Sinusitis Specialist

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the swelling of the soft tissues that line your sinuses –– four spaces inside your head that produce mucus. When your sinuses are healthy, they’re filled with air. But if an infection develops or you contact an allergen, the sinuses can become clogged and fill with fluid.

Sinusitis usually responds to conservative treatment, like rest and over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms continue or worsen, seek treatment as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
• Nasal discharge
• Facial pressure
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Fatigue

If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, you might also have a fever.

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs for various reasons, including:

• Common colds
• Nasal and seasonal allergies
• Polyps
• Deviated septum
• Weak immune system

Your lifestyle can also increase your risk of sinusitis. For example, people who smoke are more likely to have sinus infections.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Michigan Avenue Primary Care diagnoses sinusitis during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and whether at-home treatment helps. Next, your provider does a physical exam. They check your ears, nose, and throat for drainage, swelling, or blockages. They also shine an endoscope (lighted camera) into your nostril.

How is sinusitis treated?

Treatment of sinusitis depends on several things, including your age, medical history, and what’s causing your symptoms. Your Michigan Avenue Primary Care provider might recommend:

• Decongestants
• Over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines
• Nasal-saline irrigation
• Drinking fluids
• Antibiotics
• Oral or topical decongestants
• Prescription steroid sprays
• Leukotriene antagonists to reduce swelling
• Quitting smoking

If medication and lifestyle changes don’t provide lasting relief, your provider might recommend surgery. During sinus surgery, your provider corrects structural problems with your sinuses.

Can sinusitis be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent sinusitis entirely, but you can lower your risk. Michigan Avenue Primary Care recommends avoiding things you’re allergic to, staying away from sick people, and washing your hands frequently with warm soap and water.

To explore the different treatments for sinusitis, make an appointment at Michigan Avenue Primary Care by calling the office or booking online today.