Sinusitis, or a chronic sinus infection, is an inflammation of your sinus cavities that lasts for more than a few weeks. Not all sinusitis is so stubborn, but for the infections that are, you’ll need top-tier treatment. A sinus specialist near you can help you fight off that infection and keep it away. Let’s look at the four types of sinus infections that need to be treated.
Acute Sinusitis
“Acute” is the opposite of “chronic”—an acute sinus infection will eventually go away on its own. Acute sinus infections generally start with cold-like symptoms, such as congestion and sinus pain. An acute infection may come on suddenly and stick with you between 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, ask your doctor about at-home remedies or over-the-counter solutions to reduce your discomfort.
Subacute Sinusitis
If your sinus woes don’t go away after a month, you may have crossed over into subacute territory. It’s not quite as stubborn as a chronic infection, but it means more discomfort for you. Subacute sinusitis lasts between 4-12 weeks, and other factors can aggravate it as well. If you have nasal polyps or uneven nasal passages, you could be more likely to get sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis
Has it been 12 weeks? After the three-month mark, you may have a chronic sinus infection that requires more aggressive treatment. Chronic sinusitis often occurs in people with allergies, as their sinuses and nasal passages are more likely to become inflamed. Allergy & ENT Associates offers nose and sinus services for those who want to find the problem and treat it.
Recurrent Sinusitis
Plenty of people, especially those with allergies, experience flare-ups several times a year. If you suffer from acute sinusitis every few months, partner with your doctor to determine an effective treatment plan for you. That way, when you feel the next one coming on, you have a plan of action.
The next time you feel a sinus infection coming on, call an ENT doctor near you right away. Don’t wait for your sinusitis to put a dent in your quality of life! There are a few different types of sinus infections that need to be treated, and when you work with a specialist, you can narrow down the cause and find a solution that keeps you healthy and comfortable.
