Rhinosinusitis, commonly known as sinusitis, can be acute or chronic, depending on how long it persists. Acute rhinosinusitis typically persists for as long as one month, while chronic rhinosinusitis could persist for multiple months, even years. Likewise, if you experience severe acute rhinosinusitis attacks in one year, you may have recurrent rhinosinusitis.

However, it’s difficult to predict who’ll develop chronic rhinosinusitis. In this light, it’s best to learn about this condition’s symptoms and possible treatments so you can be prepared for your consultation with Dr. Ryan Gallivan here at Northwest Sinus Center in Bend, OR.

The Symptoms of Rhinosinusitis

When your sinuses are constantly inflamed, they will become clogged. In turn, they will continue producing mucus and accumulating mucus that will result in:

• Swelling that leads to facial pain and headaches
• Mucus buildup that leads to congestion
• Increased production of white blood cells for fighting bacteria that, in turn, leads to thickened and greenish or yellowish mucus

You may also have reduced taste or smell, tooth pain, bad breath, fullness in your ears, fever, and cough.

Acute Rhinosinusitis Basics

This usually begins with a minor cold, which is viral in nature, so antibiotics won’t be needed. However, when the cold progresses into rhinosinusitis, this means that the clogged nasal passages have caused a secondary bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment. Rarely, particularly in immune-compromised individuals, rhinosinusitis could be due to a fungal infection.

If doing home remedies, including inhaling steam, warm compresses, OTC pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays, for a week, fail to alleviate your symptoms, check in with your ENT doctor in Bend, OR. If you’re diagnosed with rhinosinusitis, you may need an antibiotic, particularly if conservative drainage methods are not helping

Chronic Rhinosinusitis Basics

If your symptoms keep coming back or linger, you might have chronic rhinosinusitis. Your ENT doctor will inspect your nasal cavity through an endoscope and recommend a CT scan so that he can thoroughly look for possible causes of blockage. Bacterial cultures as well as allergy and blood tests may likewise be required.

You may be prescribed decongestants and/or anti-allergy medications as well as nasal steroid sprays to counter inflammation, clear your nasal passages, and keep your mucus loose. Depending on your specific symptoms, you may be prescribed a mucus-thinning agent such as guaifenesin as well.

In some cases, chronic rhinosinusitis is caused by something anatomical like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, thickened tissue due to recurrent infections, or narrowed nasal passages. If any of these apply to you, minimally invasive surgery might be necessary to minimize the severity and instances of your attacks and restore your normal sinus function.

Need Relief From Rhinosinusitis? We Can Help.

Call (855) 746-8700 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Ryan Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center here in Bend, OR, today.