West LA Times

Thirty million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year, according to Aurora Health Care, and the doctors of Bella Vista ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery want to discourage patients from making avoidable mistakes in trying to clear up their sinus infections.

Sinus infections are a result of fluid buildup located in the pockets (sinuses) of the face, an invitation for germs to run rampant. Previous colds, seasonal allergies, smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, structural complications in the sinus such as polyps, a weak immune system, and taking drugs that can weaken the immune system are all factors that can increase the risk of getting sinus infections.

Skipping straight to antibiotics isn't necessarily the right approach.

Balloon sinuplasty consists of "opening the sinuses without having to cause trauma. And when this happens, this can be done with a lot less pain, a lot less recovery, and so it makes the whole process a lot simpler for the patient," Dr. Jeffrey Feinfield of Bella Vista ENT told the North OC Times.

Antibiotics are not helpful for most sinus infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors may recommend that patients "wait it out" before using antibiotics as a remedy. 

Doctors at Bella Vista ENT are "able to reestablish the natural drainage pathway without using destructive techniques," Feinfield explained.

Common symptoms of sinus infections include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, postnasal drip, sore throat, cough or bad breath. 

Patients are advised to seek medical care if they are experiencing severe symptoms or have a headache, facial pain, symptoms that last more than 10 days or a fever that lasts longer than three or four days. 

Some over-the-counter treatment options for sinus infections include nasal decongestants, antihistamines, nasal decongestant sprays, allergy medications and nasal corticosteroid sprays. Always consult a doctor before seeking any medication.

Your body should heal itself in the case of a mild or moderate sinusitis problem, according to WebMD. Sinus patients should try to avoid antibiotics that can potentially cause antibiotic resistance over time. 

Chronic sinusitis is responsible for 4.1 million doctor's visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year, reports the CDC. Chronic sinusitis occurs when symptoms have lasted three months or longer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To prevent sinus infections, it is recommended that vulnerable people wash hands often, get flu and pneumonia vaccines, socially distance from others who have colds or upper respiratory infections, avoid smoking or secondhand smoke, and use a clean humidifier in the home. 

There are several different causes of sinusitis, but it is important to see a doctor if your condition persists to find out what your treatment options are.

Try the Sinus Quiz to get to the root of your problem.