What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, which are tiny air pockets in your head, between your eyes, behind your forehead, and behind your nose and cheekbones. Sinuses produce mucus, which is a substance that is vital to getting your body rid of germs. But when your sinuses produce too much mucus, it can block your sinus openings and create problematic symptoms.
What Are the Different Types of Sinusitis?
There are three main types of sinusitis, or sinus infections:
- Acute Sinusitis – This is a viral infection that comes with the common cold or seasonal allergies and usually lasts more than a week or two. It is possible to have bacterial sinusitis that goes away after around four weeks.
- Subacute Sinusitis – This is a bacterial infection that may come with seasonal allergies and last for as much as three months.
- Chronic Sinusitis – This is a sinus infection with less severe symptoms that lasts more than three months. They may be caused by a bacterial infection and may come with problems with your nose shape or with chronic allergies.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a sinus infection can include a sinus headache, which is a very painful headache caused by pressure against the sinuses, congestion, such as a stuffy nose, fever, cough, and fatigue.
Who Gets Sinusitis?
Anyone who gets a cold or allergies can get sinusitis, but specific risk factors include a deviated nasal septum or bone spur in the nose, cystic fibrosis, nasal polyps, a dental infection, mold, smoking, a weakened immune system or recent air travel.
Diagnosing Sinusitis
Doctor Esslinger can usually diagnose your sinusitis with a physical exam, which includes listening to your symptoms and checking for sinus pressure in your forehead, nose, and cheeks. If you have what appears to be a chronic infection, you may be sent for imaging tests.
What Is the Treatment for a Sinus Infection?
For a bacterial sinus infection, you will need to take antibiotics as directed by the doctor. For a viral infection, you may have to take medications to alleviate symptoms, get fluids, and bed rest and wait it out. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the best way to proceed. If you have a chronic problem due to the structure of your nose or polyps, surgery may be recommended. Avoiding allergy triggers and practicing good hygiene to avoid colds can help ward off future occurrences.
Visit Us for the Best Sinusitis Treatments in Northwest Georgia
If you have frequent sinusitis outbreaks, you need a doctor who is an expert in chronic care. That doctor in Georgia is Jeffrey Esslinger. Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Esslinger has been managing the health needs of residents of Cartersville and surrounding areas for over 25 years. For compassionate, patient-focused treatment in Georgia, contact us for an appointment by submitting our form below or calling us today at (470) 888-6543.
