Sinusitis Types
ENT specialists in Sydney see patients with various degrees of sinusitis. In some cases, the problem can be resolved in a matter of weeks. Others deal with ongoing sinus problems and require more aggressive treatment.
The different types of sinusitis include:
- Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly and brings about symptoms similar to those you would experience when have a cold. With acute sinusitis, facial pain and a stuffy, runny nose typically lasts between 1-4 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis produces the same symptoms, but these symptoms last for 1-2 months.
- Chronic sinusitis produces the same symptoms that last for at least 2 months.
- Recurrent sinusitis produces the same symptoms several times a year.
In each case, the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed leading to a blocked nose. When this happens, the bacteria and viruses can begin to grow in the sinuses causing an infection. This inflammation can be a cause of a common cold, an allergic reaction, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps.
Since the symptoms are very similar, it can be difficult to determine the cause of sinusitis on your own. An ENT specialist will be able to provide a comprehensive exam so that they underlying cause of your symptoms can be determined.
Visiting an ear, nose and throat specialist is your first line of defense. The root cause of your symptoms must be determined before a treatment plan can be devised. Your doctor will give you a physical examination and review your symptoms. This may include additional diagnostic tests such as taking a mucous culture, allergy testing, blood tests, or a CT sinus scan.
There are many treatment options that can be used based on the outcome of these diagnostic tests. Decongestants, vaporizers, medications, nose drops, a change in diet if food allergies are found, and even sinus surgery are just a few treatment methods that are used depending on diagnostic results.