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Relieve Your Sinuses!

Sinusitis Treatment in New Orleans

Dr. Reena Mehta is a board-certified allergist / immunologist that provides sinusitis treatment in New Orleans.

“I was a patient of Dr. Mehta for a number of years and always found her to not only be a smart and superb physician, but a most caring and attentive person. Dr. Mehta is detail-oriented, always explains everything and is very supportive. She is the epitome of what a doctor should be and more. I highly recommend her as a specialist in allergy, asthma and immunology!“

– Ellen W, December 2018

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Sinusitis treatment Dr. Reena Mehta in New Orleans, LA

About Sinusitis

Overview

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Your sinuses are hollow cavities in your cheekbones, behind your nose, and around your eyes. These cavities contain mucus that helps to warm, moisten, and filter the air you breathe. Your sinuses can become infected or inflamed when something blocks your sinuses from draining, causing painful pressure in the cheeks and forehead.

Acute Sinusitis

Most cases of sinusitis begin as a common cold. Usually a cold goes away within 7 to 10 days, but a bacterial infection can develop when something blocks mucus from draining from the sinuses. Clinically speaking, acute sinusitis refers to any case of sinusitis that lasts less than four weeks.

Woman with sinusitis pain and pressure in her sinuses

Chronic Sinusitis

When sinusitis symptoms last for more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment, it is called chronic sinusitis. This condition is also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Sinusitis develops when the airways in the face become inflamed. This is more likely to occur in individuals with nasal allergies or asthma as the airways are more susceptible to inflammation with these conditions. Sinusitis may also be caused by an infection, a fungus, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or in rare cases an immune system deficiency.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

Painful pressure in the cheeks and forehead
Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
Phlegm in the back of your throat – also called postnasal drip
Cough
Congestion
Toothache
A fever may develop in the case of acute sinusitis

Usually symptoms develop after a cold or during times of severe or ongoing allergic rhinitis symptoms. See a doctor immediately if you have fever, pain or swelling in the face or eye, redness on the cheek or around the eye, severe headaches, confusion or a stiff neck.

Man with sinusitis laying down and blowing his nose

Sinusitis Diagnosis

Allergy Evaluation

If you have frequent sinus infections, allergies might be the culprit. Dr. Mehta can identify any allergic triggers behind your recurring sinus infections and help you prevent more sinus problems in the future.

Imaging

Diagnosis of sinusitis may require your doctor to examine your nasal passages with rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, MRI, or CT. These imaging techniques are used to look for abnormalities in your sinuses like polyps, a deviated septum, or narrow drainage passages.

Allergist performing skin test in patient with recurrent sinusitis

Sinusitis Treatment

Acute Sinusitis Treatment

The majority of acute sinusitis cases (70%) resolve on their own without any prescribed medication. However, if it is determined that your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics can shorten the duration of sinusitis.

There are a number of medications and home remedies that might help you relieve your sinusitis symptoms:

Decongestants or nasal sprays might help relieve your symptoms and promote drainage of the infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help. DO NOT give aspirin to children under the age of 18.
Get plenty of rest and keep your body hydrated by drinking several glasses of water a day.
Some people with sinusitis find relief by breathing hot, moist air, using hot packs on the sinuses, or washing the nasal cavities with saline rinse. Sinus rinses need to be done with distilled or boiled water.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

The first step to finding relief from chronic sinusitis is to avoid activities and places that worsen symptoms. Depending on the specific cause of your chronic sinusitis, there are a number of options that may help you overcome sinusitis.

Antibiotics

In most cases, chronic sinusitis is not caused by a bacterial infection, but antibiotics can help in the rare case that your chronic sinusitis is bacterial.

Corticosteroid Spray

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays can help if you have frequent bouts of sinusitis. Be sure to get a proper subscription from your doctor before attempting to treat your sinusitis with intranasal sprays.

Antifungal Medication

Dr. Mehta may prescribe an antifungal medication if your chronic sinusitis is caused by a fungus.

Allergy Management

If you’ve been diagnosed with allergies, effectively managing your allergies can help prevent recurrences of sinusitis.

Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery may help correct your sinuses, and may be an option when treatments or medications fail. The decision to undergo sinus surgery should not be taken lightly. Individuals considering sinus surgery for themselves or their children should also consider getting a second opinion from an allergist / immunologist to ensure that less traumatic options have been exhausted.

Sinusitis Treatment in New Orleans

If your sinuses just aren’t getting better, it might be time to see a specialist. Dr. Mehta has a reputation for developing strong relationships with her patients and being exceptionally attentive to their needs and concerns. Relieve your sinuses!