Sinusitis: What You Need to Know About Your Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections
A single sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can complicate your life and jeopardize your good health. It may also be a sign that you are dealing with a more significant health issue.
The CDC notes that 12.5% of the US population has been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. In this short guide, we will help you understand what sinusitis and nasal congestion are and help you determine if you’re in need of an appointment with North Texas Sinus Center.
Let’s start with diving deeper into what sinusitis is.
What Impact Are Sinus Infections Having on Your Life?
You've suffered for years with recurring sinus infections. The stuffy nose, bad breath, congestion, pain and pressure simply don't seem to go away. You're out of options for relief on your own. Time for a change!
Evaluate your symptoms to find out if you're a candidate for a procedure called Balloon Sinus Dilation, which greatly reduces the suffering experienced by chronic sinus patients.
There are several forms of Sinusitis, including:
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you’re aware of the toll it can take on your health and the strain it puts on your life. Symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts more than 7-10 days, but less than three weeks.
Recurrent Acute Sinusitis
Recurrent acute sinusitis plagues a sufferer with frequent sinus infections. An individual with recurrent acute sinusitis may deal with three or more sinus infections a year. Each sinus infection may be treated in the short-term with medication, however, another sinus infection often develops because the root of the problem was never addressed.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is an extended case of sinusitis, lasting around 3-8 weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last months or years if left untreated.
Allergic Sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis is sinus inflammation caused by allergens -- something (or several things) that someone is allergic to. These allergens commonly includes pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold.
Pansinusitis
The four sets of paranasal sinuses allow air to travel through your face and out of your nose. Sinusitis is when one or several of these sinuses are blocked or obstructed from inflammation or irritation. In the case that all of your paranasal sinuses are obstructed, pansinusitis is present.
Sinus Infection Signs
Common signs of a sinus infection include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Facial pain and sinus pressure
- Bad breath
- Nasal congestion
- Loss of your sense of smell
- Fever
To see if your symptoms are indeed sinusitis, consult with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. Serving the greater Dallas area, Dr. Gilmore of North Texas Sinus Center can analyze your condition and put you on a proper course of treatment that will bring you long-term relief from sinus infections.
Prescription Medications for Chronic Sinus Infections
Are you trying everything you can find to treat your chronic sinusitis? If symptoms of chronic sinusitis do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage the condition better. It’s important to note that medications treat the symptoms and do not solve the problem that is leading to your sinus infections.
Medications, especially when taken for an extended period of time, can also have adverse effects. Consider the benefits and risks with your physician before beginning medication for chronic sinusitis.
Learn More About Sinusitis Medications 
