What is Sinusitis?
If you’ve ever had a sinus infection, you’ve had sinusitis. If you live in Houston, you’ve most likely experience a sinus infection at least once.
Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, an infection can occur. This causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. This is sinusitis.
At Texas Sinus & Snoring we specialize in sinus issues. We believe people shouldn't just live with the symptoms of sinusitis, but instead, break the cycle and breathe!
What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Post nasal drip
- Loss of smell
- Cough
- Congestion
- Pain and tenderness in face
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may have sinusitis. These symptoms can also be coupled with fever, ear pain, sore throat, throat clearing, bad breath, fatigue or dental pain.
What is the difference between Acute and Chronic Sinusitis?
Acute Sinusitis
In acute sinusitis a virus, bacteria or fungus has infected your sinuses causing the inflammation. It usually begins with cold like symptoms, often coupled with fever, and lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a little trickier to spot. Its when the inflammation in the sinuses is persistent nearly all the time. Also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the symptoms can be very different from acute sinusitis. The condition can last for months or even years at a time.
Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, untreated allergies, growth in the sinuses, or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. It will not go away with traditional treatment (such as antibiotics). Symptoms can be as little as nasal stuffiness and drainage, to dizziness, headaches, fatigue and chronic cough.
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Think you might be suffering from sinusitis? We know life is busy, let us reach out to you to schedule your appointment. Let's break the cycle and breathe!
Solutions for Sinusitis
Understanding the Cause of Sinusitis
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic or acute sinusitis your best solution is to schedule a consultation so we can find out the cause of your sinusitis. It could be nasal polyps, an infection, seasonal allergies, a deviated septum or something else entirely; there’s no way to tell without a proper exam.
When Bacteria is to Blame
If it turns out bacteria is to blame antibiotics could be your solution. With any sinusitis treatment we typically try a round of antibiotics before pursuing any other solutions.
Treating Only The Symptoms of Sinusitis
Decongestants, allergy medications and steroids may also be a treatment option, but not a solution. These medications just help with the symptoms of a sinus infection. They do not heal the root issue.
Solving the Root Cause with In Office Procedures or Surgery
In some cases in office treatments like balloon sinuplasty may solve your sinusitis problems. In other cases, depending on the cause and severity of your sinusitis sinus surgery might be needed.
What happens if sinusitis goes untreated?
While major complications of acute and chronic sinusitis are rare, the effects of them are mostly on your quality of day to day life. Constant sinus pain and pressure can be a nuisance. Regular runny nose, stuffy nose, snoring or post nasal drip can interrupt sleep causing day time tiredness.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms you know how much harder they can make day to day life. Many of us just live with the symptoms, but at Texas Sinus and Snoring we’re here to help you break the cycle and breathe.
Sinusitis Treatment : Sinusitis Doctor Houston
Looking for a sinusitis doctor, look no further. Dr. Cilento has been treating people with sinusitis for over 20 years. Dr. Allen joined TSS in 2021. Both of our sinus surgeons are well respected sinusitis doctors in Houston.
At Texas Sinus and Snoring we focus on comprehensive and compassionate care. You can have your initial consultation, CT scan, scope (if needed) and diagnosis right in our office during your first appointment.