune system disorders, or tumors.
What will an ENT do for recurring sinus infections?
An ENT specialist may conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your medical history and a physical examination. They might recommend treatments such as medications, nasal sprays, or surgical interventions like Balloon Sinuplasty or FESS if conservative treatments fail.
How many sinus infections a year is too many?
Experiencing four or more sinus infections in a year is classified as recurrent sinusitis, while a sinus infection lasting 12 weeks or more is considered chronic. Both scenarios may indicate an underlying issue requiring evaluation by a sinus specialist.
