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What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition where the tissues lining the sinuses and their drainage pathways become swollen and inflamed. This results in blocked sinuses and can be caused by a variety of factors making it challenging in terms of treatment options. Sinusitis is a common condition, affecting as many as 31 million adults in the US. Symptoms can persist despite medication, significantly impacting the lives of both adults and children. At Gulf Coast Breathe Free, we have a team of dedicated professionals who will help you regain control of your health and life.

what is sinusitis diagram

WHAT Causes Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis can be due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to:

  • Bacteria
  • Allergies
  • Infections
  • Nasal lining inflammation
woman sinuses

WHAT are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis can present with a variety of symptoms, so it’s important to consult with an ENT doctor to help you get a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan for your personal needs. Common sinusitis symptoms can include:

  • Facial pain and/or pressure around the eyes, nose, jaw, and teeth
  • Fatigue due to poor sleep caused by pain and congestion at night
  • Low-grade fever
  • Persistent stuffy nose due to swollen nasal passages
  • Blocked nasal passageways
  • Decreased sense of taste and smell
  • Headaches
  • Postnasal drip (mucus trickling down the back of the nose and into the throat)
  • Nasal discharge (green or yellow mucus, often cloudy, draining from the nose)

WHAT are the Different Types of Sinusitis?

There are 3 main types of sinusitis: acute, chronic, and recurrent. While each variant of sinusitis shares similar symptoms, they differ in the duration and frequency of occurrence:

  • Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis is a short-lived sinus infection caused by a common cold or bacterial infection. This typically lasts for 7 to 10 days.

o  Subacute Sinusitis: A subcategory of acute sinusitis is subacute sinusitis, which lasts 6+ weeks before the symptoms improve.

  • Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses, lasting for 12 weeks or more, despite treatment intervention.
  • Recurrent Sinusitis: With recurrent sinusitis, infections will persist throughout the year. Typically, patients experience four or more acute sinusitis infections in one calendar year. There may be temporary relief in between episodes, but the infections will continue.

WHAT are the Treatment Options for Sinusitis?

Patients who suffer from sinus infections have an array of treatment options for controlling and managing their symptoms. Consulting with our trusted physician will help you determine the best course of treatment for your condition. This ranges from over-the-counter medications to surgical procedures and interventions:

  • Medication: Depending on your symptoms, their severity, and for how long you’ve been experiencing them, Dr. Blair may recommend medications to provide relief and ease your symptoms. These options can include over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, and at-home remedies.
  • Balloon Sinuplasty: Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon sinus dilation, is a minimally invasive in-office procedure that works to target your natural nasal anatomy to address drainage issues. During the procedure, a balloon will gently enlarge your nasal passages.
office balloon sinus dialation diagram
  • Sinus Surgery: In some sinus infection cases, functional endoscopic surgery (FESS) might be necessary. The procedure targets your natural nasal anatomy and aims to correct it. This enhances your sinus drainage anatomically by expanding your sinus openings, improving the overall function. Ultimately it increases the natural flow of mucus. If necessary, balloon sinuplasty may also be used with FESS.

Let Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers Help

Dr. Blair and his team of experts at Gulf Coast Breathe Free specialize in diagnosing sinusitis and creating a personalized treatment plan according to each patient’s individual needs. Our team is trained to listen with empathy, evaluate, and create individualized solutions. Don’t suffer in silence any longer - schedule an appointment today and take back control!

family in field