What is sinusitis?
Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis is a form of sinus infection that causes the nasal cavities to become inflamed and irritated. The condition usually occurs as the result of the common cold and can be resolved within 10 days.
Chronic Sinusitis: When the nasal passages are infected for over 12 weeks, it’s known as chronic sinusitis. This condition stems from acute sinusitis and is relatively common and causes the nasal cavities to swell and block drainage.
What causes acute or chronic sinusitis?
Acute and chronic sinusitis can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Dry sinuses
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps
- Broken nose
- Swollen sinuses
- Collapsed nasal cavities
- Infection
- Common cold
- Allergies
- Immune system disorder
What are the most common sinusitis symptoms?
You may notice some of the following sinus infection symptoms if you are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis:
- Stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Ear page
- Sinus pain
- Eye pain
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty sleeping/poor sleep hygiene
- Difficulty smelling
- Jaw aches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Pressure when bending forward
- Headache
- Recurring sinus infections
When should I see a doctor about a sinus infection?
Visit an ear, nose, and throat physician as soon as you can if you develop the above symptoms of a sinus infection. In many cases, treatment is needed to help clear the infection and begin to feel better. If you have any of the following more serious symptoms, contact medical help immediately:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Redness around the eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Confusion
- Dizziness
How is sinusitis treated?
Acute and chronic sinusitis can be treated using the following treatments that alleviate symptoms:
- Pain reducer to relieve pressure and pain
- Saline spray to rinse out the nasal passages
- Corticosteroid spray to reduce nasal swelling
- Decongestant medication to dry out the sinuses
When sinusitis is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics for sinus infection
- Surgery to treat a deviated septum, nasal polyp, or another disfigurement
- Allergy treatment to reduce inflammation and mucus buildup
If you are suffering from sinusitis, the first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions as well as sleep-related problems. Call 212.873.6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.