If you’re a teacher or work daily around the general public, you may be at increased risk for sinusitis, especially during flu season. Gerald Suh, MD, and his team at Princeton ENT and Sleep, LLC, in Princeton, New Jersey, offer on-site evaluations for sinusitis and sinus infections. The team customizes treatment to address both acute and chronic sinusitis using nasal saline sprays and medications. Learn more about your options for treating sinusitis by calling their office or booking online today.

Sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

Your sinuses are hollow spaces behind your cheeks, brow, and jaw, making mucus to clear debris and bacteria from the air you breathe in. Sinusitis is a condition that describes the inflammation of the sinuses. 

This inflammation can be the result of an acute infection or be caused by chronic inflammation due to underlying health issues, like allergies.

In acute sinusitis, bacteria enter the sinus cavities and cause symptoms like nasal congestion and a persistent cough. If you have chronic sinusitis, you may experience frequent episodes of sinus congestion and a variety of other symptoms.

Teachers and other childcare workers are especially susceptible to developing seasonal sinusitis during the cold and flu season.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Both acute and chronic sinusitis can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which are similar to a cold. These symptoms include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Bad breath
• Persistent cough
• Nasal congestion

As a result of your symptoms, you may frequently feel tired and weak. Your sense of smell and taste may be disrupted by chronic nasal congestion, and it may be difficult to sleep soundly because of post-nasal drip.

Teachers and those who work with the public may develop cold symptoms after coming into contact with others who are sick, resulting in sinusitis.

To determine if your symptoms are due to a cold or an indication of chronic sinusitis, schedule an evaluation at Princeton ENT and Sleep, LLC, as soon as possible.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

To determine the cause of your symptoms, your doctor at Princeton ENT and Sleep, LLC, reviews your symptoms and medical history before performing a physical exam.

In some cases, they can determine if you have sinusitis by checking your sinuses for inflammation. They may also use lab testing to analyze fluids from your sinus cavity to see if you have an infection.

How is sinusitis treated?

The team at Princeton ENT and Sleep, LLC, takes a comprehensive approach to sinusitis diagnosis and treatment and offers the most current, state-of-the-art options to effectively manage sinusitis. Treating acute sinusitis usually involves saline nasal sprays to clear debris and mucus. You may also benefit from over-the-counter nasal decongestants to help you breathe better.

When you have sinus pain and congestion due to an acute infection, your doctor can provide you with a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. It’s important that you take the prescription as your doctor directs, or your infection can return.

If you have chronic sinusitis, you may need prescription decongestants. Allergy medicines may also keep your condition well-controlled in the long-term. Your provider may also recommend topical moisturizers you apply in your nasal passages to prevent dryness that causes pain and may worsen sinus inflammation.

If you need an accurate diagnosis of chronic nasal congestion and sinusitis pain, visit the Princeton ENT and Sleep, LLC, or schedule an appointment online or by phone today.