There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute and chronic.
Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a “runny nose’, and fever, run their course in a few days. However, if symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop.
Most cases of sinusitis are acute (or sudden onset); however, if the condition occurs frequently or lasts 12 weeks or more, you may have chronic sinusitis.
When does acute sinusitis become chronic?
When you have frequent sinusitis, or the infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe than those of acute; however, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes requires surgery to repair.
What treatment options are available for chronic sinusisits?
The most effective and long-lasting treatment for chronic sinusitis is called Balloon Sinuplaty. This minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure is conducted right here in ENT office. Similar to an angioplasty, Balloon Sinuplasty works by gently opening the sinus passageways with a small balloon catheter, allowing proper drainage to occur. Read more about Balloon Sinuplasty.
Causes of Sinusitis
Sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the sinus lining commonly caused by:
- Colds
- Allergies
- Bacterial, viral and / or microbial infections
- Structural issues such as ostial blockage
How to Conquer Your Sinusitis
Facts About Sinusitis
Sinusitis affects approximately 14% of the adult U.S. population.
- Sinusitis affects 17% of women and 10% of men each year.
- Chronic sinusitis (not including acute sinusitis) results annually in an estimated 18 – 22 million physician office visits.
- Direct healthcare expenditures due to sinusitis cost are well over $8 billion each year. *
- Sinusitis is also responsible for a significant loss of workplace productivity.
- Total restricted activity days due to sinusitis are well over 73 million per year.
*inflation adjusted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes swollen shut, normal mucas drainage may not occur, and this may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?
Common symptoms include:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Pain in the teeth
- Loss smell or taste senses
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Fever, Coughing