About Sinusitis
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Signs and Symptoms
If you are like many patients, you may believe you are experiencing allergies or a cold, when it may be sinusitis. It is important to see your primary care doctor or and Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist to get a diagnosis.
Sinusitis symptoms may include:1
- Sinus pressure and congestion
- Sinus headache
- Facial pain
- Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks and nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Teeth pain
- Fatigue
- Sore throat from nasal discharge
- Bad breath
To help you start the conversation with your provider, download the Patient Questionnaire.
Your Sinuses: A Closer Look
The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull, opening into the nasal cavity. They generate mucus to keep the nose from drying out during breathing, and trap unwanted materials that are inhaled so they don't reach the lungs. When functioning properly, your sinuses allow mucus to drain—anything obstructing that flow may cause a build-up of mucus, leading to a sinus infection and a variety of uncomfortable conditions.
When to See a Doctor
It is recommended you schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:
- You have suffered from sinusitis more than once
- Your symptoms continue up to ten days or longer
- Your symptoms don't improve after treatment or seeing your doctor
Signs of a serious sinusitis infection may include:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Redness or swelling around the eyes or swelling of the forehead
- Neck stillness
- Mental confusion
- Vision changes, including double vision
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Learn more about Sinusitis
What to Ask Your Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, or if you have multiple sinus infections per year that are not helped with medication, you may find it helpful to talk to your primary doctor or an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist about additional treatment options.
Below are some questions to help guide that conversation.
- Based on my symptoms and the length of time I've suffered, do I have chronic sinusitis?
- What medication do you prescribe for chronic sinusitis, and how long will I need to take medication?
- What are the effects of my continuing to take this medication for my symptoms?
- At what point does it make sense for me to consider treatment options beyond medicine?
- Am I a candidate for surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty?
- What's the anticipated outcome of Balloon Sinuplasty?
- What kind of anesthesia is required for Balloon Sinuplasty?
- Is there an option to perform Balloon Sinuplasty here in your office, using local anesthesia?
- What are the options if Balloon Sinuplasty is not done?
- What can I expect to continue to do to treat my condition if I elect not to have this procedure done now?
- What is the recovery process after Balloon Sinuplasty?
- How long will I need to miss work / school / normal activities?
Please Note: The Find your Doctor locator ("Locator") provided here is intended for use by the general public as a quick reference for patients wanting to locate physicians who perform procedures with the Acclarent portfolio. Integra LifeSciences and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives (collectively "Integra") does not, in anyway, endorse the individuals, institutions or group practices included in the Locator. Similarly, any omission from the Locator does not suggest disapproval or any other position or assessment by Integra.
Disclaimer: The information featured here is not intended as medical advice, or to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. This content is intended for audience within the US only.
References
- Sinusitis - Patient Health Information. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2016.