Sinusitis

Is sinusitis the same thing as a sinus infection?

Yes. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, causes ongoing inflammation of the sinuses –– hollow pockets behind your eyes and nose that create mucus, protecting you from harmful invaders, like viruses and bacteria.

If bacteria or viruses infiltrate our sinuses, they rapidly multiply, triggering several uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis symptoms include:

• Mucus running down your throat (post-nasal drip)
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Stuffy nose
• Facial pressure
• Cough
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Tiredness

As the infection gets worse, you can experience ear pressure or facial pain triggered by moving your head or bending over.

Who is at risk of sinusitis?

Sinusitis affects people of all ages, but several things increase your risk, including:

• Nasal allergies
• Asthma
• Nasal polyps (growths)
• Deviated septum (abnormal placement of the tissue that separates the nostrils)
• Immunodeficiency (weakened immune system)
• Smoking

Sinusitis isn’t contagious, but the bacteria and viruses that cause it are. Therefore, practicing good hand hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing is necessary.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your Complete Allergy and Asthma provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Then, they complete several tests, including:

Allergy testing

If your symptoms last several months without improvement, your provider orders allergy testing. Allergy testing exposes you to tiny amounts of several allergens. If your body reacts to this exposure, your provider recommends personalized allergy treatment.

How is sinusitis treated?

Sinusitis treatment depends on the underlying cause and your symptoms. Complete Allergy and Asthma might recommend:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Rinsing your nostrils with saline
• Prescription decongestants
• Over-the-counter allergy medication (antihistamines)
• Prescription antibiotics
• Leukotriene antagonists (a class of drugs that prevent breathing problems)

If your infections are caused or aggravated by a deviated septum or nasal polyps, your provider might recommend surgery.

Call Complete Allergy and Asthma today to schedule treatment for sinusitis, or book your appointment online.