Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavity caused by bacteria.
One of America's most common health conditions, sinusitis, can often be described as a cold or allergy attack that won’t go away. However, unlike a cold, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician’s diagnosis and treatment to address the infection and prevent complications. Frequent sinusitis or infections lasting several months may indicate a chronic sinusitis condition, which may damage your sinuses.
Dr. Suzanne Helming and Dr. Christopher Hetrick can evaluate specific conditions and recommend the appropriate course of treatment, which may include an oral or nasal spray, decongestants, and antibiotic therapy. Many people who suffer from frequent bouts of sinusitis also have nasal obstructions, which cannot be corrected with medication alone. Our Otolaryngologists can offer simple surgical options to alleviate these recurring conditions.
Don't suffer through sinusitis each year; do something about it.
Contact our ENT specialists, who can help you develop a plan of treatment that is right for you.
Schedule a Consult
When is the best time to schedule a consult with an Otolaryngologist?
When suffering from three or more of these symptoms, ask your doctor about the possibility of sinusitis
| Symptoms | Sinusitis | Allergy | Cold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Pressure and/or Pain | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Duration of Illness | 10 - 14+ days | Varies | Under 10 days |
| Nasal Discharge | Whitish or Colored | Clear, Watery, Thin | Thick, Whitish or Thin |
| Fever | Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Headache | Often | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Pain in Upper Teeth | Sometimes | No | No |
| Bad Breath | Sometimes | No | No |
| Coughing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Nasal Congestion | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Sneezing | No | Sometimes | Yes |