Inflammation of the sinuses is a medical condition known as sinusitis. There are three types of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis, in which sinus inflammation symptoms last for 4 weeks or less.

Subacute sinusitis, in which sinus inflammation symptoms last from 1 to 3 months.

Chronic sinusitis, in which sinus inflammation symptoms last for longer than 3 months.

You can develop sinusitis after having a cold or the flu. Bacteria can invade the sinuses, causing inflammation and infection. You can also develop sinusitis from allergies. Bacteria, a fungus, or allergens can irritate the sinuses, causing inflammation. Sinusitis can also result from polyps or growths, which can cause sinus irritation and inflammation.

Sinusitis can cause a wide variety of unpleasant, uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Facial pain
• Severe headaches
• Pain and pressure around your eyes
• Fatigue and malaise
• Bad breath and a sore throat
• Head pain when you lie down or bend forward
• Coughing, which may get worse at night
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Sensitivity in your upper teeth

Your allergist can help you get relief from sinusitis by providing a variety of professional treatments. Your allergist may recommend:

• Prescription-strength antihistamines
• Prescription-strength decongestants
• Antibiotics to eliminate infection
• Prescription steroid nasal sprays

Your allergist may also recommend allergy testing to determine any underlying allergies which may be causing your sinusitis.

For stubborn, severe sinusitis that isn’t relieved by non-invasive methods, your allergist may recommend sinus surgery. Sinus surgery can be performed endoscopically with minimal downtime. There is also a type of sinus surgery known as balloon sinuplasty.

During balloon sinuplasty, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your nostril and guided up into your sinuses. The tube has a small balloon attached to one end. When the tube encounters a blockage caused by inflammation, the balloon is inflated. The blockage is cleared, and the balloon is deflated. The tube is then removed.

When you suffer from sinusitis, it’s time to seek out help from your allergist. To find out more about sinusitis symptoms and treatment, talk with your allergist today.