East Panhandle News

• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies.
• If sinusitis lasts for more than three months, it is considered to be chronic sinusitis.
• Early intervention is highly recommended to address chronic sinusitis to reduce the risk of more serious issues.

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are common medical conditions that can become more serious the longer they go untreated. Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free said that early intervention is key when treating sinusitis. 

"I find that in certain conditions, early intervention is key because once you go down a road where you have had chronic infections for a long period of time, you can actually impede the sinusitis signs permanently," Dr. Blair told East Panhandle News. "We have little hair cells in the sinus that actually beat the mucus out of the natural opening, just like you do in the lungs. And if those are damaged permanently, your sinuses will not function, and you'll have to irrigate your nose constantly every day. Early intervention is definitely better than waiting, and I find that people who act quickly usually have better outcomes than people who wait."

Symptoms of sinusitis include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus, especially at night, and sometimes fever and chills, according to Merck Manual.

Sinusitis can advance to chronic sinusitis, a condition where the sinuses, the spaces inside your nose and head, become inflamed and swollen for three months or more, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition disrupts the normal drainage of mucus, leading to nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. As a result, individuals may experience a stuffy nose, and the area around their eyes may feel tender and swollen. Other symptoms may include infections, the presence of nasal polyps (abnormal growths in the sinuses), or inflammation of the sinus lining. The condition can affect both adults and children.

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also responsible for 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits.

According to studies, early intervention for chronic sinusitis not only increases immediate quality of life but also typically improves long-term relief and reduces healthcare costs.

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss or infections in the bones and skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is recommended to schedule a doctor's appointment if symptoms last for more than 10 days.

At times, allergies related to sinus disease can lead to headaches, according to Healthline. Although it’s a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, certain allergies—and allergy-related symptoms such as headaches—can be addressed with preventive steps and OTC medications. If your allergies are interfering with your day-to-day activities, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a full diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.

Dr. Blair earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, according to Gulf Coast Breathe Free's website. He subsequently obtained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Following this, he pursued further education, completing his internship and residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan, with a specific focus on otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. He achieved board certification in 2015.