Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the spaces inside the head and the nose become swollen and inflamed. The problem interferes with how the mucus flows, and this consequently makes the nose of a patient stuffy. As a result, breathing through the nose may become difficult, and the area near the eyes may feel tender and swollen. Acute sinusitis starts suddenly, and it can last for about two to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis can last for up to 12 weeks or even longer. If you are suffering from sinusitis, you can find relief by seeking the services of a sinusitis expert, such as Dr. Alexis Furze. Below are some of the facts you should know about sinusitis.
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Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis is associated with a number of signs and symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:
- Nasal inflammation
- Thick discharge from the nose
- Postnasal drainage
- Nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing
- Swelling, pain, and tenderness around the eyes
- Reduced senses of taste and smell
- Coughing and throat clearing
- Aching upper jaw
- Bad breath
- Ear pain
The symptoms of acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis are similar, and the only difference has to do with how long they last and how they respond to medication. You should seek medical attention if the symptoms have lasted for more than ten days, and they do not seem to improve with medication.
Causes of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can result from several causes. Some common causes of the condition include:
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated nasal septum
- Respiratory tract infection
- Allergies
The risk of getting sinusitis can increase with risk factors such as:
- Having asthma
- Having a dental infection
- Being sensitive to aspirin
- Having nasal polyps
- Having an allergy
- Regular exposure to pollutants such as smoke
- An immune system problem such as AIDs
Some Sinusitis Prevention Tips
There are several steps that you can take to minimize your chances of getting sinusitis. Some of the steps include:
- Avoiding respiratory infections, for instance, you can minimize contact with people suffering from colds.
- Avoiding smoking or breathing polluted air
- Making use of a humidifier
- Managing your allergies
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinusitis
Some of the tests that your doctor may take to diagnose chronic or acute sinusitis include imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI, looking into the sinuses using fiber-optic, conducting an allergy test, and even testing samples of the sinus discharge for any fungi or bacteria. Some common treatments for sinusitis include:
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Aspirin desensitization treatment
- Injected or oral corticosteroids
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Antibodies
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that sinusitis can be quite a nagging problem. Therefore, if you have any symptoms of the condition, it is imperative for you to seek the assistance of a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are looking for a sinusitis expert in Newport Beach, CA, Alexis Furze, MD, is an excellent choice. Feel free to contact the doctor for more information on how sinusitis can best be managed and treated.