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.
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 to develop a treatment plan. Tests you might receive include:
- 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.
