Sinusitus

Have you had sinus problems for as long as you can remember? Over the years, you’ve probably adapted to the inconveniences & discomfort, weathering the storm, so to speak. But with chronic sinusitis, the symptoms only get worse with time. If you’re ready for relief, we can help. Our caring and compassionate doctor and staff will treat your symptoms as well as the cause, putting an end to the suffering you’ve been putting up with for too long. Do yourself or a family member a favor—make an appointment today.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull. Normally, they are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other airborne particles. Tiny hairs in the sinuses called cilia sweep the mucus (and whatever is trapped in it) towards openings in the top of the sinuses called ostia. Sinusitis ReliefThe ostia lead to the back of the throat where mucous slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal function of the body.

Although colds are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, people with allergies are more likely to develop sinusitis. Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings. This inflammation prevents the sinus cavities from clearing out bacteria, and increases your chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis. If you test positive for aeroallergen allergies, we may prescribe appropriate medications to control your symptoms, thereby reducing the risk of developing an infection. People with sinus problems and allergies should avoid environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke and strong chemical odors, which may increase symptoms.

About 31 million people develop sinusitis in the United States each year. Frequently, sinusitis follows an upper respiratory infection or a normal cold. People who have allergies, asthma, physical abnormalities in the nose or sinuses, or a compromised immune system are at a greater risk.

Watch for symptoms that can clue you in to seek the advice of a physician. These include:

  • Fatigue
  • Postnasal drip
  • Nasal stuffiness or congestion
  • Tenderness of the face (particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose)
  • Pressure headaches
  • Pain in the teeth
  • Coughing
Sinusitis is often confused with rhinitis, a term used for the symptoms that accompany nasal inflammation and irritation. The symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis can be very similar. Although rhinitis only directly involves the nasal passages, the nasal congestion can cause facial pain and the postnasal drip can cause cough. Underlying conditions like allergies or structural abnormalities can cause chronic sinusitis and/or rhinitis, or can produce symptoms that mimic sinusitis.  Athma also has been linked to chronic sinusitis. Appropriate treatment of sinusitis often improves asthma symptoms and vice versa.