Sinusitis Treatment Specialist Q&A

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is the swelling and inflammation of the tissue lining the facial sinuses.

Four paired cavities in the head make up your sinuses, all of them connected by narrow channels that help fluid drain out of the nose. This function aids in keeping the nose clean and free of bacteria. The sinuses are normally filled with air, however, when they get blocked, it can cause bacteria to grow and cause infection in the sinus tissue.

Sinus infections are often misdiagnosed as colds or allergies, as they share quite a few of the same symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to consult your physician if you’re unsure so that it can be diagnosed and treated properly.

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may have sinusitis: Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:

● Cough
● Facial pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead
● Fever
● Halitosis (bad breath)
● Headache
● Pain in your teeth or ears
● Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)
● Stuffy nose
● Tiredness
● Yellow or green nasal discharge

A sinus infection can happen to anyone; however, some people are more prone to getting sinusitis consistently. Those who have an abnormal nose structure, or who struggle with nasal polyps, nasal allergies, or asthma are more likely to experience regular sinus infections. Research has also shown that those who smoke are also more likely to experience sinusitis.

Sinusitis can develop in response to a virus, bacteria, or fungus that infiltrates the sinuses. The most common causes of a sinus infection are:

● Getting a cold or flu bug
● Nasal and seasonal allergies
● Nasal polyps (growths)
● Having a deviated septum
● Having a compromised immune system from medication or illness
● Smoking

For babies and young children, using pacifiers or drinking bottles when lying down increases the risk of them developing a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is treated in different ways, depending on how severe your symptoms are. When it is a simple sinus infection, decongestants, over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, nasal saline sprays, rest, and hydration are the typical methods of treatment. If your symptoms don’t improve after 10 days, you may be prescribed antibiotics, oral or topical decongestants, or nasal steroid sprays.

For those who are suffering from chronic sinusitis, the best method of treatment is to focus on alleviating the underlying condition responsible for the persistent infections. Depending on what the root cause of your symptoms is, you may be treated using intranasal steroid sprays, topical antihistamine sprays, oral pills, or leukotriene antagonists.

If your sinusitis isn’t responding to the above treatments, you’ll require a CT scan so that your doctor can take a better look at what’s happening inside your sinuses. If it is found that there is a structural problem in your nose that’s causing your sinus infections, you may require surgery.

Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to getting you the answers you need and the relief you want, without delay. Come experience our commitment to taking care of yourself. Contact us today to book an appointment. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, Belterra TX, Belle Chasse LA, Timberlane LA, Woodmere LA, and surrounding areas.