Sinusitus

Sinus Facts

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It usually is preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. Unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician's diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic. When you have frequent sinusitis, or the infections last three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe but if left untreated, chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses that may require surgery to repair.

Prevention

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:

• Using an oral decongestant
• Gently blowing your nose
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding air travel

At Southdale Otolaryngology, we are happy to see you and work out an individualized treatment plan specifically for you. It may be that you have been needlessly suffering from chronic sinus disease when something can be done to help.