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Sinusitis is a common medical condition that affects adults and children and appears in different ways. The most common kind of sinusitis is called acute sinusitis. It often happens after a patient has an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus or a common cold. Sinusitis can be self-limited, which means it may go away on its own. But it can also develop into a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment with antibiotics. A primary care physician can often treat sinusitis.

However, if your sinusitis gets worse or lingers, it can become chronic. Chronic sinusitis lasts a long time and keeps flaring up. An otorhinolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat medical specialist) can help you decide if you need more treatment or surgery. In rare cases sinusitis can become a medical emergency if it spreads to the eyes or brain. If that happens, seek urgent care from an otorhinolaryngologist.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that is estimated to afflict approximately 28.9 million Americans, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Because so many people treat themselves and don’t report their sinusitis, this is probably a low estimate.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by:

Bacterial infection

• Dental infection
• Sinonasal surgery scarring
• Allergic conditions
• Inflammatory conditions
• It is also associated with nasal polyps and asthma

Chronic sinusitis symptoms

Chronic sinusitis symptoms can be uncomfortable. They include:

• Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through nose
• Facial pain or pressure above the sinus area
• General fatigue
• Loss of smell and taste
• Runny nose with thick, discolored mucus

Sinusitis diagnosis

Sinusitis is diagnosed like this: An otorhinolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat medical specialist) will ask you about your symptoms and perform a thorough examination. This may include looking deep inside your nose with a nasal endoscope. An endoscope is a thin rod that shines a bright light inside the dark nasal cavity and uses lenses to magnify the spaces inside your nose.

Most people don’t mind this exam, which is usually performed when you are awake. You may also need radiographic imaging like a CT scan. CT scans don’t hurt and are non-invasive. Your doctor might also suggest testing for environmental allergies.

Why choose ÂÜÀòÉç?

Our otorhinolaryngologists (Ear, Nose, and Throat medical specialists) are highly trained to care for your nasal and sinus problems. We have specialists who have done extra fellowship training in nasal, sinus and skull base conditions. These doctors are called rhinologists. With their extra training and expertise, they can help with some of the most advanced and unusual sinonasal conditions. They can be especially helpful to patients for whom standard medical and surgical therapy has not worked.

As an academic medical center, our otolaryngologist team embraces an interdisciplinary approach. This allows them to work with many other doctors like other otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and critical care experts. That’s why we can offer you high-level care.