Sinusitus

Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, Youngsville, and Opelousas, LA

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Relief for Sinusitis

Approximately 14% of the adult population in the United States suffers from sinusitis. If you’re among this group and live in South Louisiana, visit Southern ENT Associates. The experienced team of doctors at the practice can evaluate, diagnose, and treat sinusitis so you find relief and better health. Phone the closest of their six offices or book online to make an appointment.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the air-filled spaces in the facial bones fill with mucus and become infected. You can experience acute sinusitis, in which the infection comes on suddenly, usually after a cold or flu. Recovery from acute sinusitis may happen on its own, or you may need antibiotics to clear it up relatively quickly. You can also suffer from chronic sinusitis, which lasts 12 weeks or longer and remains an ongoing problem.

It’s best to have sinusitis treated to alleviate unnecessary pain and discomfort. If left untreated, chronic sinusitis can lead to severe consequences, such as a brain abscess, bone infection, or meningitis, in rare cases.

man holding the bridge of his nose in discomfort

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis may follow a cold, flu, or an allergy flare-up. You can suspect sinusitis if you have a combination of the following symptoms:

Nasal congestion or fullness
Facial pain and pressure
Fever
Bad breath and sore throat
Fatigue and headache
Yellowish-green nasal discharge
Difficulty breathing through the nose

How is Sinusitis Treated?

A course of antibiotics lasting 10-14 days can usually clear up acute sinusitis. The doctors at Southern ENT Associates may also recommend oral and topical decongestants to relieve immediate symptoms and discomfort.

Chronic sinusitis requires extensive testing and medical review to diagnose and develop a treatment plan. Tests you might receive include the following:

X-rays
Mucus cultures
CT scan of the sinuses

Endoscopy, which involves putting a small flexible tube with a camera into the sinus cavity so the doctors can observe potential blockages, is another test that may be prescribed.
Treatment may include surgery to widen the sinus cavities to allow mucus and air to flow freely.

What Should I Expect During Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on your situation. The doctors insert an endoscope into your sinuses to remove areas of obstruction so mucus can flow freely.

You’ll need to take about four days off from your usual activities and can expect to recover fully in about four weeks.

If you have sinus pain and discomfort accompanied by fever and other symptoms, call one of the offices of Southern ENT Associates or book online for evaluation and treatment today.