Sinusitis

The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face. They have a thin lining that normally makes a small amount of mucus. When this lining gets irritated or infected, it swells and makes extra mucus. This causes symptoms.

“Rhinosinusitis” (also known as sinusitis) is a term that encompasses disorders affecting both the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses and has overlapping but distinct symptoms from pure rhinitis. Symptoms of sinus involvement may include nasal congestion, posterior nasal drainage (which is often purulent), facial pressure and/or pain, headache and, in some cases, reduced sense of smell.

Acute Rhinosinusitis in Adults

Symptoms usually last less than four weeks. Most of the time, acute rhinosinusitis does not need to be treated with antibiotic medicines. This is because most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and antibiotics do not kill viruses. In fact, even sinusitis  caused by bacteria usually gets better on its own without antibiotics.

Treatment with antibiotics is indicated if symptoms have not improved after 10 days or there is worsening after an initial improvement with symptoms such as a fever or a lot of pain and drainage. 

Our team of specialists help patients with strategies to manage acute or recurrent sinusitis by deciding on the best treatment for the specific patient that may include antibiotics, medicated nasal sprays, saline irrigations, mucolytics, steroids and oral antihistamines. 

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when a patient has at least two of the following symptoms for 12 weeks or longer:

• Nasal obstruction or congestion
• Mucopurulent drainage from the nose
• Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
• Decreased sense of smell 

During your visit, your provider will discuss your medical history, your symptoms and how your daily life has been impacted. Part of the diagnostic process is ensuring that your symptoms aren’t caused by other conditions. Tests to achieve this may include:

• Skin and blood tests to rule out allergies
• Nasal endoscopy or CT scan to rule out nasal polyps or a deviated septum and to evaluate for disease

Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to make sure rhinitis doesn’t detract from your quality of life. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, we can help you find relief.