Chronic Sinusitis
If you’ve had sinus pain and congestion for more than four weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis. At Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC in Somerville and Warren, New Jersey, the doctors diagnose and treat chronic sinusitis with a variety of state-of-the-art procedures. You don’t have to put up with never-ending congestion. Call the practice to book a consultation today.
request an appointmentChronic sinusitis causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Sinus and nasal congestion
- Thick, discolored mucus
- Sore throat and coughing
- Post-nasal drip
- Bad breath
- Pain or tenderness around your eyes, cheeks, and forehead
- Difficult or obstructed breathing
- Reduced sense of taste or smell
You might also have ear pain or an ache in your upper jaw and teeth. Chronic sinusitis can also cause fatigue.
What causes chronic sinusitis?
Many factors lead to chronic sinusitis. For example, hay fever and other allergies can cause inflammation that inflames your sinuses. You might also have nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or another structural irregularity that blocks your sinuses.
Upper respiratory infections like the common cold also trigger inflammation in your sinuses and interfere with mucus drainage.
Asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and immune system disorders can increase your risk of developing chronic sinusitis.
How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?
The doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, offer comprehensive exams and testing to diagnose chronic sinusitis. After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your doctor looks into your sinus using an endoscope.
An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on its tip. The device sends images from inside your sinuses to a monitor in the treatment room so your doctor can examine your sinuses in detail.
The doctors might order imaging studies like MRIs, or CT scans to look for structural abnormalities that could contribute to your symptoms. They also offer state-of-the-art allergy testing.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
Your doctor at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, creates a customized treatment plan to reduce inflammation in your sinuses, relieve your symptoms, and restore your health.
Your treatment might include medication like nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline nasal irrigation, antibiotics, or antihistamines. If your chronic sinusitis is due to allergies, they may recommend immunotherapy or allergen avoidance strategies.
If your symptoms are due to a structural irregularity or an abnormal growth, the doctors also offer minimally invasive procedures to remove excess tissue or growths including:
- ClariFix®
- VivAer®
- RhinAer™
- COBLATION® Plasma Technology
- Balloon sinus surgery
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
Call Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, or make an appointment online today for personalized treatments for chronic sinusitis.