Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is the swelling and inflammation of the tissue lining the facial sinuses.
 
There are four paired cavities in the head that make up your sinuses, all of them connected by narrow channels that help fluid drain out of the nose. This function aids in keeping the nose clean and free of bacteria. The sinuses are normally filled with air. However, when they get blocked, it can cause bacteria to grow and cause infection in the sinus tissue.

Sinus infections are often misdiagnosed as colds or allergies as they share quite a few of the same symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to consult your physician if you’re unsure so that it can be diagnosed and treated properly.
 
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may have sinusitis: Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
 
• Cough
• Facial pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead.
• Fever
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Headache
• Pain in your teeth or ears.
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat).
• Stuffy nose
• Tiredness
• Yellow or green nasal discharge.
 
A sinus infection can happen to anyone; however, some people are more prone to getting sinusitis on a consistent basis. Those who have an abnormal nose structure, or who struggle with nasal polyps, nasal allergies, or asthma are more likely to experience regular sinus infections. Research has also shown that those who smoke are also more likely to experience sinusitis. 

Sinusitis can develop in response to a virus, bacteria, or fungus that infiltrates the sinuses. The most common causes of a sinus infection are:
 
• Getting a cold or flu bug
• Nasal and seasonal allergies
• Nasal polyps (growths)
• Having a deviated septum
• Having a compromised immune system from medication or illness
• Smoking
 
For babies and young children, using pacifiers or drinking bottles when lying down increases the risk of them developing a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is treated in different ways depending on how severe your symptoms are. When it is a simple sinus infection, decongestants, over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, nasal saline sprays, and rest and hydration are the typical methods of treatment. If your symptoms don’t improve after 10 days, you may be prescribed antibiotics, oral or topical decongestants, or nasal steroid sprays.
 
For those that are suffering from chronic sinusitis, the best method of treatment is to focus on alleviating the underlying condition responsible for the persistent infections. Depending on what the root cause of your symptoms is, you may be treated using intranasal steroid sprays, topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills, or leukotriene antagonists.
 
If your sinusitis isn’t responding to the above treatments, you’ll require a CT scan so that your doctor can take a better look at what’s happening inside your sinuses. If it is found that there is a structural problem in your nose that’s causing your sinus infections, you may require surgery.
 
For complete care that you can rely on from beginning to end, contact the nasal specialists at Southern ENT Associates. Our team of medical professionals are dedicated to getting you the answers you need and the relief you want, without delay. Come experience our commitment to the care of yourself – call us today to book an appointment. We serve patients from Thibodaux LA, Houma LA, Raceland LA, Morgan City LA, New Iberia LA, Youngsville LA, and surrounding areas!