Sinus infections or sinusitis, are a major health problem that is responsible for millions of doctors’ visits every year. Your sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. Their job is to provide mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain. Sinusitis simply means that the sinuses are inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by an infection or another issue. People who are at risk of a sinus infection usually have allergies, asthma or a weakened immune system.
Rhinitis only involves the nasal passages and is usually caused by a cold or allergies. Bad colds or allergies are often mistaken for sinus infections since many symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain and headaches are prevalent in both. The symptoms of allergies and sinusitis overlap in many ways but if allergies are to blame, you usually suffer from itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or wheezing. Your nasal and sinus passages become swollen, congested and inflamed in an attempt to flush out offending inhaled particles that trigger allergies. If sinusitis is to blame, you will most likely experience thick, colored mucus, a painful swollen feeling around your forehead, headache, post-nasal drip, coughing or fatigue.
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections or have chronic symptoms that are not responding to treatments, make an appointment with one of our certified and experienced ENT specialists today for a full evaluation and treatment plan.
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