As many as 31 million people in the United States develop at least one annual sinus infection. At Suburban Allergy Consultants, with offices in West Grove, Coatesville, Narberth, West Chester, and Havertown, Pennsylvania, the skilled team of allergy, asthma, and immunology experts can accurately diagnose and treat a sinus infection. Whether you need antibiotics or a new treatment plan for existing allergies, Corinna Bowser MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, and Andrew Murphy MD, FAAAAI, customize your care to reduce recurrent infection risks. Schedule a sinus infection evaluation using the online booking tool or by calling the office nearest you.
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, develops when bacteria, viruses, or molds settle into the nasal passages and cause inflammation.
While anyone can develop a sinus infection, those who have weak immune systems or asthma may be at increased risk for developing more frequent infections. Both seasonal and chronic allergies can also make you more susceptible to recurrent sinus infections.
A sinus infection often causes symptoms that are similar to a cold. Your symptoms may start out mild but worsen over time and include:
You may also notice a greenish mucus when you blow your nose.
Because the symptoms of a sinus infection are very similar to cold and allergy symptoms, it’s important that you have a diagnostic evaluation at Suburban Allergy Consultants to get the right treatment.
The team at Suburban Allergy Consultants are highly skilled in diagnosing a sinus infection. Initially, they visually examine your nose, throat, and sinus cavity, looking for signs of an active infection like:
Your provider also reviews your medical history. If you have existing allergies, they can determine if certain triggers increase your risk factors for recurrent sinus infections through allergy testing.
In some cases, you may need a sinus CT scan, which takes images of your sinus cavities, or an endoscopic evaluation where your Suburban Allergy Consultants provider inserts a slender, flexible tube with an attached camera into your sinus cavities to view structures in real-time. These tests can identify blockages or other abnormalities that lead to recurrent infections.
To clear the infection, your Suburban Allergy Consultants provider can prescribe a course of antibiotics. These medications only work if your infection is the result of a bacteria, and you need to take all the medicine as directed by your doctor to prevent the infection from returning.
If a virus or mold cause your infection, your provider can create a treatment plan using medications and home therapies to keep you comfortable until the infection runs its course. You may also benefit from decongestants to thin existing mucus or a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation.
In many cases, sinus infections triggered by allergic reactions can be prevented by properly treating the allergies. The team at Suburban Allergy Consultants is highly skilled in customizing treatment plans to manage chronic allergies and prevent symptoms like recurring sinus infections.
When structural issues are the cause of recurrent sinus infections, your Suburban Allergy Consultants physician can refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
If you suspect you have a sinus infection, don’t delay an evaluation. You can call the Suburban Allergy Consultants office nearest you or request an appointment online.
