Sinusitis

If you have chronic pain or congestion in your sinuses, you may suffer from sinusitis. Sinusitis affects over 35 million people each year and is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. The condition can be acute, which means it comes on suddenly. Some people also suffer from chronic sinusitis.

What is Sinusitis and What Causes it?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are the air spaces around the bones of your nose. Although they are hollow, they produce mucus. Normally the mucus drains into the nose. But when sinusitis develops the sinuses become swollen and mucus may become trapped and unable to drain into the nasal passage, which leads to infection. A large number of cases of sinusitis are caused by a cold or allergies.

Sinusitis Symptoms

The most common symptoms of sinusitis include pain or pressure over the nose or face. Nasal congestion, bad breath and yellow mucus production may also be signs of sinusitis. In some cases, a fever and fatigue may also develop. Symptoms of acute sinusitis generally last up to about four weeks. If symptoms persist longer than four weeks, the condition is referred to as chronic sinusitis.

Doctor for Sinusitis Treatments

Treatment for sinusitis can include both drug treatment and non-drug treatments. Flushing the sinuses with saline rinses or sprays may help reduce congestion and decrease symptoms. It can also help flush allergens, such as pollen out of the nose.

Steroid nasal sprays may also be recommended by an allergist in order to decrease inflammation in the sinuses. Decongestants may also help reduce pain and pressure in the sinuses. Depending on the severity of symptoms and length of time they have been present, antibiotics may be advised to treat the infection.

Whether sinusitis is acute or chronic, symptoms can be painful. Contact one of New York City’s best allergists today to schedule an appointment and determine what sinusitis treatment would be best for your situation.