You Have Asthma Which Might Be Connected To Sinus Infections
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , one in 13 Americans has asthma. And several studies have shown a connection between asthma and reoccurring sinus infections.
Ordon said that more than half of those who have asthma also have chronic sinusitis . If you have allergies and frequent sinus infections, he said steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines are typically recommended.
You Have Nasal Polyps That Are Blocking Your Nasal Passages
Nasal polyps, growths in the sinuses, can trigger frequent sinus infections. Ordon said these growths of tissue can cause blockage in the nasal passages, resulting in an infection.
“Treatment for nasal polyps typically involves medications to shrink the polyps, but if drug treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary to remove them,” he told INSIDER.
Since polyps tend to reoccur, Ordon said that surgery might not provide a permanent solution.
You Have Nasal Polyps Now What
First-line treatments for nasal polyps are typically saltwater rinses and nasal steroid sprays, Dr. Roxbury says.
These approaches can offer benefits in the short term by reducing symptoms, but they typically only last a matter of weeks, he says.
If those approaches dont work, more powerful anti-inflammatory medications and surgery may be the next steps. First, a computed tomography scan is used to see if other issues, including a deviated septum, are causing the problem.
Because the sinuses are so close to the eyes and brain, sinus surgery is usually guided using CT scan and navigation technology.
Even when theyre removed surgically, polyps may come back. Thats why follow-up treatment tends to include measures to reduce the swelling that may have caused the polyps in the first place.
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Importance Of Evaluating Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are sometimes considered more of a nuisance, but it’s very important to take these seriously and have a thorough exam if there isn’t a clear explanation as to why they are occurring. Sometimes this will only require a careful history and physical examination other times a more intensive workup will be needed. Not only can repeated infections cause complications , but a delay in diagnosis is the norm rather than the exception when a cause such as immunodeficiency or lung cancer is present conditions that are most easily treated when caught early.
You Want Additional Treatment Options
When all the treatments dont seem to be helping, you need some options and an ENT specialist will be able to provide that care. Maybe you have been on antibiotics for a while, and although sometimes they can help, there are times they dont.
A specialist may prescribe a combination of treatments. They can determine if the infection is bacterial or instead an uncontrolled inflammation which may require other care.
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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Chronic Sinusitis
Remember, your health is your business. You do not have to put up with feeling ill for long periods of time. Pay attention to how long you have sinus symptoms because this is something that your care provider will ask you. Keep track of things that you have done to make yourself feel better. If medications are prescribed, make sure you store them and take them as instructed.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/04/2020.
References
Scar Tissue In The Sinus Cavities
Previous injuries, anatomic defects from birth, or previous sinus injections can all cause scar tissue to build up in the sinuses. This blocks the cavities from functioning and draining properly, which can trap irritants in the cavity. Recurrent sinus infections can continue causing more scar tissue, further compounding the problem.
If Dr. Hester notices that scar tissue is impacting sinus function, he may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery to clear the tissue away.
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What Are Recurring Sinus Infections
Sinusitis is diagnosed in nearly 30 million Americans every year, making it one of the most common health conditions in the United States.
Struggling with frequent sinus infections is known as recurrent sinusitis. Recurrent sinusitis is defined by four or more acute infections in a year.
Untreated acute sinusitis further damages the mucous membranes, making you more vulnerable for another infection.
Allergens, a weakened immune system or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, are also big contributors to recurrent infection.
Acute Sinusitis is temporary inflammation of the sinuses, usually either bacterial or viral, following a cold or allergies.
Swelling of mucous membranes causes congestion and prevents mucus drainage. This allows pressure to build in the face, causing pain, discomfort and inflammation in the sinuses.
In acute sinusitis, symptoms usually worsen, peak and eventually vanish. Acute infections last up to four weeks, subacute infections last four to 12 weeks, and chronic sinus infections last 12 weeks or longer.
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When To See A Specialist For Recurrent Sinus Infection
Posted on by Ryan Stern MDin Sinus
The symptoms of a sinus infection are known to many of us. Headaches and having pressure and pain behind our cheekbones and around our eyes are but a few of them. Most of the time these sinus infections go away with proper home care. When they dont go away or keep coming back, here is the recommendation for when to see a specialist for recurrent sinus infections.
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Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Options
Treating chronic sinusitis can be challenging. It often requires a combination of several methods, such as nasal irrigation, decongestants, and antibiotics. Some treatments you can even do at home for short-term relief, such as a saline rinse, over-the-counter pain medications, and nasal sprays, but sometimes you need the help of a professional to get rid of chronic sinusitis for good.
If home remedies and medication do not provide relief, we may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty. Every patient is different, so it is important to schedule a sinus evaluation to determine your conditions best treatment option.
Fortunately, there are many minimally invasive sinus treatment options on the market today, and Dr. Davis is a leading expert on how to get you back on your feet with just a small amount of downtime.
How Do You Get Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis means that a sinusitis becomes persistent and lasts for longer than 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is uncommon. Most cases of chronic sinusitis develop following an acute sinusitis infection. Most cases of acute sinusitis go away within 2-3 weeks, often much sooner. In some cases the symptoms do not go and become persistent . The following are causes of acute sinusitis that may progress into a chronic sinusitis:
- Cold or flu-like illnesses – in most cases, acute sinusitis develops from a cold or flu-like illness. Colds and flu are caused by germs called viruses which may spread to the sinuses. The infection may remain viral before clearing, causing a viral sinus infection. In a small number of cases, germs called bacteria add on to an infection that started with a virus. This can cause a bacterial sinus infection which can make the infection worse, can last longer and may cause more damage or changes to the lining of the sinus.
- Dental infections – in some cases, infection spreads to a cheekbone sinus from an infected tooth.
- Other risk factors for sinus infection – in a few people, one or more factors are present that may cause their sinuses to be more prone to infection. Acute sinusitis may be more likely to progress into chronic sinusitis as there is an underlying problem. Risk factors for sinus infection are dealt with in detail in our separate leaflet called Acute Sinusitis.
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Cpap And Sinus Infections
One of the more common complaints from CPAP users is that they are prone to sinus infections. Typically, they deal with it using saline irrigation, decongestants, and sometimes even go to their doctor for antibiotics. As a result, people suspect contamination or infection from their equipment, especially the mask, tubing or even the machine itself. Other suspects include molds, allergies or even sensitivity to their masks.
I had an experience today with a patient that makes me rethink how CPAP may aggravate nasal or sinus infections. This patient was unable to use CPAP after 4-5 days because his nose and sinuses would burn. He interpreted this as an infection. His numbers and other compliance parameters were perfect. While performing nasal endoscopy he commented that the sensation was identical to the feeling that he experienced when he used CPAP.
That got me thinking about how most cases of sinus headaches and pain have been shown to be a variation of a migraine. This is a neurologic reaction to any sort of irritation or stimulation. If you were to undergo a CAT scan during an episode, youll see that in most cases, itll be completely normal. Unfortunately, too many people end up being given oral antibiotics.
Do you get recurrent sinus infections when you use your CPAP?
Have You Experienced Any Of The Following Symptoms For 12 Consecutive Weeks Or Longer And Are Over The Age Of 18
- Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
- Difficulty breathing through nose
If you have chronic sinusitis, your care provider will likely advise you on the next step to take.2 Common recommendations include:
- using a humidifier, taking hot showers, or boiling water on the stove to inhale the warm, humid air
- using over-the-counter medicines and
- saline nasal irrigation kits to flush out the sinus cavities
If you do have chronic sinusitis, your care provider may provide you with other recommendations, depending on the details of your unique case.
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Battling Recurrent Sinus Infections
Sinus disease is a major health problem. Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on over-the-counter medications to treat it. People who have allergies, asthma, or structural blockage in their nose or sinuses and people with a weak immune system are at greater risk. People who smoke or who are exposed to tobacco smoke get sinus infections more frequently than non-smokers, and smokers respond less well to treatment than non-smokers.
A bad cold is often mistaken for a sinus infection. Many symptoms are the same, including headache, facial pain, runny nose and nasal congestion. Sinus infection is often caused by bacterial infection, but sometimes it can be caused by viruses and molds. Acute sinus disease by definition can last up to eight weeks. Anything that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered chronic.
A healthy child or adult can get up to four colds a year. If you are a smoker, a day care worker, or a teacher, you might get more than this. Most colds resolve just with symptomatic treatment, but some can progress to sinus infection. One clue is that a cold will resolve in 7-10 days. A sinus infection typically lasts longer than ten days.
If underlying allergies are a contributing factor, then using allergy medications, such as nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and even allergy shots can help to treat or prevent recurrent infections.
How Can I Find Relief From Recurrent Sinusitis In The Dallas/fort Worth Area
While chronic cases of sinusitis can be frustrating and cause debilitating symptoms, the good news is that there are a number of treatments that can correct the underlying causes of recurrent sinusitis for effective, long-term relief. Patients with chronic sinusitis symptoms that dont improve after antibiotics or other medicinal treatments may be candidates for sinus surgery. DFW Sinus Select provides a wide range of procedures to combat various symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis, including the latest, minimally invasive procedures. Procedures for recurrent sinusitis offered at DFW Sinus Select include Balloon Sinuplasty, and .
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Can A Sinus Infection Last For Months
Sinusitis wont go away at the drop of a hat. It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, its best to take a trip to your doctors office if your symptoms last longer than one week.
Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens. If this is the case, then your sinus symptoms will likely last until you can escape the allergen or have the allergies treated.
How To Prevent The Recurrence Of Sinus Infections
One important thing to do is to avoid the flu and colds and treat any issues quickly.
- Enjoy a diet that is rich in veggies and fruits. They are full of antioxidants and other important nutrients that will help to boost your bodys immune system.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
- Keep your stress reduced.
- Wash hands regularly, especially when in public.
- Stay well-hydrated to keep your fluids flowing.
- If there is a respiratory infection, take decongestants.
- Avoid irritants like smoke. Treat allergies appropriately and quickly.
- Use a humidifier to put moisture in the air.
- Saline sprays and other washes for your nose will help to move mucus and allow you to breathe easier.
- Avoid swimming for long periods because chlorine can be an irritant.
- Avoid diving this can force water into the sinus and cause infection.
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Why Sinusitis Keeps Coming Back
Sinus infections can be incredibly painful, and they can become debilitating if when they are not diagnosed and treated properly. The relief of a cured sinus infection quickly evaporates when the telltale symptoms of an infection return and patients are left wondering why sinusitis wont stay away. In addition to causing discomfort and/or missed days of work, untreated and recurrent sinus infections can lead to more permanent damage in the sinus cavities and nasal passages.
While the very occasional, acute sinus infection is relatively normal, recurrent or chronic sinus infections are not. If a sinus infection returns again after youve finished a round of antibiotics and/or have followed your physicians at-home treatment instructions to the letter, please schedule another appointment ASAP.
You may need a referral to an ENT specialist to determine why the sinus infection continues to come back, and whether anatomical corrections may be necessary to fix the problem once and for all.
Signs You Suffer From Chronic Sinusitis
Common signs of chronic sinusitis include:
Suffering from two or more of these symptoms typically indicates you have chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis are often confused because they share similar signs and symptoms. The main difference is that acute sinusitis is temporary and often associated with a cold. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, the signs and symptoms listed above could potentially last at least 12 weeks.
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What Is Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection that persists for twelve weeks or more. Sinusitis may also be considered chronic if youve suffered from four or more separate cases of acute sinusitis within one year. This condition results when the lining of one or more of your sinus cavities becomes inflamed, leading to swelling and increased mucus production. As a result, normal drainage from the sinuses becomes disrupted or blocked.
How Do You Stop Sinus Headaches
If youre wondering, why do I keep getting sinus headaches every day and how can I get some relief from my frequent sinus headaches? you have options. For many, sinus problems can be treated effectively with the use of OTC medication and home remedies. Patients whose sinus issues and frequent sinus headaches do not respond well to traditional treatment, however, may wish to seek additional treatment. And one of the safest and easiest treatments available today is balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed at Sinus Solutions of South Florida Dr. Napoleon Bequer, a highly acclaimed ENT of South Florida. The procedure lasts less than 20 minutes and has provided thousands of patients nation-wide with long-lasting sinus relief. The concept of balloon sinuplasty is simple. During the procedure, your doctor inflates a balloon within the sinus cavities, restoring proper sinus drainage.
No cutting of bone or tissue is involved, and most patients are able to return to regular activities within 24-48 hours.
Tired of dealing with frequent sinus headaches? Ask your ENT about balloon sinuplasty.
This 20-minute procedure has proved highly successful at providing long term relief from common chronic sinus problems including sinusitis, allergies, frequent sinus headaches, sleep apnea, and more.
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Why Sinus Infections Come Back
Do you get four or more sinus infections each year? This is known as a recurring acute sinus infection. Unfortunately, some people are more prone to recurring sinus infections. While acute sinusitis is often the result of a cold or other respiratory infection, recurring sinus infections are usually caused by something else like an allergy, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.
Our Manhattan, NY, and East Hampton, NY, ENT doctors can help you treat sinusitis. Once were able to pinpoint the root cause, we will be able to effectively treat it and provide you with the relief we know you need from recurring sinusitis.
If you get severe or persistent sinus infections, Dr. Nass in East Hampton, or Manhattan, NY can help you get it under control. Simply call 734-4515, or 658-0027 to schedule an evaluation.
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Nasal Polyps Or Other Soft Tissue Obstructions
Sometimes, for reasons that are unclear, the thin tissue lining the nasal passages develop small, benign tumors. We call these nasal polyps. As you know, it does not take much to obstruct the airway, so even a single polyp can lead to significant airway and breathing issues including chronic snoring as well as recurring sinus infections. Most often though, people with polyp-related sinusitis have multiple polyps obstructing the nasal passages.
Fortunately, we can remove nasal polyps or other soft tissue obstructions using minimally-invasive procedures such as nasal airway remodeling.
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