At Stahl Primary Care, located in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Kelley Stahl takes a practical approach to managing both acute and chronic sinus infections. When patients develop a relationship with a primary care doctor like Dr. Stahl, they can get effective treatments and a prevention plan to break the cycle of recurrences.
The sinuses are empty spaces in the skull around the eyes and nose. Their purpose has been a topic of debate among scientists for centuries, but they do offer some obvious benefits. For example, without this empty space, the skull would likely be too heavy for the neck to support. The sinuses also create resonance for the voice, making it loud enough for others to hear and letting the speaker hear it clearer when they talk.
Although the sinuses do offer some practical benefit, the design can be problematic for most patients. The cavities and passages leading to them are lined with mucous membranes that often swell, closing the opening to the sinus. When this happens, bacteria can grow inside that empty space, causing pressure and pain. Common causes the inflammation and blockage include:
There are also risk factors for sinus infections such as asthma and frequent exposure to pollution.
There are four primary symptoms. These include:
Along with these key symptoms, patients might experience:
Sinus problems can come on after having a cold or during allergy season, and they often resolve themselves. Patients should make an appointment, though, if they have repeated episodes or if they have had the same problem for over a week, especially if they get no relief from over the counter or home treatments.
Not all sinus problems are due to infection, so the first step is to get a proper diagnosis. Dr. Stahl may suggest saline irrigation, as well, using a nasal spray. Chronic problems often respond well to nasal corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and allow the sinuses to drain. If Dr. Stahl does suspect a bacterial infection, she may prescribe antibiotics to resolve it.