Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are an inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection is considered chronic when it lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

If you’re dealing with long-lasting symptoms like facial pain, congestion or postnasal drip (mucus in the throat), you should schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist to determine if a sinus infection is the cause.

The Diagnosing Process

Your specialist may do one or more of the following tests to diagnose a sinus infection:

• An endoscopy. They’ll look inside your nose and sinuses using an endoscope (a thin tool with a light and a camera). In some cases, they’ll remove tissue for further analysis.
• Imaging. They’ll conduct a CT scan or MRI to look for physical blockages and structural issues like nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates or a deviated septum.

In rare cases, they’ll do a biopsy if they suspect the cause of your symptoms isn’t sinus infection related.

Your Treatment Options

If they confirm you’re dealing with a chronic sinus infection, your specialist will move on to treatment. Effective options include:

• Home remedies. If temporary causes like a cold or allergies caused your infection, they may recommend home remedies for symptom relief while the infection runs its course. Common options include breathing in steam from a facial steamer or a bowl of hot water, applying warm compresses and performing daily nasal rinses. You can get a nasal rinse kit from most Suwanee drugstores.
• Medication. Allergy and cold and flu medications relieve inflammation to reduce symptom severity. If your infection is bacterial, as many chronic sinusitis cases are, then they may prescribe antibiotics.
• Surgery. Your specialist may suggest surgery for frequently recurring and severe sinus infections. Two common surgical options are Balloon Sinuplasty and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Balloon Sinuplasty uses a small, flexible balloon inserted through the nostrils and gently inflated to widen the sinus passages. FESS, also performed through the nostrils, involves carefully removing small amounts of bone and tissue to open the sinus passages and improve drainage.

Your ENT specialist will review your medical history and the culprits behind your infection to recommend the best treatment path. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact ENT of Georgia North today.