Sinus Infections

Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Our Services Sinus Infections

Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology

Allergists & Immunologists located in Clark, NJ, Clifton, NJ & Garfield, NJ

Sinus infections are relatively common, but people with allergies or asthma are at an even higher risk of getting an infection. Expert adult and pediatric allergy and immunology specialists Peter Benincasa, MD, and Richard E. Luka, MD, have great success in treating sinus infections at Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology in Clark, Clifton, and Garfield, New Jersey. If you or a loved one has a sinus infection or has had trouble with recurrent sinus infections, call or go online to book an appointment.

Sinus Infections Q & A

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, happens when a virus, bacteria, or mold causes your sinuses to become inflamed. Sinuses are air-filled cavities located in several places in your head, including:

  • Behind your forehead and eyebrows
  • Within the cheekbones under your eyes
  • On either side of the bridge of your nose
  • Behind your nose and in front of your brain

A sinus infection blocks the normal flow of mucus through the sinuses, causing mucus to become trapped and build up sinus pressure. This infection may result in difficulty breathing through your nose or throbbing pain in your face and head.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Sinus infection symptoms are often confused with rhinitis, a condition that affects only your nasal passages. Common signs of a sinus infection include:

  • Postnasal drip
  • Green or discolored nasal discharge
  • Stuffy nose or head congestion
  • Facial pain
  • Frontal headaches
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Bad breath

Sinus infections that last three to eight weeks are acute, while those lasting longer than eight weeks are considered chronic.

Who gets sinus infections?

Sinus infections are prevalent and can affect anyone. However, having certain conditions may increase your risk of developing a sinus infection, including:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Nasal deformities such as a deviated septum
  • Medical conditions that weaken your immune system

A weakened immune system may make you more susceptible to sinus infections caused by bacteria or mold.

How do you diagnose and treat a sinus infection?

Drs. Benincasa and Luka diagnose sinus infections by checking your throat, nose, and sinuses for signs of disease. Rhinoscopy is often performed to visualize, using a small scope, the anatomy of the nasal cavities and identify signs of infection, deformities and polyps. If you suffer from persistent sinus infections that don’t improve with treatment, they may perform additional tests such as a CT scan or a sinus biopsy.

Then, they will develop a personalized treatment plan that most effectively relieves your symptoms. Depending on your situation, sinus infection treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Nasal saline washes

For severe sinus infections that don’t respond to conservative treatments, Drs. Benincasa and Luka may recommend surgery to open up blocked sinuses.

If you or a loved one has a sinus infection that doesn’t improve with home care, call or go online to book an appointment with Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.