Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus Infection Symptoms
At Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic we provide a full range of ear, nose and throat services for patients of all ages, including treatment of sinus disorders with endoscopic surgery, the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring, and allergy testing and treatment. Dr. Martini is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. In addition, we perform facial cosmetic and corrective surgery of the eye lids and nose.
Know the Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Only you know what you’re going through. The symptoms you experience as the result of a sinus infection and sinusitis may differ in type and severity from what someone else is experiencing.
What’s important to determine is if your symptoms are the result of sinusitis. Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are often confused for a common cold. A cold, unlike sinusitis, is not caused by a bacterial infection.
Sinus infections, which can be viral, fungal, or bacterial, should be treated immediately to prevent further damage to your health. You also need to determine the cause of the sinus infection. An ear, nose, and throat doctor, also known as an ENT doctor, is the specialist to make this determination.
Sinus infections are not permanent but can last weeks or even months, and their impact on your life can be substantial. When a single sinus infection is followed by several others or lasts for several weeks, a more significant issue, such as recurrent or chronic sinusitis, is present.
What Is Sinusitis and When Should You See a Specialist?
Your sinuses are air-filled pockets behind the bones in your cheeks and forehead. Sinuses and your nose, in general, produce 1.5 liters of clear mucus throughout the day. Mucus humidifies the air you breathe and flushes inhaled airborne particles down your throat.
When drainage is blocked, much like a slow drain in your bathroom, excessive bacteria grows and causes infections. When these sinus issues occur, it is time to see an ENT Specialist.
There are multiple forms of sinusitis, including acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and recurrent sinusitis. Chronic and recurrent are the most troubling forms of sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is present when a sinus infection lasts at least 12 weeks.
Sinusitis symptoms responding favorably to antibiotics and steroids and then recurs within several weeks after completing medication may be diagnosed as recurrent sinusitis. If you are observing thick mucus coming out of your nose, a plugged nose, or pain in your cheeks or forehead, you may have sinusitis.
Sinus Infection Symptoms (Sinusitis) Include
As mentioned above, sinusitis varies in symptoms and intensity but should be taken seriously. To determine if you have sinusitis, consult with an otolaryngologist, also known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.
If what you are experiencing is sinusitis, you can expect some or all of the following symptoms:
- Frequent sinus infections lasting more than a few weeks each time
- Nasal congestion - difficulty breathing through your nose
- Fatigue from sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring
- Sinus headache
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Post nasal drip
- Ear pain
- Cough that gets worse at night
- Hoarse throat and / or soreness
- Halitosis (bad breath)
In addition to the toll sinusitis can take on your health, you may also suffer financial consequences. Sinusitis may result in:
- Missed work
- Frequent physician visits
- Medication
- Additional healthcare costs
Don’t let the symptoms of a sinus infection affect both your health and your finances. Take the first step towards understanding your condition and resolve your issue by scheduling an appointment today with Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic of Coffee County.
Before coming to us, many patients have tried many medications, sinus infection remedies, immunotherapy, and more. They have found that these options can ease symptoms temporarily, reducing the impact of a single sinus infection, but they do little to reduce the likelihood of the next one, and the one after that.
