Sinusitis Symptoms & Treatment in Dallas Fort Worth

Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinus lining that prevents normal mucus drainage through the nose. This blockage causes mucus to build up in the sinuses which can lead to very uncomfortable symptoms.

If you have grown frustrated with frequent rounds of antibiotics, over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays, you may be dealing with recurrent or chronic sinusitis, instead of allergies or colds.

SINUSITIS TREATMENT

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the standard treatment option for bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic.

Nasal Decongestant Sprays
Nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for no more than three to four days. These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, facilitating the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines block inflammation caused by an allergic reaction so they can improve sinusitis symptoms worsened by allergen exposure.

Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
Prescription nasal sprays help reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinus openings.

Nasal Saline Washes
Nasal rinses can help clear thickened secretions from the nasal passages.

Surgery
If antibiotics and other medicines are not effective at treating sinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery may be necessary.

• If there is a structural abnormality of the sinus, such as nasal polyps, which can obstruct sinus drainage, a surgery called a polypectomy may be needed.
• A procedure called a turbinate reduction may be performed to shrink the swollen tissues of the nose using radio frequency energy.
• Another treatment, called Balloon Sinuplasty, helps to unblock the sinuses through the use of a tiny balloon catheter in order to enlarge sinus openings and restore normal drainage.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS

Acute sinusitis: Characterized by a sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain; acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less

Subacute sinusitis: Characterized by an inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks

Chronic sinusitis: Characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer

Recurrent sinusitis: Characterized by several cases of sinusitis occurring within a year

SINUSITIS SYMPTOMS

• Facial pain
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Sinus pressure or congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
• Sinus headache
• Yellow or green mucus from the nose
• Teeth pain
• Fatigue
• Sore throat from nasal discharge
• Bad breath

To learn what type of sinusitis is causing your particular symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with a DFW Sinus Select ear, nose and throat specialist to properly diagnose your sinus issues and receive information about your sinusitis treatment options. We specialize in tailoring treatments designed for the best possible long-term results with minimal side effects.