Sinusitis

Up to 35 million Americans experience sinusitis each year. Though common, without treatment, sinusitis can affect your respiratory health and quality of life. At Mercy Medical Urgent Care, urgent care specialist Bilal Khodr, MD, uses safe and effective treatments to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. To make an appointment for yourself or your child, call the office in Lake City, Florida, or book online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis causes inflammation of your sinuses –– four hollow cavities behind your nose and eyes that make mucus to keep your nose and airways free of bacteria. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but if you develop an infection, they can get blocked or filled with fluid. 

What are the types of sinusitis?

Mercy Medical Urgent Care treats several types of sinusitis, including:

Acute bacterial sinusitis

Acute bacterial sinusitis causes cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and facial pain. It lasts for 10 days or less and typically improves with prescription antibiotics or over-the-counter decongestants.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis occurs when you’ve experienced cold or flu-like symptoms, such as facial pressure or a stuffy nose, for three months or longer. 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Postnasal drip (mucus running down your throat)
• Nasal discharge (yellow or green mucus)
• A runny nose
• Facial pressure
• Cough
• Bad breath

You might also experience a fever, frequent headaches, or pain behind your cheeks and ears.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

To diagnose sinusitis, your Mercy Medical Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse at certain times of the day, and if they affect your ability to work or exercise.

Next, your provider performs a physical exam. During the exam, they use special tools to check your ears, nose, and throat for swelling, drainage, or blockages. If an exam doesn’t provide enough insight into your condition, your provider might also order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your head and neck.

How is sinusitis treated?

Treatment of sinusitis depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. Your Mercy Medical Urgent Care provider might suggest:

• Decongestants
• Over-the-counter cold and allergy medicine
• Nasal saline irrigation
• Drinking fluids
• Prescription antibiotics
• Intranasal corticosteroid sprays

If you have nasal polyps or another obstruction, your provider can refer you to a nearby ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

To learn more about the treatment options for sinusitis, make an appointment at Mercy Medical Urgent Care by calling the office, booking online, or walking in today.