Are you concerned because you occasionally get a stuffy nose that lingers for a while before going away? It is a good idea to make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor to find out if you are suffering from a condition that is known as sinusitis. The condition can be mild and only require minor treatment, or you might end up having to undergo surgery before it goes away. This article will cover a few of the important things that you should know about suffering from sinusitis.

What Is Sinusitis?

Basically, sinusitis is a condition of the nose that causes the sinuses to become inflamed. The tissues that line the sinuses can swell up, which is partially due to fluid building up inside of them. The fluid prevents air from coming into the sinuses, as well as leads to germs accumulating. The germs will typically cause an infection, which leads to numerous symptoms possibly developing. A few of the conditions that can cause sinusitis are nasal polyps, the common cold, and experiencing a bad reaction to allergens such as pollen.

What Kind of Symptoms Are There?

Other than a stuffy nose that does not seem to get better, there is an array of symptoms that you might experience.  Some of the symptoms are similar to those experienced when suffering from a cold, such as a runny nose, congestion, and coughing. You might also feel pressure and pain in your face from the infection. Coming down with a fever and feeling fatigue are other symptoms that are associated with sinusitis. If you are suffering from a severe case of sinusitis, you might feel like your entire face is congested and have pus in the nasal cavity.

How Is a Diagnosis Made?

A specialist will ask you about your symptoms in order to make a diagnosis for sinusitis. He or she might also fell around on your face to find out if there is any tenderness, such as around your nose area. A nasal endoscopy test might also be performed so a specialist can get a close look at the inside of your nose.

How Can Sinusitis Be Treated?

The type of treatment for sinusitis depends on what is causing it to flare-up. For example, if you suffer from a pollen allergy, you might be prescribed an antihistamine. Decongestants and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat the condition. However, you might need to undergo surgery if there are nasal polyps that are responsible for sinusitis symptoms.