What is sinusitis?

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Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses become inflamed and/or infected. Usually, your sinuses become inflamed by allergic triggers or respiratory infections, like the common cold. If that inflammation persists without treatment, it can lead to a sinus infection. If that infection or inflammation persists for longer than three weeks, it's considered chronic.

 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

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 The most common symptoms associated with sinusitis are:

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• Nasal stuffiness

• Headaches (in the front of your head or around your nose)

• Post-nasal drainage

• Discolored nasal discharge

• Cough

 

How is sinusitis diagnosed and treated?

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Your allergist will ask about your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing those symptoms, and potential allergic triggers. For example, some people will experience sinus problems during the spring or fall when pollen counts are high, which means their sinus troubles are triggered by seasonal allergies. Once your allergist knows the cause of your sinusitis, a treatment plan will be recommended. 

 

Treatment for sinusitis may include:

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• Nasal steroid sprays

• Saline irrigation

• Antibiotics

• Antihistamines/decongestants

• Immunotherapy

 

Is there a cure for sinusitis?

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When the underlying cause of sinusitis is treated effectively, your symptoms may disappear or no longer be chronic. Since allergies are one of the triggers for sinusitis, immunotherapy can be the most effective long-term approach. By controlling your allergic reactions early, you can prevent them from worsening and leading to more serious complications.

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What happens if sinusitis goes untreated?

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If sinusitis goes untreated, you can expect it to develop into an infection, which may happen more often (becoming chronic) and can progress to your ears and throughout your upper and lower respiratory tracts. If the infection continues untreated, it can invade surrounding bony tissue (osteomyelitis) and, in rare cases, result in meningitis. That's why it's important to work with your allergist to prevent any allergic or sinus issues from developing into chronic, debilitating conditions. If you're ready to take control and stop the cycle of sinusitis or sinus infections, contact us today.