Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

The most common causes of sinus inflammation (sinusitis) are irritants, allergens, and the common cold. Any one of these can attack our sinus membranes, causing them to swell and trap mucus in the sinus cavity. The resulting headache, pressure, and aching are telltale signs of a sinus infection.

Signs of a Sinus Infection

How do you know it’s a sinus infection and not just a runny nose? Sinusitis sufferers generally experience several of the following symptoms at once:

  1. Pain or tenderness in face
  2. Aching in upper teeth
  3. Difficulty breathing through nose
  4. Green or yellow nasal discharge
  5. Persistent cough

While most cases of sinusitis will resolve with rest and at-home treatment, you should make an appointment with one of our ear, nose, and throat doctors if you’ve been sick for three or more days, have a fever with your symptoms, or have a history of frequent sinus infections.

Sinusitis Treatments

Whether you’re suffering from an acute sinus infection or chronic sinusitis, our certified head and neck doctors can help you find relief.

At-Home Sinusitis Treatments

Most sinus infections are viral in nature and simply need to run their course. But that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through your sinusitis unaided. Try these over the counter medications to help alleviate symptoms today:

  • Ibuprofen treats pain, headache, and sore throat.
  • Nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion and stuffiness.
  • Decongestant alleviates congestion, fullness, and pressure.
  • Cough suppressant can keep a dry cough in check.
  • Expectorant loosens mucus, making it easier to cough up.

If you have a dry cough that keeps you up at night, a cough suppressant can help you get a good night’s sleep. But if you’re coughing up mucus, it’s better to let your cough run its course. Just be sure to drink water to keep your throat and sinuses lubricated.

Antibiotic Sinusitis Treatments

If several days have passed and you’re still not improving, you may have a bacterial sinus infection. Call to make an appointment with one of our ear, nose, and throat doctors. They’ll run you through a thorough exam and, if necessary, prescribe an antibiotic to treat your sinus infection.

Sinusitis Surgeries

If you have a history of frequent sinus infections, you may be a candidate for sinusitis surgery.

Adenoidectomy
This procedure surgically removes the adenoid—a tonsil-like tissue situated in the back of your nasal passage—to improve chronic sinusitis, earaches, and impaired breathing. Patients can expect to undergo general anesthesia before this sinusitis surgery, but recovery is quick, taking as little as three hours.