Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when there is swelling and inflammation in the tissues lining the sinuses and their drainage pathways, causing blocked sinuses. Sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors and can often present challenges in treatment. It’s a very common condition, affecting 31 million adults in the US. Even with medication intervention, sinusitis can still persist, significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life. Our team at West Palm Beach Breathe Free is committed to helping you regain control of your health.
WHAT Causes Sinusitis?
Multiple factors can cause chronic sinusitis. These causes may include, but are not limited to:
- Bacteria
- Infections
- Allergies
- Nasal lining inflammation
WHAT are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can manifest a variety of symptoms depending on the patient, making it essential to consult an ENT doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Common sinusitis symptoms may include:
- Facial pain with or without pressure around the eyes, nose, jaw, and teeth
- Fatigue due to poor sleep caused by sinus pain and congestion
- Low-grade fever
- Persistent stuffy nose caused by swollen nasal passages
- Blocked nasal passageways
- A decrease in sense of taste and smell
- Headaches
- Mucus trickling down the back of the nose and into the throat, called postnasal drip
- Green, yellow, or cloudy mucus draining from the nose, called nasal discharge
WHAT are the Different Variants of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be classified into three main variants: acute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. Each variant shares similar symptoms but the difference lies in the duration of the infection and how frequently it occurs:
- Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis is a short-term sinus inflammation and infection that occurs after a cold and typically lasts less than 4 weeks.
o Subacute Sinusitis: If your acute sinusitis lingers for more than 6 weeks before your symptoms improve, it is considered subacute sinusitis (a subcategory of acute sinusitis).
- Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting inflammation and infection of the sinuses. Despite treatment, it can persist for more than 12 weeks.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: Recurrent sinusitis is having 4 or more acute infections per calendar year. Though patients may experience relief between episodes, the infections and inflammation persist.
WHAT are Available Sinusitis Treatment Options?
Suffering from sinusitis can have negative effects on one’s quality of life. Luckily, patients have various treatment options to consider to achieve relief. These options can range from over-the-counter medications to surgical procedures. A consultation with our trusted physician will help you determine and decide on the best course of action for your condition:
- Medication: Depending on your symptoms, their severity, and their duration, our physician may recommend medications to manage your symptoms. These can be over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, and even home remedies.
- Balloon Sinuplasty: Also called balloon sinus dilation, balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive and in-office procedure. Its goal is to address your drainage issues by targeting your natural nasal anatomy. During the procedure, the balloon will gently enlarge your natural sinus openings for symptom relief.
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): Our physician may recommend sinus surgery for certain patients. FESS is a surgical procedure that aims to improve your sinus drainage and its overall function by correcting your natural nasal anatomy. This will result in the expansion of your sinus openings and will encourage the natural flow of mucus. Additionally, balloon sinuplasty can be done in conjunction with FESS.
Let West Palm Beach Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers Help
Our team of dedicated experts are committed to diagnosing sinusitis and providing you with a personalized treatment plan for each unique individual. You can expect our team to carefully listen, thoroughly evaluate, and provide customized solutions for your needs. You don’t need to suffer in silence any longer -
book a consultation today and rediscover the ease of breathing freely.
