Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis (also known as rhinosinusitis) is an infection of the sinuses. It happens most often after a cold or an allergy flare-up.

The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near the nose passage. The sinuses make mucus. This fluid cleans the bacteria and other particles from the air you breathe.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis are:

Runny nose (lasting longer than 7-10 days)
Drip from the nose in the throat
Headaches
Facial pain
Bad breath
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Swelling around the eyes

UR Medicine's Treatments for Sinusitis

Your provider will diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms, as well as a physical exam. They may perform the following tests:

A culture, or swab, of the mucus inside your nose
Sinus x-rays
CT scan of your sinuses
Blood test

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health, as well the severity of your condition. If you have chronic or recurrent sinusitis, we may refer you to a UR Medicine allergist or immunologist.

Decongestants and antihistamines will not relieve your symptoms of sinusitis. Treatments for sinusitis include:

Pain relievers
Nose drops
Sinus rinses
Antibiotics (for severe symptoms like fever, swelling, and pain or tenderness)
Steroids

If medications aren’t helping your chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery is an option. This procedure expands the openings that drain your sinuses, helping them work better and decreasing your risk of future infections.

What Sets Us Apart?

Patients of UR Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology have access to a network of specialists in multiple disciplines. Our rhinologists (specialists in the nose and sinuses) are exposed to more complex conditions and unusual conditions than most physicians in our region.

Our state-of-the-art clinic includes four exam rooms equipped with high-definition monitors. Our exam rooms also serve as procedure suites for in-office surgeries. We use video-capture technology to help give our patients a stronger understanding of their conditions.

Our ENT physicians are trained in non-surgical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ears,
nose, throat, head, and neck. Our experts perform hundreds of procedures and surgeries every
year, so your care is always in the hands of well-practiced experts.

Many of our physicians are also involved in research to find new treatments for ENT-related conditions. All of our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.