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Sinus Infection Treatment

What Is a Sinus Infection, aka Sinusitis?

A sinus infection occurs when an area of the lining of one of the sinuses gets swollen and irritated due to infections that can spread into the bloodstream through tiny openings called ostia. This causes pain and pressure around the affected sinus cavity. Sinus infections usually occur because of allergies or other conditions such as:

  • Asthma
  • Hay fever
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Poor diet
  • Stress, etc.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Discolored nasal drainage
  • Thick drainage in the throat
  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Upper tooth pain
  • Cough

Who Gets It?

As of 2020, there were up to 73 million restricted-activity days related to sinusitis and total direct medical costs of almost $2.4 billion.

Don't settle for being a statistic, act as soon as possible and stand up to your sinus symptoms.

Are sinus symptoms making you miserable?

If what you thought was just cold is still hanging on, and those antibiotics didn’t resolve your sinus pressure and drainage, your symptoms might be due to something more than a cold. You might be struggling with chronic sinusitis.

Find out by taking our sinus quiz.

Take the quiz today!

What Are My Treatment Options?

  • Natural Home Remedies- hydration, steam & mist, or a sinus rinse/Neti Pot
    For mild sinus infections that are not frequent or resulting from a medical issue, natural home remedies can be a helpful tool to control symptoms. Most natural solutions work to reduce swelling, open sinus passages, and restore the natural flow of mucus. Natural home remedies are not risk-free and should always be used under a doctor’s supervision, but they may be an important part of your treatment plan.
  • Medication - antibiotics, decongestants, or corticosteroids
    Sinus medications are often a helpful tool to rapidly control symptoms and manage infection. There are a variety of medications that come in various forms. Some directly work to reduce infection while others help reduce inflammation and restore natural sinus drainage.
  • Traditional Sinus Surgeries - septoplasty, nasal polyp removal, or endoscopic sinus surgery
    When frequent and severe sinus infections are caused by a physical defect or damage inside the nose, traditional sinus surgery may be a long-term solution. Sinus surgery involves the cutting and removing of bone or tissue to open the nasal passage. Traditional surgery is completed in a hospital or surgical center.
  • Balloon Sinuplasty
    Balloon sinuplasty offers a modern, less invasive option for individuals seeking long-term relief from chronic sinus symptoms, without the extended recovery time associated with traditional surgery. This advanced, FDA-cleared procedure has been used since 2005 and has helped more than half a million patients breathe easier and feel better. The treatment is typically performed in the comfort of the doctor’s office and recovery varies by patient and treatment. Your provider will discuss what you may expect based on your individual care plan. During the procedure, a small balloon is gently inserted into the blocked sinus passage and inflated to restore natural drainage. This process helps improve airflow, reduce sinus-related pressure and congestion, and support overall sinus health. The procedure generally takes less than an hour and has been a helpful option for many patients managing chronic sinusitis.

Breathe Free with a Customized Sinus Treatment Solution

Our board-certified team is ready to evaluate your sinus infection issues. We take the time to listen to you as we work together to develop a customized treatment solution. Our treatments are designed to meet your goals, fit within your budget, and work to get you back to enjoying all that Richmond has to offer.

Call us today and take control with a sinus infection treatment plan from Richmond Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers.

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Footnotes

¹Levine HL, Sertich AP II, Hoisington DR, Weiss RL, Pritikin J. Multicenter registry of balloon catheter sinusotomy outcomes for 1,036 patients. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008;117(4):263–270. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348940811700404

Sinus Treatment in Glen Allen, VA

Evaluation and Treatment for Persistent Sinus Problems

Persistent or recurring sinus symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, postnasal drainage, headaches, and difficulty breathing through the nose can have several possible causes. When symptoms continue despite initial treatment, an evaluation may help determine whether inflammation, allergies, sinus anatomy, or another condition could be contributing.

At Richmond Breathe Free, we provide sinus evaluations for patients in Glen Allen and surrounding Henrico County communities. Treatment recommendations are based on symptoms, medical history, clinical findings, sinus anatomy, previous treatment, and other individual health factors.

Schedule an Sinus Evaluation

Direct Answer

What Is Sinus Treatment?

Sinus treatment includes medical and procedural approaches used to manage conditions affecting the nose and sinuses. Depending on the condition, care may include medications, saline rinses, allergy management, nasal treatments, balloon sinuplasty, or sinus surgery for appropriately selected patients.

Not every patient with congestion, pressure, or drainage requires a procedure. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual’s symptoms, clinical findings, previous treatment, and other relevant factors.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, involves inflammation of the tissues lining the nose and sinuses. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, drainage, facial pressure or discomfort, and a reduced sense of smell.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces located around the nose, cheeks, eyes, and forehead. When inflammation affects normal sinus drainage, symptoms such as congestion, mucus buildup, postnasal drainage, or pressure may occur.

Signs You May Need a Sinus Evaluation

Symptoms that may occur with sinus or nasal conditions include:

  • Persistent nasal congestion
  • Recurring sinus infections
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Nasal drainage or postnasal drip
  • Facial pressure or discomfort
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Headache
  • Frequent coughing or throat clearing
  • Ear pressure or fullness
  • Upper tooth or jaw discomfort that may occur alongside sinus symptoms

These symptoms can have multiple possible causes and do not necessarily indicate a single sinus condition.

An evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms persist, worsen, repeatedly return, or interfere with breathing through the nose, sleep, or daily activities.

Direct Answer

Is It Allergies or a Sinus Infection?

Allergies and sinus infections can share similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone.

Allergies are commonly associated with sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and clear nasal drainage. Sinus infections may involve nasal congestion, facial pressure or discomfort, changes in nasal drainage, or symptoms that persist or worsen after a viral illness.

Some patients experience allergies and sinus problems at the same time. An evaluation considers symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings rather than assuming one condition explains everything.

What Can Contribute to Chronic Sinus Problems?

Persistent or recurring sinus symptoms may be associated with several contributing factors, including:

  • Nasal or sinus inflammation
  • Seasonal or environmental allergies
  • Nasal polyps
  • A deviated septum or other structural concerns
  • Recurrent respiratory infections
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis
  • Environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution

Some patients may have more than one contributing factor. An evaluation can help determine which conditions may need to be considered before treatment recommendations are made.

Direct Answer

Can Allergies Cause Chronic Sinus Problems?

Allergies can contribute to inflammation and swelling inside the nasal passages and may occur alongside persistent congestion and other sinus symptoms.

However, allergies are only one possible contributing factor. Chronic inflammation, nasal polyps, structural concerns, and other conditions may also need to be considered.

An evaluation can help determine whether allergies or another condition may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

Sinus Treatment Options in Glen Allen, VA

Treatment depends on what may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms and how they have responded to previous care. Medical management or allergy care may be appropriate for some patients, while others may be evaluated for procedural treatment when clinically indicated.

Medications and Nasal Care

Depending on the condition and symptoms, treatment may include saline nasal sprays or rinses, nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines when allergies are contributing to symptoms, or other medications recommended by a healthcare provider.

The appropriate treatment varies based on the patient and the condition being treated.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for appropriately selected patients with certain sinus conditions. The procedure uses a small balloon catheter to dilate targeted sinus drainage pathways.

Not every patient with sinus symptoms is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. Candidacy depends on symptoms, clinical findings, previous treatment, sinus anatomy, imaging when appropriate, and other relevant factors.

Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery may be considered for certain patients when clinical findings identify a sinus or nasal condition that may be appropriately addressed with a procedure.

The type of procedure recommended depends on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, previous treatment, and individual clinical needs.

Discuss Your Sinus Symptoms

Direct Answer

What Are the Most Common Treatment Options for Chronic Sinusitis?

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every patient with chronic sinusitis.

Depending on symptoms, clinical findings, contributing conditions, and previous treatment, management may include medications, saline nasal care, allergy management, or procedural options.

An evaluation can help determine which approaches may be appropriate for a particular patient.

Direct Answer

When Is Balloon Sinuplasty Recommended?

Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for appropriately selected patients with certain chronic or recurring sinus conditions.

Candidacy should not be determined by symptoms or medication failure alone. A provider may consider medical history, symptoms, previous treatment, examination findings, sinus anatomy, imaging when appropriate, and other clinical factors before determining whether balloon sinuplasty may be considered.

When Should You See a Sinus Specialist?

An occasional episode of congestion or a sinus infection does not necessarily require an ENT evaluation. Persistent or recurring symptoms may warrant further assessment, particularly when they continue despite appropriate initial treatment.

Consider an evaluation if you experience:

  • Recurring sinus infections
  • Persistent nasal congestion
  • Facial pressure or discomfort
  • Ongoing nasal drainage
  • Postnasal drip
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Symptoms that repeatedly return after treatment

Direct Answer

When Should You Seek Sinus Treatment?

Consider seeking medical evaluation when sinus or nasal symptoms persist, repeatedly return, worsen, or do not improve with appropriate initial care.

Evaluation may also be appropriate for recurring sinus infections, persistent facial pressure or drainage, reduced sense of smell, or ongoing difficulty breathing through the nose.

An evaluation can help determine what may be contributing and which treatment options may be appropriate.

Sinus Treatment FAQs

What Causes Recurring Sinus Infections?

Recurring sinus infections or sinus-like symptoms may be associated with several factors, including chronic inflammation, allergies, nasal polyps, structural concerns, or other conditions affecting the nose and sinuses.

An evaluation can help assess which factors may be contributing.

Can Sinusitis Cause Headaches and Ear Pressure?

Headache, facial pressure, and ear pressure may occur alongside nasal or sinus symptoms, but these symptoms can have many possible causes.

Persistent or significant symptoms should be evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by sinusitis.

When Should I See an ENT for Sinus Problems?

Consider an ENT evaluation when symptoms persist, repeatedly return, worsen, or interfere with breathing through the nose, sleep, or daily activities.

Recurring sinus infections or symptoms that do not improve with appropriate initial care may also warrant further evaluation.

Can Sinus Infections Go Away on Their Own?

Some sinus infections and sinus symptoms may resolve without specific medical treatment, particularly when associated with a temporary viral illness.

symptoms that persist, worsen, or repeatedly return may warrant medical evaluation.

What Is the Difference Between Allergies and Sinusitis?

Allergies involve an immune response to substances such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander. Sinusitis involves inflammation of the tissues lining the nose and sinuses.

The two can produce overlapping symptoms and may occur at the same time.

Can Allergies Contribute to Sinus Problems?

Yes. Allergies may contribute to nasal inflammation and congestion in some patients.

However, persistent sinus symptoms can have multiple possible causes, so an evaluation may be needed to determine which factors are clinically relevant.

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to dilate targeted sinus drainage pathways. It may be considered for appropriately selected patients with certain sinus conditions.

How Do I Know if Balloon Sinuplasty May Be Appropriate?

Candidacy cannot be determined from symptoms or response to medications alone.

A provider may consider medical history, symptoms, previous treatment, examination findings, sinus anatomy, imaging when appropriate, and other clinical factors when determining whether balloon sinuplasty may be considered.

Does Insurance Cover Sinus Treatment?

Candidacy cannot be determined from symptoms or response to medications alone.

Patients should contact their insurance provider or Richmond Breathe Free for information about coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Are sinus symptoms making you miserable?

If what you thought was just cold is still hanging on, and those antibiotics didn’t resolve your sinus pressure and drainage, your symptoms might be due to something more than a cold. You might be struggling with chronic sinusitis.

Find out by taking our sinus quiz.

Take the quiz today!

Why Choose Richmond Breathe Free?

Richmond Breathe Free evaluates patients with persistent or recurring nasal and sinus symptoms and offers medical and procedural treatment options based on individual clinical findings.

Depending on the patient’s needs, care may include:

  • Evaluation of persistent and recurring sinus symptoms
  • Nasal endoscopy or diagnostic imaging when clinically appropriate
  • Assessment of potential allergy-related, inflammatory, and structural factors
  • Medical and procedural treatment options based on clinical findings
  • Individualized recommendations based on symptoms, anatomy, medical history, and other relevant factors

The goal of the evaluation is to better understand what may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Learn More About Sinus Treatment in Glen Allen, VA

Persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, postnasal drainage, difficulty breathing through the nose, and recurring sinus infections can have several possible causes.

Richmond Breathe Free provides sinus evaluations for patients in Glen Allen and surrounding Henrico County communities and discusses treatment options based on individual symptoms, medical history, clinical findings, sinus anatomy, and other relevant factors.

Schedule a Sinus Consultation Today

Footnotes

¹Levine HL, Sertich AP II, Hoisington DR, Weiss RL, Pritikin J. Multicenter registry of balloon catheter sinusotomy outcomes for 1,036 patients. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008;117(4):263–270. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348940811700404