Are You Suffering From Chronic Sinusitis?

By Richard Nass, M.D.
June 09, 2017
Category: ENT Care
Tags: Sinusitis  

Are you still tired and congested weeks after you had a sinus infection? You may have chronic sinusitis, a condition that can develop chronic sinusitisafter a bout of acute sinusitis. Manhattan, NY, sinus specialist, Dr. Richard Nass, discusses chronic sinusitis symptoms and shares information on treatment options.

What's the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis symptoms develop rapidly and generally lasts a week or two, but no more than a month. You'll receive a chronic sinusitis diagnosis if your symptoms have lasted three months or longer.

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis often develops after you've had a cold or acute sinusitis. Other factors that can raise your risk of chronic sinusitis include:

  • Allergies or asthma
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke or pollutants in the Manhattan areas
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated septum
  • Certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • HIV/AIDs or other immune system disorders
  • Fungal, bacterial or viral infections

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

Thick yellow or green discharge from your nose is common if you have sinusitis. Postnasal drip can trigger coughing at night and may also make you feel a little nauseated when you first wake up. Pain in your forehead, cheeks, nose and the area around your eyes is also common. Some people experience toothache-like pain in their upper teeth when they have chronic sinusitis. You may also feel tired, have bad breath, develop a sore throat or notice a reduced sense of smell or taste.

How is chronic sinusitis treated in Manhattan, NY?

Prescription decongestants decrease mucus in your sinuses, while nasal corticosteroid sprays are helpful in reducing inflammation and congestion. If the spray doesn't help, you may benefit from oral corticosteroids. Bacterial and fungal infections are treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. Treating underlying conditions, such as GERD, allergies and immune system disorders, can also be helpful.

If more conservative treatment methods don't relieve your symptoms, sinus surgery may be recommended. The surgery is used to remove inflamed tissue, polyps, blockages and scar tissue and correct deviated septums.

To learn more about Chronic Sinusitis in New York City call Dr. Richard Nass M.D. at 212-734-4515 or book an appointment online.