Phoenix Sinus Infection Treatment

Many patients with allergies will have problems with recurrent sinus infections, also known as sinusitis.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities inside your skull that normally function to warm and humidify the air that you breathe in. The cavities are lined with the same type of tissue that lines your nasal passages and as such are prone to the same kind of inflammation that can occur with nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis.

If the sinuses become too inflamed and too much mucous builds up inside the sinuses, infection can occur. Sinus infections are commonly caused by bacteria, although molds and fungus can also cause infection especially in patients with allergies to certain types of molds (known as allergic fungal sinusitis). Viruses can also contribute to sinus infections which is why your doctor may not want to prescribe an antibiotic unless you have had symptoms for more than 10 days (the typical duration of a viral infection is about a week).

Common Symptoms of Sinusitis

Symptoms of sinusitis include pressure inside the head, usually beneath or above the eyes, tenderness of the upper teeth, fatigue, bad breath, drainage of mucous into the back of the throat, nasal congestion and occasionally headache. Some patients who have had chronic sinus problems may also describe a loss of sense of taste or smell, especially if they develop polyps inside their nasal cavities. Polyps are benign (non-cancerous) outgrowths of inflammatory tissue into the sinus cavities.

Chronic and Acute Sinusitis

• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is often diagnosed when symptoms have gone on for more than 12 weeks, despite medical treatment. People with allergic rhinitis or asthma are more likely to suffer from chronic sinusitis. This is because the airways are more likely to become inflamed when allergic rhinitis or asthma are present. Sinusitis may also be caused by an infection, a fungus, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or in rare cases an immune system deficiency.
• Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis refers to sinusitis symptoms lasting less than four weeks Most cases begin as a common cold. Symptoms often go away within a week to 10 days; but in some people, a bacterial infection develops.

Extensive Experience in Managing Sinus Problems

The treatment of sinusitis depends on the factors that caused it. The providers at San Tan Allergy and Asthma have extensive experience in managing sinus problems and often work closely with ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists to provide patients with sinus problems the relief they seek. If allergies are a cause, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be a worthwhile treatment to explore. Some patients have an allergy to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or NSAIDs that can contribute to their sinus difficulties. The providers at San Tan Allergy & Asthma do offer a treatment specifically designed to treat chronic sinus disease associated with this type of allergy.

San Tan Allergy & Asthma offers a variety of testing services and treatments for various allergic and immunological conditions. Our Gilbert allergy doctors can give you the proper allergy testing near Chandler to find the cause of your allergies, and our asthma doctors near Mesa can help give you the proper treatment for better respiratory function. We serve patients throughout the valley including Phoenix, Queen Creek, Tempe, and more. Contact our Gilbert allergy and asthma doctors to schedule an appointment today.

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