Sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis may include cough, colored nasal drainage, sore throat, headache, fever, loss of smell and stuffy nose. These symptoms can occur when the mucosal lining of the sinuses become inflamed due to viral or bacterial infection. Most cases of sinusitis will resolve in 1 week with conservative treatment such as saline rinses and over the counter nasal decongestants. If symptoms persist beyond 1 week you may require antibiotics and should seek medical attention.
Symptoms of sinusitis may also be a result of allergies such as dust, pollen, smoke and dander. Allergies can be treated with over the counter medications but may require allergy testing and immunotherapy. It is important to be evaluated by an ENT specialist to determine the cause of your sinus problems in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment of recurrent or chronic sinus infections may require evaluation with a nasal endoscopy and CT scan. Further treatment may include allergy testing and immunotherapy, long-term antibiotics, and surgery with either balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery.
