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Seasonal Allergies
Allergies that occur during specific times of the year, often related to pollen exposure.
Perennial Allergies
Allergies that occur year-round and are typically associated with indoor allergens.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Involves similar symptoms but is triggered by irritants rather than an immune response.
According to The American Academy of Otolaryngology, more than one in five antibiotics prescribed in adults are for types of sinusitis. It is the fifth most common diagnosis responsible for antibiotic therapy. There are two different types of sinusitis: acute viral sinusitis and acute bacterial sinusitis.
Viral sinusitis is an infection of the lining of your facial and nasal cavities. It usually occurs due to a viral upper respiratory infection. If you have a bacterial sinus infection, it is caused by a bacterial infection in the lining of your nasal cavities and sinuses. Each type of sinusitis needs to be treated differently. Chronic sinusitis can be an ongoing or recurring condition if you have allergies. However, there are several ways it can be treated.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
When your sinuses are swollen and inflamed, it can be very painful. Your sinuses are four sets of hollow cavities which are located in the front area of your skull. These sinuses are called the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid. They are lined with mucosa and keep your nose clear of germs, pollen, dust, pollutants, and mold.
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When they become blocked or inflamed, you can suffer from facial pain, migraines, fatigue, and even bad breath. You may be diagnosed by one of our ENT specialists with chronic sinusitis if your sinuses are inflamed for three months or longer. With this condition, the mucus doesn’t drain properly from your sinuses, and your nose becomes stuffy. You may have difficulty breathing, and your eyes may be swollen and sore.
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People usually develop sinusitis from an infection. Another reason for chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is swelling of the lining of your sinuses. In addition, a deviated nasal septum, gastroesophageal reflux, environmental pollutants or nasal polyps can cause blocked sinuses. Blocked sinuses are also a common complication of cystic fibrosis.
In addition to medical treatment, certain lifestyle adjustments may help reduce exposure to triggers such as:
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Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons
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Using air filtration systems
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Washing bedding regularly
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Avoiding known irritants such as smoke
These steps may help improve symptom control when combined with treatment.
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You may consider seeking evaluation if symptoms are persistent or worsening, over-the-counter treatments are not effective, symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities, or you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms.
Dr. Kim commonly uses skin and blood tests for allergy testing. Skin tests include skin patch tests, skin prick tests, and intradermal tests. Oral food challenges and elimination diets may be used to test for food allergies.
Chronic Sinusitis Treatment
What Is An Effective Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis?
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroid nasal sprays are used to treat inflammation. Among those available are fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, triamcinolone, and beclomethasone. Your doctor may suggest a rinsing solution like saline mixed with drops of budesonide.
Saline Nasal Irrigation
Using saline nasal irrigation with your nasal spray or solution can reduce drainage and rinse allergies and other irritants.
Allergy Medications
Allergy medications may provide some relief if you find that your chronic sinusitis is caused by allergies. Many people do not wish to use allergy medications long-term.
Aspirin Desensitization Treatment
Aspirin desensitization treatment can help if you have a reaction to aspirin. Sometimes it can cause sinusitis and nasal polyps. Your doctor will supervise increasing your dose, so you build up a tolerance.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be used if your infection is bacterial. They can also be used with other medications.
Oral or Injected Corticosteroids
Oral or injected corticosteroids can relieve inflammation from chronic sinusitis, particularly if you have nasal polyps. However, you should be mindful that oral corticosteroids can cause serious side effects when used long-term. They are only used to treat severe symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help reduce your reaction to specific allergens and may improve your condition. Often allergies can contribute to your sinusitis. Contact one of our clinics today to find out more about an effective treatment for sinusitis and book a consultation.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections can help if you aren’t responding to any other treatments or have had issues with your sinusitis for more than 12 weeks. Injections can help reduce inflammation and swelling. However, they are usually used as a last resort.
Medication to Treat Nasal Polyps and Chronic Sinusitis
Your doctor may decide you need an injection of dupilumab or omalizumab if you suffer from nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. It can help reduce the nasal polyps’ size and reduce congestion.
Other Types of Sinus Conditions That Can Be Treated Non-Surgically
Allergic Sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis is brought on by an allergic condition. Your symptoms may include sinus pressure, sneezing, a runny nose, and a post nasal drip that continues for more than two weeks. You may also have itchy eyes, nose, and throat. An allergy test with a sinus scan is a way of getting a diagnosis.
Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
When your nasal cavity and sinuses are infected by bacteria, bacterial rhinosinusitis may develop. You may have face pain or pressure, which worsens when you lean forward. There may also be yellow or greenish discharge from your nose, and you can experience pain. If you suffer from acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, it usually lasts for less than four weeks. When you have chronic rhinosinusitis, it lasts longer.
Fungal Sinus Infection
If you are exposed to yeast, mold, or other fungi, you can contract a sinus infection. One symptom is tenderness in your face. One of our sinus specialists will conduct a complete examination of your sinuses, as well as take scans and obtain mucus samples to see if your infection has been caused by fungi or bacteria.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps can cause symptoms including facial sinus congestion or fullness, a reduced sense of smell, nasal blockage, and breathing through your mouth. Nasal polyps are abnormal, soft, sac-like growths that cause inflamed tissue lining your nose or sinuses. You may need to have an endoscopy and scan to diagnose nasal polyps. While there are several non-surgical treatments, you may need sinus surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Sinus Infections
Antihistamines
Antihistamines may help manage allergy-related symptoms that can contribute to sinusitis. They are easily accessible over the counter, or by prescription. Dr. Michael Kim will work with you to determine what is best for your symptoms.
Decongestants and Nasal Sprays
Decongestants and nasal sprays can alleviate congestion. They can help by reducing swelling, mucus formation, and inflammation. These symptoms can affect the nasal passages or eyes. Decongestants should only be used for no more than one week at a time. You can take them as pills or a nasal spray to reduce your sinus pressure.
Pollen
Trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust Mites
Common in bedding and upholstery
Mold
Found in damp indoor or outdoor environments
Pet Dander
Skin cells and saliva from animals
Irritants
Smoke, pollution, or strong odors
How is Chronic Sinusitis Diagnosed?
Examination of the Sinuses
Dr. Michael Kim may also examine your sinuses with a fiber-optic light on the end of a flexible tube to see if you are suffering from polyps, tumors, or a deviated septum.
In-Office CT Scan
An in-office CT scan will provide your doctor with a detailed look at your sinus and nasal area. Using this kind of imaging allows the ear, nose and throat specialist to see if there is any blockage or inflammation in your sinuses such as tumors, fungi, or polyps.
Sample of Nasal Discharge
The sinus doctor may also take a sample of any nasal or sinus discharge and run a culture. This is not always necessary, but if your condition is particularly advanced, the lab results may show the presence of bacteria or fungi.
Allergy Test
It is possible that allergies are causing chronic sinusitis. Your doctor can do a skin test, which is a quick and easy way of determining what is causing your sinus flare-up. We also offer the RAST (radioallergosorbent test) which is a blood test that can detect whether specific IgE antibodies are present, thereby indicating a true allergic reaction to a substance.
Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and decongestants (short-term use) may help inflammation and reduce symptoms.
Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify specific triggers contributing to your symptoms. This information can be used to guide treatment and avoidance strategies. For some patients, finding out what they’re allergic to is necessary for preventing potentially life-threatening reactions, such as allergies to bee stings or nuts.
Immunotherapy may be recommended for some patients with persistent allergy symptoms. This treatment involves gradually exposing the body to small amounts of allergens over time, which may help reduce sensitivity. It is typically considered when symptoms are not well-controlled with medications or avoidance strategies.
In some cases, additional in-office treatments may be considered to help manage chronic nasal symptoms related to allergies. These options are typically recommended based on individual evaluation and symptom severity.