Sinusitis and Recurrent Infections

Up to 35 million Americans develop sinusitis each year. If you regularly battle sinusitis or other recurrent infections, seek prompt care. At the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in St. Charles, Illinois, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists Priya Bansal, MD, and Haley Young, PA, regularly treat sinusitis and recurrent infections. After an in-office evaluation and diagnostic imaging, they can make treatment recommendations to help you feel better. Call the office to learn more about the treatment of sinusitis and recurrent infections, or request an appointment online today.

What are sinusitis and recurrent infections?

Sinusitis is a chronic infection of your sinuses –– a group of hollow spaces behind your nose and eyes that produce mucus.

Most sinus infections improve within a week or two and respond to at-home treatments, like rest and over-the-counter medication. Sometimes, though, these infections become chronic. If you or your child regularly experience upper respiratory issues, contact the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center today.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis and recurrent infections?

Symptoms of sinusitis and recurrent infections include:

• Nasal inflammation
• Thick, discolored discharge (runny nose)
• Drainage down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• Nasal congestion (blocked or stuffy nose)
• Reduced sense of smell and taste

As the infection worsens, you may experience ear pain, headaches, persistent bad breath, or fatigue.

Who is at risk of sinusitis and recurrent infections?

Anyone can experience sinusitis or recurrent infections, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Nasal polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Allergies, such as hay fever
• Respiratory tract infections

Complications from other medical conditions may increase your risk of nasal blockages, like cystic fibrosis.

How are sinusitis and recurrent infections diagnosed?

Your provider at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete an exam, gently pressing your cheeks and nose for tender areas. 

Next, they use special tools to view your sinuses, checking for anatomical problems, like obstructions. They then order blood work to screen for immune issues and skin testing to see if a specific substance is triggering your symptoms.

Your provider might also collect a nasal swab and send it to a nearby lab to determine if you have a bacterial or fungal infection.

How are sinusitis and recurrent infections treated?

Treatment of sinusitis and recurrent infections depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Your provider at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center may recommend:

• Nasal corticosteroids
• Saline nasal irrigation
• Oral or injected corticosteroids
• Allergy medications
• Antifungal treatment
• Aspirin desensitization treatment
• Medication to treat nasal polyps
• Antibiotics
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) 

If you have severe allergies that contribute to sinusitis, your provider might prescribe biologic therapy with XOLAIR®, DUPIXENT®, NUCALA®, or CINQAIR®. 

The goal is to relieve your symptoms, enhance your respiratory health, and improve your quality of life.

Call the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center to learn more about the treatment of sinusitis and recurrent infections, or request an appointment online today.