Nose & Sinus
Sinusitis (Sinus Infections)
Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. It can cause facial pressure, congestion, drainage and reduced sense of smell, and it may be short-lived or long-lasting.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms vary from person to person, and similar symptoms can be caused by other nasal conditions.
Facial Pressure or Pain
Pressure or discomfort around the cheeks, eyes, forehead or upper teeth.
Nasal Congestion
A blocked or stuffy nose that makes comfortable nasal breathing difficult.
Thick or Discolored Drainage
Drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip).
Reduced Smell or Taste
A decreased sense of smell, which may also change how food tastes.
Cough or Throat Irritation
Ongoing throat clearing or cough, often worse at night.
Fatigue or Headache
General tiredness or head pressure associated with sinus inflammation.
Acute vs. Chronic
How Long Symptoms Last Matters
Acute sinusitis usually follows a cold or upper respiratory infection and generally improves within a few weeks. Many cases are viral and resolve with supportive care.
Chronic sinusitis describes sinus inflammation that persists for roughly 12 weeks or longer, or symptoms that keep returning. Chronic symptoms are often related to ongoing inflammation, blocked sinus drainage pathways, allergies, nasal polyps or anatomic narrowing.
Your physician will determine which pattern best fits your history and what evaluation may be appropriate.
Evaluation
How Sinusitis Is Evaluated
An ENT evaluation is designed to identify what is driving your symptoms rather than treating them blindly.
Symptom History
How long symptoms have lasted, how often they return and which treatments have already been tried.
Nasal Endoscopy
A thin endoscope may be used in the office to view the nasal passages and sinus drainage pathways.
CT Imaging
Sinus CT imaging may be ordered when medically appropriate to assess the sinuses and anatomy.
Allergy Considerations
Allergic inflammation can contribute to sinus symptoms and may be addressed as part of the plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment Is Matched to the Cause
Treatment often begins with medical therapy. When symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, procedural options may be discussed.
Medical Therapy
Saline rinses, nasal steroid sprays, allergy management and, in selected cases, antibiotics or oral steroids as prescribed by your physician.
Balloon Sinus Dilation
For appropriate patients, a small balloon may be used to widen selected sinus drainage pathways.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery may be a treatment option for more advanced or persistent sinus disease.
Addressing Contributing Anatomy
A deviated septum or enlarged turbinates may be treated when they contribute to obstruction and symptoms.
This page is general educational information and is not medical advice. Your physician will determine which options may be appropriate for you.
Sinus Symptoms That Keep Coming Back?
Request an evaluation with Dr. Price Sonkarley to discuss what may be causing your sinus symptoms.