Sinusitis refers to inflammation of your sinuses, often caused by an infection. Generally speaking, this condition will clear up on its own. However, it could take four weeks or more for the condition to clear up without intervention. The good news is that the right medications and treatments may speed up recovery. Treatment may also help you or your loved ones control symptoms. If you need help with sinusitis and reside near Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, FL, contact South Coast Ear, Nose & Throat to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leslie Berghash, Dr. John  Lanza, or Dr. Matthew Ericksen.

Sinusitis Symptoms Explored

Sinusitis shares symptoms with various other conditions, which can make it a bit more difficult to identify. Many of the symptoms are similar to what you will experience with a common cold.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• A stuffy nose that never seems to clear up
• Postnasal drip
• Pressure on your face and sinuses
• Ear pressure and congestion
• Fevers, headaches, and general tiredness
• Bad breath and toothaches

As you can see, sinusitis can produce a lot of symptoms that can be disruptive. If you’re suffering from this condition, you might think that you’re experiencing a simple, common cold. Indeed, the common cold can trigger sinusitis. Yet while a cold might clear up after just a few days, sinusitis often lingers for weeks on end. Need assistance with sinusitis in Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, FL? Reach out to South Coast Ear, Nose & Throat to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berghash, Dr. Lanza, or Dr. Ericksen.

The Causes of Sinusitis and How It’s Treated

Bacterial infections rank among the most common causes of sinusitis. The infection could cause swelling of your sinuses. Often, it will take four weeks or more for bacterial sinusitis to clear up on its own. Fortunately, antibiotics are effective in killing off bacteria, which may speed up recovery and also reduce symptoms.

Bacteria are not the only cause of this condition, however. Viral infections are also common and can’t be treated with antibiotics. Fungi can also cause infections. The appropriate course of treatment will largely depend on what’s causing it.

Decongestants can also help control symptoms, making it easier to breathe and live life at its fullest. Other forms of treatment can help with managing symptoms.

You may be more likely to suffer from this condition if you have:

• Asthma
• Nasal allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Immune diseases

Additionally, smokers are more likely to suffer from sinusitis. You may want to quit smoking if you’re frequently suffering congestion and colds that seemingly never go away. Avoiding asthma and allergy triggers can also go a long way. Need help managing sinusitis and live near Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, FL? Contact South Coast Ear, Nose & Throat to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berghash, Dr. Lanza, or Dr. Ericksen by dialing (772) 398-9911 (Port St. Lucie), (772) 464-6055 (Fort Pierce), and (863) 357-7791 (Okeechobee).