Did you know that an estimated 14 percent of the world’s population, including more than 37 million people in the United States, suffer from sinusitis? If you suffer from sinus pain and pressure, the physicians at Eastern Connecticut Sinus Center can provide you with relief that lasts!

What is sinusitis?

Commonly referred to as a sinus infection, sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the sinus lining and drainage pathways. This can result in damaged or blocked sinuses, which increases the possibility of sinus infections and uncomfortable symptoms.

Sinusitis may be a result of a fungus, bacteria, or virus. It can also be caused by a common cold or respiratory illness, allergies, nasal polyps, or variations of the anatomy which make sinus drainage difficult.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Some symptoms of sinusitis include:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache with pain and tenderness of the face
• Sore throat
• Post nasal drip
• Coughing
• Bad breath
• Loss of smell

When should I be concerned about sinusitis?

Sinusitis is considered acute when the symptoms are present for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis occurs if the inflammation lasts for more than two months.

If symptoms have been present for longer than three weeks, or if infections are recurring or persistent, you should schedule an appointment at Eastern Connecticut Sinus Center.

What treatments are available for sinusitis?

Treatment for acute sinusitis is generally conservative and often involves an increase in fluids, warm compresses for the face, taking mucolytics (which help to clear mucus from the sinuses), and at-home nasal saline irrigations.

Surgery may be required when these treatments are unsuccessful. A sinus surgery usually involves the removal of bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus pathways and improve drainage.

However, a procedure known as balloon sinus dilation can often provide relief without the need for surgery. This treatment is recommended if sinusitis symptoms persist for more than 12 months.