Sinusitis

Sinusitis is essentially the inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses. It’s a very common condition that can be acute or chronic and causes pain, pressure, and other symptoms.

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Man Laying On His Couch Holding His Nose

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis share many of the same symptoms. However, acute sinusitis is unique in that it occurs alongside a cold. In addition, the symptoms tend to clear up relatively quickly. With chronic sinusitis, the symptoms last longer and are associated with fatigue.

Acute Sinusitis Treatment Miami

In most cases, acute sinusitis will improve on its own once the virus clears. However, your Miami doctor may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms in the meantime.

For example, you may use a saline nasal spray several times a day to rinse the nasal passages and corticosteroids to treat inflammation. Nasal decongestants and over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used on a short-term basis to keep you comfortable.

If your acute sinusitis has a bacterial component, your doctor may implement a wait-and-see approach to determine if the infection will clear on its own. If it worsens or appears severe, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.

woman sitting on a couch rubbing her face with both hands

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

The goal of chronic sinusitis treatment is to ease your symptoms while addressing the underlying condition. Your doctor will likely recommend a blend of saline nasal irrigation and nasal, oral, or injected corticosteroids for symptom management. Once your symptoms are under control, your doctor will focus on the underlying cause. If allergies are contributing to your sinusitis, allergy shots may be recommended. If nasal polyps or narrowed sinuses are the problems, endoscopic sinus surgery may be required to address the issue and promote proper drainage. At SFENTA, we provide our patients with effective, long-term solutions for chronic sinusitis, with improved outcomes with the addition of PROPEL™ sinus implants.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses. When the sinus cavities are swollen or inflamed, it has a significant impact on breathing function and continuous drainage.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Thick, abnormally-colored nasal discharge and drainage
Pain, pressure, and swelling around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead
Difficulty breathing through the nose
A diminished sense of smell and taste
An aching feeling in the upper jaw

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Your Treatment with SFENTA

SFENTA’s network of ENT specialists has been helping patients across South Florida improve their health for over 30 years. Our office stands out by providing each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

One-on-one care with our team of physicians, ensuring you get the time and attention you deserve.

Continuity of Care

Our staff strives for care that offers you long-term relief from the symptoms impacting your life.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve ensured we’re prepared to help address any ENT concern or diagnosis.

The Trust and Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients in the South Florida community for over 30 years, you can feel confident in your care with SFENTA.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?

Nasal polyps

Polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that block the nasal passages and sinuses, causing chronic sinusitis and breathing challenges.

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Deviated Septum

The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage that separates the nasal cavity into two halves. When this structure is displaced to one side, it can block the sinus passages, leading to chronic sinusitis.

Learn More About Deviated Septums

Infections

Viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infections can cause inflammation in the sinus membranes and prevent them from draining properly.

Learn More About Infections

Allergies

The inflammation that develops in response to allergies can block your sinuses from draining and increase their susceptibility to inflammation.

Learn More About Allergies

What Causes Acute Sinusitis?

The common cold causes acute sinusitis. In some cases, a bacterial infection may develop as well. In addition, people who suffer from allergies, hay fever, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, nasal tumors, cystic fibrosis, and HIV are at an increased risk of suffering from acute sinusitis.

How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?

To arrive at a definitive diagnosis of acute or chronic sinusitis, your Miami doctor will begin by collecting information about your symptoms. They will then perform a nasal endoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible, lighted instrument in the nose to visualize the sinuses.

From there, imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to obtain a detailed picture of the sinuses and reveal inflammation and nasal obstructions that can’t be viewed with an endoscope. If your doctor suspects that allergies are contributing to your condition, testing may be performed to identify the allergen that is causing your symptoms.