What is Sinusitis?

Here’s what to know and what to do about your sinus symptoms right now:

Does your face feel free and clear or stuffy and painfully full of pressure?

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can frustratingly complicate your life, and even jeopardize your health. Infection is a sign that you are dealing with a more significant health issue, and it shouldn’t be ignored.

Do you want to put an end to the infections that are sucking the enjoyment out of your life and find long-lasting relief? If so, keep reading to learn more about sinusitis and what to do about it, or take action now by scheduling your appointment with Pittsburgh Sinus Centers.

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What is sinusitis?

In your face, there are cavities filled with air. These cavities, found behind your cheekbones and surrounding your forehead, are your paranasal sinuses. When healthy, your sinuses circulate air throughout your face. When the tissue lining your paranasal sinuses is inflamed or swollen, sinusitis occurs.

The blocked air pathways result in a buildup of germs that cause infections. When you suffer from an infection, you begin to experience various sinus symptoms, including:

Trouble breathing
Feeling constantly tired
Facial pain and pressure
Bad breath
Congestion

Learn more about the many symptoms of sinusitis here

Forms of Sinusitis

Sinusitis presents itself differently in each person. There are also multiple forms of sinusitis that you may suffer from.

The primary forms of sinusitis include:

Acute: A sinus infection that lasts over 7-10 days, but under three weeks.
Recurrent acute: Three or more acute sinus infections in a single year. Recurrent acute sinusitis occurs because the root problem of sinusitis has not been addressed.
Chronic: Sinusitis lasting 3-8 weeks or longer. If a long-term solution is not found to treat chronic sinusitis, it can continue indefinitely.
Allergic: Sinusitis caused by allergens (pet dander, pollen, dust mites, etc.)
Pansinusitis: The four sets of paranasal sinuses allow air to travel through the face and out the nose. Sinusitis is when one or several of these sinuses are blocked or obstructed from inflammation or irritation. In the case that all of the paranasal sinuses are obstructed, pansinusitis is present.

There are variations of sinusitis, many with similar symptoms, all of them miserable!

Options to treat your chronic sinusitis

There are several options available to treat chronic sinusitis, including:

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
A popular option to treat chronic or recurrent sinusitis is endoscopic sinus surgery. It is an invasive procedure where bone and tissue may be removed from your nose to clear blockages that are preventing air from flowing through your sinuses. However, endoscopic sinus surgery should only be considered when there is a severe plumbing problem in your nose. Full recovery can take weeks or months.
Medication
Medications treat symptoms. They do not solve the issues that cause chronic sinusitis. Medications are often prescribed when over-the-counter treatments tried are ineffective in providing you with short-term relief. There are side effects associated with medications to treat sinusitis and you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before taking them.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective minimally-invasive alternative to surgery. The procedure can be performed in our offices by Dr. Sam Mathur. Dr. Mathur will locate the blockage, place the balloon in the pathway that is blocked, inflate and remove the balloon. When inflated, the balloon will clear the blockage. Recovery should take hours or a day or two at most and the majority of patients begin to feel relief in that same time frame.

Are your symptoms signs that you have chronic or recurrent sinusitis? There’s hope.

Schedule your appointment with Pittsburgh Sinus Centers to discuss your symptoms with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. After a full exam that will reveal the specifics of your condition, you will receive a diagnosis if an issue is present.

Sinusitis sufferers trust Pittsburgh Sinus Centers with their care throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, with offices in Wexford, Indiana, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. To best serve you, we accept most insurance plans, including UPMC and Highmark insurance.

Pittsburgh Sinus Centers and Dr. Sam Mathur will take you from a snotty, stuffy, infected mess and put you on the path towards breathing free and clear without congestion.

Do you want to delay relief? If you’re ready to overcome your sinus issues, schedule your appointment today.

Schedule an Appointment