What Is Sinusitis And How Your Sinus Doctor Can Help?

If you have sinusitis, you're not alone. Every year, millions of American suffer from the painful condition. Your Hagerstown and Frederick, MD, sinus doctor at Central ENT Consultants shares some important information about sinusitis and treatment options.

What causes sinusitis?Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when a virus, bacterial infection or allergy causes your nasal passages to become inflamed. You may be more likely to develop the condition if you have nasal polyps, a deviated septum or an obstruction in your sinuses. Although most people only experience sinusitis symptoms for a few weeks, in some cases, sinusitis can become a chronic condition.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • Pain and pressure in your forehead, cheeks and around your eyes (Pain and pressure may increase when you lower our head.)
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Fever
  • Pain in your teeth
  • Thick nasal secretions that may be yellow or green
  • Nasal congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Pain, pressure or fullness in the ears

How can I relieve my symptoms at home?

If you have a virus, your symptoms will gradually get better. Rest, decongestants, saline rinses and over-the-counter pain medication can help you feel better.

How can a sinus doctor help me?

If your symptoms don't improve after a few weeks, it's a good idea to visit a sinus doctor. If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you'll need antibiotics to clear the infection. Regardless of the cause, your doctor can offer a variety of treatment option to decrease your sinusitis symptoms. Prescription decongestants, corticosteroids, and antihistamines will reduce swelling in your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe easier. Your sinus doctor can recommend medications that will keep your allergies under control and reduce those bouts of sinusitis if your problem is caused by allergies. If you have chronic sinusitis caused by a deviated septum or nasal polyps, surgery may be the best treatment option.

Are you tired of living with sinusitis pain? Call your Hagerstown and Frederick, MD, sinus doctor at Central ENT Consultants and schedule an appointment.