Although you might have gotten used to the stuffiness and headache associated with long-term sinusitis, it's important to have it diagnosed and treated to avoid potentially dangerous complications. At South Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat in Port St. Lucie, Florida, our otolaryngology team can help you feel better and keep your sinus problems at bay. Read on to learn more about this common condition and how it's managed.

What is sinusitis?

First, it's helpful to understand the purpose and function of your sinuses. These air-filled spaces at the front of your skull surround the nose and are lined with soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The sinuses produce mucus that keeps the airway clean and lubricated. When this tissue becomes inflamed - often due to allergies or a previous upper respiratory infection - the resulting headache, nasal discharge, sore throat and cough is what's known as sinusitis. When these symptoms last longer than three months, your Port St. Lucie ENT doctor will likely diagnose you with chronic sinusitis.

How is sinusitis treated?

Since most sinusitis cases are viral, not bacterial, antibiotics are not usually the first line of defense.We will likely recommend irrigating the nasal passages, staying hydrated, and taking anti-inflammatory medication to try and control the symptoms and reduce the swelling inside your sinuses. Steroids may also be used to help lessen the inflammation. For those who do not respond to conservative methods of treatment, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to expand the sinus passages may be recommended.

To get control of your sinusitis, contact South Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat to make an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists today. We can be reached at (772) 398-9911 for our Port St. Lucie office, (772) 464-6055 in Fort Pierce, and (863) 357-7791 for our Okeechobee location.