Sinusitis Specialist

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis describes inflammation in the lining of your sinuses. You have acute sinusitis if your symptoms occur on occasion or chronic sinusitis if your symptoms are persistent. 

In many cases, sinusitis starts with a common cold. Persistent congestion and swelling can block your nasal passages and prevent the proper drainage of fluids from your sinuses. Without good drainage, you may be more likely to develop a sinus infection.

Sinus infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Cough
• Headache
• Sinus pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Facial swelling

If you develop an infection, you may experience yellow or green discharge from your nose and a low-grade fever.

You may also be at higher risk for sinusitis if you have allergies, nasal polyps (noncancerous growths in your sinus membranes), or a deviated septum.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

The team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. can confirm sinusitis by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They also perform a physical examination, checking your nose and throat for signs of swelling and nasal discharge.

They offer on-site diagnostic testing, including CT scans, to get a better look inside your sinus cavity and identify inflammation and signs of infection.

How is sinusitis treated?

Treating sinusitis often involves over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and moisturize your sinus cavity. These medicines may include decongestants, antihistamines, and steroid sprays.

Other sinusitis treatments include:

Antibiotics

If you have an active sinus infection, your Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. provider can prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear it.

Polyp removal

Persistent sinusitis may require minimally invasive sinus surgery to remove polyps. 

Balloon sinuplasty

In-office balloon sinuplasty involves the insertion of a small balloon into your sinus cavity. Your provider gently inflates the balloon to open obstructed nasal passages before deflating and removing the balloon. To keep you comfortable, the team provides a local anesthetic. The entire process takes about one-half to one hour, so it's far less time-consuming. Your recovery is also much faster, with patients able to get back to normal activities the day of and at the latest the day after their balloon sinuplasty.

Deviated septum surgery

If you have recurrent sinusitis because of a deviated septum, the team can perform surgery to correct the position of the septum, the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity. This procedure can reduce chronic inflammation and make it easier for you to breathe.

If you need help managing chronic sinusitis, call the Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. office nearest you or request a consultation through the online booking feature today.