Sinusitis Specialist
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Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center
Lev Barsky, MD
Allergist & Asthma Specialist located in Brooklyn, NY
Sinusitis is a major health problem that affects millions of people in the United States every year. You may be at a greater risk of developing sinusitis (sinus infection) if you have allergies or asthma. The Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, provides comprehensive care for allergic and immunological diseases and the symptoms and conditions they cause, including sinusitis. For comprehensive care from Lev Barsky, MD, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
Sinusitis Q&A
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation and swelling of the mucosal tissue that lines the sinus cavity. Your sinuses are part of your immune system. The mucosal tissue that lines your sinuses makes a thin mucus that drains away the dirt and debris you breathe in through your nose.
When you have sinusitis, the swelling and inflammation slows down or blocks the drainage of the mucus, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
Sinusitis may be acute or chronic:
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis usually lasts no more than four weeks and often develops after a respiratory infection like the common cold.
Chronic sinusitis
If you have nasal congestion that lasts 12 or more weeks, then you have chronic sinusitis. People with allergies or asthma may be at a greater risk of developing chronic sinusitis.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Pain and pressure in your cheeks or forehead following cold or nasal allergies are the most common symptoms of sinusitis. Other symptoms include:
- Postnasal drip
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Thick yellow or greenish nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Toothache
If you have allergies or asthma and have sinusitis symptoms, schedule an appointment at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky.
What can I expect during a sinusitis evaluation?
You can expect a patient-centered, comprehensive evaluation when you come in to see Dr. Barsky for help with your sinusitis. Dr. Barsky asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam.
If you don’t have a history of allergies, but Dr. Barsky suspects they’re the cause of your sinusitis, he may perform allergy testing to confirm or rule out allergies.
Dr. Barsky may also request an MRI or CT scan to evaluate the structures in your nasal and sinus cavity to look for abnormalities like nasal polyps (benign growths) or narrow sinus passageways.
How is sinusitis treated?
Dr. Barsky customizes your sinusitis treatment plan based on whether your sinusitis is acute or chronic, as well as the severity of your symptoms and your medical history. Initial sinusitis treatment may include:
- Decongestant
- Antihistamine
- Over-the-counter allergy medication
- Nasal saline irrigation
- Antibiotics (only if you have a bacterial infection)
- Intranasal steroid spray
Dr. Barsky also treats any underlying allergy or asthma that may be contributing to your sinusitis.
When medical treatment fails to ease your sinusitis, Dr. Barsky may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon to discuss surgical options to open the sinus cavities.
To get relief from sinusitis, schedule an appointment at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, by calling the office or booking online today.
