Chronic Sinusitis Specialist

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that doesn’t improve. It occurs when your sinuses –– hollow spaces inside your nose and head –– become inflamed for a period of three months or more. Over time, the condition affects how your mucus drains, resulting in a stuffy nose and breathing difficulties. 

The condition occurs for various reasons and affects people of all ages. Even so, there are various ways to prevent chronic sinusitis from getting worse. 

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Nasal inflammation
• Drainage down the back of your throat
• Reduced sense of taste and smell
• Runny nose
• Pain and tenderness around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks

If you have chronic sinusitis, you might also experience frequent headaches, bad breath, or fatigue.

When should I see an allergy specialist about chronic sinusitis?

Make an appointment at Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology Center if you frequently experience sinus infections and they don’t respond to traditional measures of care like over-the-counter decongestants. You should also see a specialist if you experience symptoms that last for more than 10 days and interfere with your quality of life. 

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis occurs for various reasons, including:

• Nasal polyps
• Respiratory tract infections
• Allergies like hay fever
• Deviated nasal septum

You’re also more likely to experience chronic sinusitis if you have an underlying medical condition that affects your immune system like HIV or cystic fibrosis.

How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?

To diagnose chronic sinusitis, your Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology Center provider asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse at night when you’re trying to sleep. Next, they gently press on your nose, cheeks, and forehead to find areas of tenderness or sensitivity.

Then, your provider inspects both of your nostrils, as well as your ears and throat. They might also order allergy testing, a CT scan or an MRI, or a nasal discharge culture. A nasal discharge culture can determine if your symptoms are the result of a virus or a bacterial infection.

How is chronic sinusitis treated?

Treatment of chronic sinusitis depends on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the underlying cause of the infection. Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology Center might recommend:

• Nasal corticosteroids
• Saline nasal irritation
• Oral or injected corticosteroids
• Allergy medications
• Antifungal treatment
• Medication to treat nasal polyps
• Antibiotics
• Immunotherapy

In rare cases, surgery might be necessary, but only as a last resort.

To receive treatment for chronic sinusitis, make an appointment at Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology Center by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.