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Sinusitis Q&A


What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to inflammation in one or more nasal sinuses. Your sinuses normally produce a small amount of mucus that goes through a tiny opening and flows into your nasal passageways.

When inflammation sets in, the opening swells shut, and mucus can’t drain out of the sinus. At the same time, mucus production doesn’t stop. The mucus accumulates inside the sinus, causing more pressure and leading to increased inflammation.

Typical causes of sinus inflammation are viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. You can also develop sinusitis if you have allergies or structural problems, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase your chances of developing sinusitis.

What symptoms does sinusitis cause?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Sinus pain and tenderness
  • Nasal congestion
  • Thick green or yellow nasal discharge
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Throat irritation (caused by post-nasal drip)
  • Facial pain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Ear congestion
  • Dizziness
  • Aching upper teeth
  • A feeling of facial fullness
  • Bad breath
  • Decrease in or loss of sense of smell

Although acute infections usually heal in 2-4 weeks, the inflammation can continue. If your symptoms last 12 weeks or longer, you have chronic sinusitis.

Without treatment, the infection may spread from the sinuses into the surrounding areas. That can cause complications, such as meningitis, vision loss, and blood clots affecting circulation to your brain.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Dr. Zadeh uses several diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms. He may perform:

  • CT scan
  • Allergy testing
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • Nasal and sinus cultures

Dr. Zadeh doesn’t run lab tests like nasal and sinus cultures when diagnosing sinusitis. But if your symptoms don’t improve with medical care, he may take cultures to identify the pathogen responsible for your symptoms.

How is sinusitis treated?

Dr. Zadeh treats acute sinusitis with therapies that meet your unique needs. Your care plan may include any of the following:

  • Saline nasal sprays
  • Decongestants
  • Inhaled nasal steroids
  • Pain relievers
  • Antibiotics
  • Allergy shots
  • Rest and hydration
  • Nutritional recommendations

You may need endoscopic sinus surgery if your sinusitis is caused by structural conditions. When chronic sinusitis isn’t caused by a structural blockage, Dr. Zadeh often recommends a minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty safely eases your symptoms by reopening the blocked sinus without cutting tissues.

To get relief from acute or chronic sinusitis, call the offices of Mani H. Zadeh, MD, FACS, or book an appointment online today.