Aside from the constant dripping, the pressure and headaches from sinus issues make them even more unbearable. When sinus problems start to interfere with your life, it’s time to see the ENT doctors at ENT Specialists of Austin.
Our team of Physicians offer nonsurgical and surgical solutions for sinusitis, including prescription nasal spray and endoscopic nasal surgery. If you need an ENT in the Austin or Cedar Park, Texas area, contact the clinic online or over the phone today.
Sinusitis Q & A
What is Sinusitis?
The sinuses are the hollows in the bones around the nose. Healthy sinuses stay open and drain normally. When bacteria or a virus invade the sinuses, the lining swells and blocks mucus drainage. Sinusitis results from the inflammation of the nasal passages and the trapped mucus.
There are two types of sinusitis:
- Acute sinusitis: symptoms last up to four weeks
- Chronic sinusitis: prolonged sinus inflammation that lasts 12 weeks or more
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, but they usually don’t subside after 10 days like a cold. The characteristic signs of sinusitis include:
- Cloudy or discolored nose drainage
- Pain or pressure in the sinuses
- Congestion in the nose
- Sinus headache
A bacterial or viral infection typically causes acute sinusitis, but nasal polyps or a deviated septum could also be to blame. Ongoing inflammation, rather than infection, is usually the cause of chronic sinusitis.
When Should I See an ENT for Sinusitis?
Your primary care provider usually refers you to an ENT specialist when necessary. However, if your sinusitis doesn’t clear up and you think you need specialized care, contact ENT Specialists of Austin.
Signs that it’s time to see an ENT specialist include:
- A “cold” that doesn’t get better after two weeks
- Recurring sinus infections
- Sinusitis that doesn’t respond to treatment
- Sinus problems that don’t improve after seeing your primary care provider
What Treatment Options are Available for Sinusitis?
Most cases of sinusitis clear up with conservative treatments such as salt water nasal irrigation, corticosteroids, and nasal steroid sprays. If your sinus infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Rare cases of severe sinusitis that don’t clear up with these conservative methods may improve with surgery. Our team of Physicians perform minimally invasive endoscopic nasal surgery to clear away obstructions, enlarge the nasal passages, or repair a deviated septum.
If your sinuses cause persistent problems, contact ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone to see a sinus expert.