Sinusitis Specialist

Sinusitis services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

Up to 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year. If you’re tired of living with facial pressure, fatigue, and postnasal drip, it’s crucial that you seek treatment. At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, the primary care and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists have years of experience diagnosing and treating sinusitis. Call the office in The Loop in Chicago, Illinois, or book online today to make an appointment.

Sinusitis Q & A

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.