Sinusitis Specialist
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Anil K. Gupta, MD
ENT located in Royal Oak, MI
About 30 million adults have sinusitis each year. When the common cold turns into a bacterial infection, you’ll require a different type of treatment. Sinusitis can be painful, but Anil K. Gupta, MD, at Gupta ENT Center in Royal Oak, Michigan, offers treatment and relief from your symptoms. Call the practice today to schedule an appointment.
Sinusitis Q & A
What is sinusitis?
The sinuses are hollow spaces inside the bones that surround your nose. Sinuses produce mucus and drain into your nose, but if your sinuses are blocked, they can become inflamed and painful. Sinusitis is also known as a sinus infection.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinus infections may be caused by anything that interferes with the drainage of mucus out of the sinuses or with the airflow into the sinuses. The most common cause of sinusitis is a cold that turns into a bacterial infection. Other causes may include:
- Nasal problems
- Allergies
- Chemical irritation of the nose
- Particulate irritation of the nose
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Along with postnasal drip, mucus drainage from the nose to the back of the throat, sinusitis symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
- Congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Facial tenderness or swelling
- Headache
- Pain or pressure in sinus area, ears, and teeth
- Discolored nasal or postnasal drainage
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and they aren’t responding to over-the-counter medications or persisting for a week or longer, call Dr. Gupta for an evaluation to see if you have sinusitis.
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
Dr. Gupta will examine your nose and face while asking questions about your symptoms. You may also require imaging tests to assess inflammation.
How is sinusitis treated?
Bacterial sinusitis usually requires antibiotics. Early treatment of sinusitis can prevent secondary complications including meningitis, orbital cellulitis, brain abscess, and osteomyelitis.
How long does sinusitis last?
There are four types of sinusitis with varying levels of severity:
- Acute sinusitis lasts anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. Subacute sinusitis lasts 4-12 weeks
- Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks and can continue for several months or even years
- Recurrent acute sinusitis comes and goes with several attacks per year
If you experience symptoms of sinusitis, give Dr. Gupta at Gupta ENT Center a call to schedule an appointment.
