A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is inflammation and swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. This interferes with normal mucus drainage, leading to breathing difficulties, pain and pressure. When the condition persists for 12 weeks or longer, it is considered chronic.
Nasal polyps are small, noncancerous growths that form on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. Small polyps may go unnoticed and require no treatment, but larger ones can obstruct the sinuses and lead to infections and breathing problems.
Allergies, or allergic diseases, refer to the immune system’s hypersensitivity to something in one’s environment. Some allergies include hay fever, food allergies, dermatitis, allergic asthma and anaphylaxis. Allergy symptoms include red itchy eyes, swelling, rash, runny or stuffy nose, shortness of breath and itchy or plugged ears. Common allergens are pollens, grasses, foods, metals, insect bites or stings, medications and more.
Allergies are an exaggerated immune system response to a substance that is otherwise harmless. Identifying the trigger is necessary in order to formulate a treatment plan. This requires allergy testing. Your doctor will review your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms and administer either a skin or blood test. Once the allergen trigger is found, treatment can begin.
Here are answers to common allergy questions including: What are allergies? What causes allergies? How can allergies be prevented? How do you test for allergies? How can I treat my allergies?
We treat many nasal and sinus conditions. Most of these can be managed or cured using nonsurgical treatments. In some cases, though, our physicians may recommend surgical solutions. Whether or not you’ll require surgery depends entirely on your individual health and personal needs.
Chronic sinusitis is a widespread condition affecting 37 million Americans. This inflammation of the sinuses occurs when the sinus opening becomes blocked, preventing mucus from draining properly.