Blocked Nose? Breathe Easy with Acute Sinusitis Treatment!

Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to a virus, bacteria or fungus. Acute sinusitis is a sudden onset of symptoms that usually lasts less than four weeks. If you are experiencing facial pain, nasal congestion and headache, you may have acute sinusitis. Here is everything you need to know about the disorder and acute sinusitis treatment.

Defining Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead and eyes. When these sinuses become inflamed, they can produce excess mucus, leading to nasal congestion, headache and facial pain.

The Lasting Period

Acute sinusitis typically lasts for less than four weeks. Things get chronic if your symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks.

Consider the Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing acute sinusitis. These include:

  • Allergies

  • Nasal polyps

  • Deviated septum

  • Smoking

  • Weakened immune system

You may be more likely to develop acute sinusitis if you have any of these risk factors.

The Causes of Acute Sinusitis

  • A viral or bacterial infection usually causes acute sinusitis.

  • The most common viruses that cause sinusitis are the same viruses that cause the common cold.

  • When the sinuses become infected, they can become inflamed, leading to the symptoms of acute sinusitis.

The Tell-Tale Signs of Acute Sinusitis

The symptoms of acute sinusitis may include:

  • Facial pain or pressure

  • Nasal congestion or discharge

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Cough

  • Toothache

  • Fever

  • Loss of your sense of smell

How to Diagnose Acute Sinusitis?

Your doctor will diagnose acute sinusitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may also prioritize imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy to examine the sinuses.

How Can You Obtain Acute Sinusitis Treatment?

Acute sinusitis treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. If a virus causes sinusitis, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, nasal decongestants and saline nasal sprays to relieve your symptoms. If bacteria cause sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.

In severe cases of acute sinusitis, your doctor may recommend a sinus drainage procedure to remove the excess mucus and relieve the pressure in your sinuses.

Are There Any Complications Related to It?

Complications of acute sinusitis are rare but can be severe. If left untreated, acute sinusitis can lead to:

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • Meningitis

  • Vision problems

  • Brain abscess

If you have severe symptoms or are not improving with treatment, you should contact your doctor for appropriate acute sinusitis treatment.

What Can You Do to Prevent It?

There are several things you can do to prevent acute sinusitis. These include:

  • Washing your hands frequently

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

  • Quitting smoking

  • Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air

  • Avoiding allergens that trigger your symptoms

  • Treating allergies promptly

The Exact Time to Call the Expert

If your symptoms are severe or last for over a week, you should seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor right away:

  • Severe headache

  • Swelling or redness around the eyes

  • Vision changes

  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

  • Seizures

  • Stiff neck

These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition and prompt medical attention is necessary.

Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC - Your Trusted ENT Specialists

If you are experiencing symptoms of acute sinusitis, seeking medical attention from an experienced ENT specialist is essential. At Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC, we offer comprehensive sinusitis treatment to help you find relief from your symptoms.

Our team of board-certified ENT specialists has extensive experience diagnosing and treating acute sinusitis. We offer comprehensive acute sinusitis treatment options, including medication, sinus drainage and sinus surgery.

Don't let the symptoms of acute sinusitis interfere with your daily life. Contact Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC, today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ENT specialists. We are here to help you find relief from your symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself again.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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