Sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

Sinuses are the hollow cavities in your skull that help you breathe and filter out particles. You have four pairs of cavities — above your eyebrows, behind your cheekbones, behind your nasal cavity, and between your eyes. 

These cavities typically get filled with air. When you have sinusitis, your sinuses become clogged with germ-ridden fluid. This infection can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms, including a stuffy or runny nose for longer than 7-10 days.

Who is at risk of sinusitis?

Anyone can develop sinusitis, but certain factors increase your risk. You might be at a heightened risk of sinusitis if you have:

• Nasal polyps
• Frequent colds
• Allergies
• A deviated septum
• A weakened immune system
• Frequent exposure to pollutants and irritants, like smoke or strong chemicals
• Asthma

Understanding your risk factors is essential to finding the appropriate sinusitis treatment. It may be chronic if you experience sinus infections more than three times a year.

What are the signs of sinusitis?

Sinusitis can cause various symptoms that affect your daily life, such as:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Facial pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches or pressure around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
• Coughing, especially at night
• Bad breath
• Decreased sense of smell or taste
• Fever
• A feeling of fullness in your ears or ear pain
• Sore throat

Having acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) sinusitis can affect your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is critical to determine your treatment.

What are the treatments for sinusitis?

The correct sinusitis treatment for you depends on your type and severity. Some recommendations that the specialists at Allergy Associates of Utah may have include:

• Air purifiers
• Antibiotics
• Nasal washes
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Smoking cessation

If nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough, your doctor might recommend a balloon sinuplasty procedure to open up blocked sinuses. Surgery to correct structural issues, like a deviated septum, may be necessary.

Sinusitis is an uncomfortable condition that can keep returning if you don’t have a treatment that works for you. Call Allergy Associates of Utah today or schedule an appointment online for a personalized treatment plan.