What Is Sinusitis?
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses and the drainage pathways leading to blocked sinuses. It can result from various factors and is challenging to treat. Over 31 million adults across the US suffer from sinusitis! Symptoms often persist and reappear despite medication intervention. This condition negatively impacts the lives of both adults and children. At SoCal Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers, we want to get you on a journey to reclaiming your health.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Bacteria
- Inflammation of the nasal lining
What Are Sinusitis Symptoms?
Sinusitis can manifest with a multitude of symptoms. It’s crucial to consult with your doctor to aid in diagnosis and determine an optimal treatment plan. Symptoms can include:
- Facial pain and/or pressure: Occurs around the eyes, nose, jaw and teeth
- Fatigue: Feeling tired due to lack of sleep caused by pain and congestion
- Low grade fever
- Frequent stuffy nose and congestion: Swollen nasal passages make breathing difficult and lead to a stuffy nose
- Blocked nasal passageways
- Decreased sense of taste and smell
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip: Mucus trickling from the back of the nose into the throat
- Nasal Discharge: Green or yellow mucous draining from the nose
What Are the Different Types of Sinusitis?
There are three main categories of sinusitis: acute, chronic, and recurrent. Each type of sinusitis will produce similar symptoms, but the duration and reoccurrence differ.
- Acute Sinusitis: This sinusitis version only affects a person temporarily, or in the short term. Typically, acute sinusitis comes on after a cold and lasts 7-10 days.
- Subacute Sinusitis: If your sinusitis drags on for about 6 weeks and then symptoms improve, you’ve experienced a subacute infection.
- Chronic Sinusitis: This variety of infection can last for 12 weeks or more. The severity of your symptoms may fluctuate, but they will not entirely resolve.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: This type is categorized as four or more acute sinusitis infections in one calendar year. You will experience relief between illnesses but the infections persist.
What Is the Best Treatment for Sinusitis?
Sinusitis patients have a variety of treatment options to consider with their doctor, ranging from over-the-counter medications to surgical procedures.
- Medication: Depending on your symptoms, the severity and the duration, our physicians may recommend medications to help alleviate your symptoms. Prescription, over-the-counter, and home remedies are options.
- Balloon Sinuplasty: Balloon sinuplasty, or balloon sinus dilation, is a minimally invasive procedure that gently enlarges your natural sinus openings in order to correct your drainage issues and correct your nasal anatomy.
- Sinus Surgery: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be a suitable option for certain sinusitis sufferers. The goal of this procedure is to enhance your sinus drainage and overall function of your nasal anatomy by facilitating the natural flow of mucus and expanding your natural sinus openings. Balloon sinuplasty can be used in conjunction with a FESS procedure as well.
Let SoCal Breath Free Sinus and Allergy Centers Help
At SoCal Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers, our expertise in treating sinusitis will help diagnosis your condition and improve your breathing. Dr. Hershcovitch and Dr. Schalch Lepe, along with the entire SoCal Breathe Free team, specialize in assessing sinusitis and creating a personalized treatment plan for each unique individual. Our physicians will listen, evaluate, and create a custom solution for your specific sinus condition. Don’t suffer any longer – schedule an appointment today and regain control of your life!