Those who leave their sinusitis unchecked can find themselves dealing with more serious complications in a matter of days like meningitis, brain issues or bone infections, which is why it's essential to schedule a visit to a medical professional to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp at Indianapolis Sinus Center recommends a deeper look into sinus cavities rather than an immediate treatment of antibiotics.
"Sinusitis occurs when the linings of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or allergies," Dr. Hollenkamp said. "Chronic sinusitis is when this inflammation lasts three months or more. We offer on-site diagnostic testing, including low-dose CT scan, to get a better look inside your sinus cavity and identify inflammation and signs of infection."
Sometimes antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis, but only if most other options have failed. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the creation of “superbugs”.
Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis at least once a year.
Acute sinusitis symptoms include facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, loss of smell, cough, fever, bad breath, fatigue and dental pain.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms include congestion or face fullness, nasal obstruction, nasal cavity pus, fever, and runny nose or discolored postnasal drip.
"Antibiotic resistance is becoming more prevalent problem as more bacteria exposed to more antibiotics develop ways around being affected by the antibiotic," Dr. Hollenkamp said. "People who have chronic sinus infections and treated with multiple antibiotics throughout the years can define antibiotic less effective over time. Trying to fix or cure a problem once and for all makes sense from an antibiotic resistance perspective, not to mention improved quality of life."
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive way to possibly help relieve chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life, if you think a specialist could help, take this quiz.
