Each year, more than 50 million Americans seek treatment for sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection. They typically complain of nasal congestion, thick yellow-green nasal discharge, facial pain, and pressure. These symptoms can cause discomfort and make completing day-to-day tasks difficult and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are some effective treatment options to help you get back to feeling your best. Read on to learn more about sinusitis, its symptoms, and available treatment options.

A Quick Overview of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of swelling of the tissue lining of the sinuses. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow and cause an infection. There are several conditions that may cause the sinuses to become blocked, including the common cold, Allergic rhinitis, or the swelling of the lining of the nose, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.

Common symptoms include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• A stuffy or runny nose
• Loss of smell
• Cough or congestion
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Fatigue

When you have frequent sinusitis, or if your sinus infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe than those of acute; however, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes requires surgery to repair.

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you are dealing with a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend you use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics to help treat the condition.

If you have chronic sinusitis, warm, moist air may be able to help. You can use a vaporizer or steam from a pan of warm water to help open up the nasal passages. Warm compresses, saline nose drops, and over-the-counter decongestant drops and sprays can also help. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe steroids along with antibiotics.

If you are interested in learning more about sinusitis or are in need of treatment, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.