Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a nasal infection with symptoms that may include one or the combination of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, diminished sense of smell, and yellow nasal discharge.
Kevin Farnam, M.D., can work with patients to plot out treatment options so patients can breathe easier and get much-needed relief.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a nasal infection with symptoms that may include one or the combination of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, diminished sense of smell, and yellow nasal discharge.
Kevin Farnam, M.D., can work with patients to plot out treatment options so patients can breathe easier and get much-needed relief.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is typically caused by a virus, such as the flu or a cold, and can persist after other upper respiratory symptoms have cleared up. In some cases, bacteria may cause a sinus infection. There are generally two types of the condition: acute and chronic.
What is Acute Sinusitis?
Simply put, an acute case causes the sinuses to inflame and become swollen. This interferes with drainage, allowing mucus to build up. Patients might have difficulty breathing freely, the area around the eyes and face might feel swollen, or patients may experience throbbing facial pain or a headache. Unsurprisingly, it is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days and home remedies may be all that’s necessary to treat it.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Patients who suffer from any combination of acute sinusitis symptoms for longer than 12 weeks despite basic treatment have developed a chronic case. Treatments include nasal corticosteroids, saline nasal irrigation, or oral or injected corticosteroids. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary if patients have a bacterial infection.