Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located just above your upper back teeth and have a thin lining that reduces mucus. If they become infected or inflamed, the lining will swell, creating additional mucus and causing a condition called sinusitis, where the sinuses become blocked. As the sinuses become blocked, they fill with fluid, and bacteria can grow, causing an infection. A physician should evaluate your symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Can Cause Sinusitis?
The following conditions can cause sinusitis:
- The common cold
- Nasal polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the nose
- Allergic rhinitis that causes the lining of the nose to swell
- A deviated septum that causes the nasal cavity to shift
What Are the Types of Sinus Infections?
There are different types of sinusitis, and which include:
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis usually begins with the common cold, creating symptoms like facial pain and a stuffy nose. Acute sinusitis may start suddenly and last between two and four weeks. Subacute sinus inflammation can last between four and 12 weeks.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis include:
- A stuffy, runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Facial pain or a feeling of pressure
- Cough or congestion
It may also cause:
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
- Sometimes fever
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis causes inflammatory symptoms that can last 12 weeks or longer. Symptoms include a runny nose, a feeling of congestion, pus in the nasal cavity, and fever. It can also cause headaches, dental pain, and bad breath. Chronic sinusitis can linger for more extended periods and may be harder to treat.
ISinusitis can recur several times a year.
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Diagnosing A Sinus Infection
Initially, general practitioners in NYC aim to diagnose the reason for your sinusitis with a complete history and physical exam. Depending on the length of time you have had symptoms and other factors, you may need to undergo imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, or x-rays to figure out the reason for the problem. Sometimes the best approach to sinusitis treatment is to use medication combined with a self-care program.
Our primary care internist doctor in NY can evaluate these symptoms and prescribe the correct treatment plan.
Using Medicines for Sinus Infection Treatment
If your sinusitis is due to a bacterial infection, internal medicine in Manhattan will prescribe antibiotics. For chronic sinusitis treatment, a general practitioner may prescribe a longer course of antibiotics. Antibiotics can only help you if you have a bacterial infection, and they will not treat viruses. However, all treatment plans need to be customized to your situation when you come in for a consultation.
Decongestants
A decongestant can reduce the amount of mucus in your sinuses. It is available as a spray or a pill. You mustn’t overuse decongestant nasal sprays as they could make you more congested.
Allergy Medication
Often, sinusitis can be due to allergies, and a general practitioner might suggest allergy testing. Allergy medication like antihistamines and avoiding triggers can help. Allergy injections are a long-term treatment that can help reduce your sensitivity to triggers.
Steroids for Chronic Sinusitis Treatment
Chronic sinusitis can be tricky to treat, which is why general practitioners may prescribe inhaled steroids to reduce the swelling in the lining of your sinuses.
Sinus Headache Treatment in Midtown NYC and New York’s Upper East Side
A sinus infection can cause a headache, and you may feel pressure around your cheeks, forehead, and eyes. However, many people who assume they have a sinus headache may have a migraine.
If you frequently have headaches, it is worth seeing our primary care physician in New York City to make a definitive diagnosis based on your symptoms. If appropriate, general practitioners in NYC can provide a sinus headache treatment or treatment for migraines.
Surgery
Our New York general practitioners would only recommend surgery after trying other options, but occasionally it can be appropriate if you have acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis that keeps recurring.
A physician should evaluate all symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Self-Care and Home Remedies
If you frequently suffer from sinus infections, home remedies may be helpful.
- Place a humidifier in rooms most frequently used and follow the instructions to clean it regularly.
- Breathing in the steam vapor can help ease congested nasal passages. You can breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water or have a hot shower.
- Warm moist heat can be helpful as a sinusitis treatment, and placing a warm wet towel on your face can relieve pressure.
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin mucus, so your sinuses can drain more easily.
- Get plenty of rest when you have a sinus infection, as it will give your body a chance to recover.
While home remedies may sometimes be effective, you should always see a physician if your sinus symptoms are present for more than a few days or if they are making you feel very ill. The sooner our doctors can provide acute or chronic sinusitis treatment, the sooner you will feel better.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment Plan
It is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation with our board-certified internists or primary care doctors for a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. We look forward to meeting you in our offices in Midtown Manhattan or Upper East Side.
Manhattan Primary Care Locations: Manhattan Primary Care (Upper East Side) 983 Park Ave, Ste 1D22, New York 10028
(212) 389-9929 Manhattan Primary Care (Midtown) 56 W 45th St, Ste 808, New York, NY 10036
(212) 389-1887 Manhattan Primary Care (Union Square) 55 W 17th St, Ste 105, New York 10011
(212) 378-9987
