Sinusitis

Having a stuffy nose with constant gnawing pain around your sinus cavities (air-filled structures inside your body) can make you irritable and lethargic. This can impair your ability to perform your daily routine efficiently. This is most often caused due to an infection of the sinus cavity known as sinusitis. 

Otolaryngology Newport Beach, CA team consists of skilled specialists who can help put an end to the pain and discomfort that comes with sinusitis. 

Everything about sinusitis

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue that lines your sinuses. These are air-filled structures within your body. Several bacterial, viral, and environmental factors cause sinusitis. This leads to abnormal pressure and pain in your face, stuffy nose, and other symptoms.

Acute sinusitis may last for not more than 4 weeks, while chronic sinusitis is characterized by symptoms that last for 3 months or longer.

Triggering factors of sinusitis

Increased production of mucus can lead to an abnormal buildup of mucus paving the way for bacterial and viral infestation within the sinuses leading to sinus infection. 

Specific triggers for sinusitis include the following:

  • The common cold
  • Influenza
  • Certain bacteria
  • Nasal and seasonal allergies 
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Compromised immune system
  • Mold exposure 
  • Dental infection

Characteristic features of sinusitis

Sinusitis can negatively impact your health and well-being due to the following symptoms:

  • Dull, constant gnawing pain and tenderness to touch
  • Frequent headaches
  • Facial fullness or pressure particularly around the nose, eyes, and forehead)
  • Breathing issues
  • Reduced sense of taste or smell
  • Lethargy 
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)
  • Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus 
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Pressure or pain in your upper teeth
  • Low-grade fever
  • Earache 

Remedy for sinusitis

To plan a treatment remedy your otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) will 

  • Evaluate your symptoms
  • Review your medical history
  • Perform an in-office nasal and sinus endoscopic evaluation
  • Order an allergy testing 
  • CT scan of your nose and sinuses

Treatment 

Treatment depends on the symptoms and their frequency.

  • Prescription cold and allergy medication
  • Oral and topical decongestants
  • Nasal saline rinses 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Intranasal steroid sprays
  • Topical antihistamine sprays and oral pills

A note on balloon sinuplasty  

  • This is a cutting-edge and minimally invasive outpatient treatment to treat narrow or blocked drainage paths.
  • Your doctor will use the Fusion ENT Navigation image-guidance system to insert a balloon catheter into your nasal cavity.
  • This catheter is a flexible tube that inflates to enlarge your drainage passageways.

Summary 

Sinusitis is a common medical condition that is usually not serious. You can care for yourself at home by resting, taking prescription medications, and increasing your water intake.

However, for chronic sinusitis, you will require medical help to determine the exact cause and further evaluation.