Sinusitis Specialist

SLENT

Otolaryngology & Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Clinic located in Mandeville, Hammond, & Slidell, LA

If you’ve ever had what seems like a cold, but it hangs around for more than 10 days and is accompanied by discolored nasal drainage and blockage, you’ve likely had sinusitis – an infection of the sinuses. At SLENT, the team of otolaryngology specialists, offer evaluation and treatment for sinusitis so you find relief. Call one of the locations in Slidell, Hammond, Metairie, or Mandeville, Louisiana, or use the online tool to book your appointment.

Sinusitis Q & A

What is sinusitis?

Inflammation of the sinuses, the hollow spaces in the bones around the nose, is diagnosed as sinusitis. One in eight adults experience this unpleasant condition annually.

Sinusitis often begins due to a cold, when viruses or bacteria infect your sinuses. Your body’s immune system then causes the sinus lining to swell, blocking the channels that drain the sinuses. Mucus and pus fill up the nose and sinus cavities as a result.

For some people, sinusitis may result from your immune system’s reaction to something in the environment.

What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is defined as an inflammation that lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis is an infection or inflammation that goes on for longer than 12 weeks. Some people may suffer from recurrent acute sinusitis, which is defined as having four or more sinus infections (acute sinusitis) in one year, but symptoms subside between these infections.

At SLENT, the specialists can help sort out what type of sinusitis you have and how to treat it.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

You may have cloudy, discolored drainage from your nose as well as:

A stuffy, congested, or blocked nose
Pain, pressure, or fullness in the face, head, or around the eyes
Long-lasting cold symptoms
Symptoms that do not improve within 10 days of getting sick, or initially get better and then worsen again

If you have at least two of these symptoms for at least 12 weeks, you have chronic sinusitis. You may also have thickened nasal drainage and loss of smell with chronic sinusitis. The team at SLENT would also need to see polyps, pus, or thickened mucus in your nose, or get a CT scan, to fully diagnose chronic sinusitis.

How is sinusitis treated?

The treatment for sinusitis is based on the cause. If you have acute sinusitis caused by bacteria, it may be treated with antibiotics; but 98% of cases are caused by a virus and will not respond to antibiotics.

For viral sinusitis, salt water irrigation of the nose, over-the-counter pain relievers, and steroid nasal sprays can help alleviate symptoms.

If you have chronic sinusitis, the doctors will talk to you about possible solutions, which include surgery when symptoms can’t be controlled with medications.

If you are concerned you have sinusitis, call SLENT or book an appointment at one of the locations using this website.

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