Overview

The sinuses are hollow spaces found in the bones of the head and face. They are located on either side of the nose in your cheeks, behind and between the eyes, in the forehead, and at the back of the nasal cavity. Sinus disease, or sinusitis, refers to inflammation (swelling and mucus production) of these spaces. This can happen due to a cold, allergies, or other triggers. The result? Your nose might feel stuffy, you might have a headache, and your face might decide to join in with some pressure and tenderness, especially in the cheek area, forehead, and behind the eyes. Some people also experience tooth pain when their sinuses are acting up as well.

Diagnosis

Your local Fresno allergist will ask about how long you’ve been feeling stuffed up, any pain in your face, and also examine your head. In some cases, they might order imaging tests like a CT scan, or perform a rhinoscopy (small camera in the nose) to get a closer look.

Treatment

Once the mystery is solved, treatments often involve sinus saline irrigation, medications such as nasal sprays, and at times, antibiotics to address infection. The most important step, however, is to figure out the cause of the sinusitis, especially if it’s a recurring problem, and treat it accordingly. In most cases, ongoing sinus issues are the result of uncontrolled underlying allergies. Once those are identified and treated properly, the sinus problems also resolve. Don’t wait for sinus relief to disappear, contact a California allergy treatment center today.