The Cost of Ignoring Acute Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a common and extremely uncomfortable ailment that affects millions of Americans every year.  Much has been written about the best ways to prevent and treat sinusitis, from home remedies such as neti pots to more advanced medical interventions such as corticosteroids and sinus surgery.

But one item that does not get discussed nearly as often is, Why?  Why should we be so vigilant in treating sinusitis, and are there other risks aside from the discomfort?

In fact there are.  Acute sinusitis almost always includes an infection, and it is simply dangerous to allow any infection to spread unchecked.  Sinusitis is especially urgent in this regard because of its proximity to the eyes and brain.

Infections typically spread just as you might imagine, extending into the nearest surrounding tissues.  For sinusitis, then, the risks become exponentially more serious: infected bone, eye infections and pressure, even meningitis and brain abscess can result from a freely spreading population of sinus bacteria.

So there it is.  Just another reason to contact a Los Angeles ENT today if you have experienced any sinus symptoms lasting for more than two weeks.

Tags: los angeles ent, meningitis, sinusitis risks