Now that spring has arrived, the sneezing, watering and itching eyes aren’t far behind.
Don’t let a spring allergy become something worse. If too much mucus builds up, it can block the sinuses, allowing bacteria or germs to grow in the warm, moist, dark environment.
Symptoms are often similar to that of a cold:
- Nasal stuffiness and discharge
- Sore throat and postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Headache
There are two notable exceptions that are a good indicator for sinusitis.
Ashtabula County Medical Center Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Michael Papsidero, MD, said treatment for sinusitis can range from medicine to surgery.
“If you have cold-like symptoms that don’t go away after two weeks, it may have progressed to sinusitis. You should be seen by a physican to find out the cause and begin treatment” Dr. Papsidero said.
Treatment may include prescription medication, use of nasal saline spray, drinking more fluids, or use of a humidifier.
For chronic sinusitis – that which lasts three months or more – the cause may be more than a build-up of bacteria or germs.
Potential causes also include allergies, polyps in the nose, tumors, fungal infection, or severe allergies.
Dr. Papsidero said a variety of diagnostic tests, such as sinus CT scan & blood tests for allergies can help detect the cause of your sinus problems.
If you suffer from multiple episodes of sinusitis episodes in a year, minimally-invasive surgery may be required to correct the ailment.
Minimally-invasive surgery can be performed to enlarge the sinuses, or remove a polyp or tumor, and to establish normal sinus drainage.
“The feeling that you are stuffed up and cannot breathe is more than just an annoyance. It affects us when we are awake, and it makes sleeping difficult. Medication may alleviate the symptoms, but we need to get to the root cause to end the recurring cycle,” Dr. Papsidero said.
For more information about sinus problems and sinusitis, visit www.acmchealth.org and look under the Health Resources tab.
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Michael Papsidero is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. To schedule an appointment with him, contact his office at 440-997-6960.
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