Did you know that about 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once a year? It is definitely not rare, but we want to help you be able to fight it off properly when it hits.
What is Sinusitis? It is when your sinus tissue lining becomes swollen or inflamed. A normal healthy sinus is filled with air, but when someone has sinusitis it becomes blocked and filled with fluid causing infection, sinus headaches, and facial pressure.
There are two types of sinusitis: Acute and Chronic. Acute Sinusitis can sometimes be viral, but typically can be treated with antibiotics and only lasts up to 8 weeks. Chronic Sinusitis is a little bit more challenging to treat, usually lasts longer than 8 weeks, and oftentimes responds slower to antibiotics.
What can you do? Saline Sinus rinses, hot compresses to face, steam vaporizers, and over the counter antihistamines are all great ways to speed up the healing process. In some cases, if all simpler treatment steps have failed, sinus surgery may be an option for you. Surgery can enlarge the openings of the sinus and remove any problematic polyps that may be contributing to your sinusitis.
Come into Michigan ENT & Allergy today to discuss your treatment plan and next steps with one of our highly skilled and experienced ENT providers and surgeons. Call to schedule your consult today (616) 994-2770.