Sinus Infections Specialist

How did I get a sinus infection?

A sinus infection usually follows a cold or the flu, but can also result from nasal allergies. When these conditions cause inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages, mucus backs up and can become infected with bacteria, which causes the infection.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

In addition to nasal congestion, fever, and cough, you may feel pressure around your eyes and face, have an intense headache, and blockage in your nose. The mucus you see when you blow your nose or cough up phlegm is thick and yellowish. When these symptoms persist for 10 days or longer, it’s likely a sinus infection.

Children get sinus infections, too. Get them checked if they have swelling around the eyes, yellow nasal drainage, headaches, earaches, or a cold that lasts longer than 7 days – especially if it’s accompanied by a fever.

How is a sinus infection treated?

The doctors prescribe antibiotics to clear up the bacterial infection causing your infection. Be sure to take the entire course of medication to be fully protected. Use of over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines may help relieve symptoms until you can see your doctor.

What is chronic sinusitis?

You may be diagnosed with chronic sinusitis if your inflamed and swollen sinuses persist for 12 weeks or longer, despite attempts to treat them. It’s most common in adults, but can affect children.

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Dr. Santos and Dr. Sharma can help find the source of your chronic sinusitis. This might be benign tissue growths blocking your nasal passages or a crooked wall between the nostrils, known as a deviated nasal septum. Some long-term health conditions, including HIV and cystic fibrosis, may be to blame. Seasonal allergies and hay fever are other possible causes.

How is chronic sinusitis treated?

The doctors at DRS Medical Associates want to reduce your sinus inflammation and keep the sinuses draining. They’ll also look for the underlying cause to minimize flare-ups in the future. To treat symptoms, you can use nasal sprays and rinses to clear out your sinuses. The doctors may prescribe a special nasal spray to reduce inflammation or prescribe oral or injected steroids to treat severe symptoms.

Depending on the root cause of your sinusitis, Dr. Santos and Dr. Sharma may prescribe antibiotics and allergy shots to resolve constant flare-ups.