Rhinosinusitis is the medical term for inflammation of the sinuses. If this inflammation has gone on for three months or longer, a patient may have chronic rhinosinusitis.
Rhinosinusitis can cause symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion
- A low-grade fever
- Nasal drainage
- Facial pressure or pain
- Cough
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Decreased sense of smell
These symptoms can occur when sinus swelling blocks the natural sinus drainage pathways.
The physicians at the Raleigh Capitol Sinus Center are affiliated with Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose & Throat, and they have extensive experience treating all types of sinus problems. Our ENT physicians will customize a treatment plan tailored to fit the needs of each individual patient.
While there are different ways to treat rhinosinusitis, some treatments may include:
- Medication (often prescribed for 3 to 6 weeks)
- Allergy testing may be necessary to identify any predisposing factors that may be contributing to the illness.
- Endoscopic sinus surgery may be needed if the symptoms persist despite aggressive medical treatment.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has developed new guidelines for treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. At Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat, we follow these new recommendations, and we tailor a treatment plan to fit the needs of each individual patient.
These guidelines also include useful information for patients. This information includes the best treatment methods, when antibiotics are (and are not) needed, and educational information about what sinusitis and rhinosinusitis are, their symptoms, and decisions patients may face concerning treatment.
We encourage you to review this useful information:
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Adult Sinusitis
Patient Information: Management of Adult Sinusitis
Treating Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
Patient Information: Sinusitis