Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed, blocked, and unable to drain properly. This may happen during an acute infection (such as a cold or bacterial illness) or develop slowly over months in chronic sinusitis. Symptoms often include congestion, facial pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our ENT specialists provide thorough evaluation, effective medical treatment, allergy assessment, and minimally invasive surgical options when needed. Our goal is to relieve symptoms, prevent recurrent infections, and improve your long-term sinus health.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Sinusitis symptoms can appear suddenly during a cold or develop gradually if inflammation lingers. Patients may notice:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Facial pressure or pain (cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes)
- Thick nasal drainage or postnasal drip
- Headaches or ear pressure
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Fatigue or poor sleep
During your first visit at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your ENT specialist will:
- Review your symptoms, duration, and frequency
- Ask about allergies, recent infections, asthma, or prior sinus problems
- Perform a nasal and sinus examination
- Evaluate for red-flag symptoms such as severe swelling or fever
If symptoms have lasted more than 12 weeks or occur repeatedly, your doctor may consider chronic sinusitis and begin a more detailed assessment.
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
Diagnosis is based on your history, physical exam, and, when needed, specialized ENT testing. Diagnostic tools include:
- Nasal endoscopy: A small camera used in-office to view inflammation, nasal polyps, or drainage problems
- CT scan of the sinuses: Helps assess chronic inflammation, structural blockages, or infection
- Allergy testing: Identifies allergic triggers contributing to symptoms
- Nasal culture (if needed): Helps guide antibiotic selection in persistent or recurrent infections
Risk Factors
Understanding these factors allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes. Risk factors that your ENT will assess include:
- Seasonal or perennial allergies
- Asthma
- Deviated nasal septum or narrow sinus drainage pathways
- Nasal polyps
- Environmental irritants (smoke, pollutants)
- Immune system issues
- Prior sinus surgery or trauma
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on whether your sinusitis is acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting 12+ weeks). At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we start with evidence-based medical therapy and progress to advanced surgical treatments only when necessary.
Lifestyle & Medical Management
- Most patients improve with a combination of nasal saline rinses to reduce mucus and inflammation
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays to control swelling
- Antibiotics (for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections)
- Decongestants or antihistamines if allergies contribute
- Short courses of oral steroids for significant inflammation or nasal polyps
For chronic sinusitis:
- Allergy management (e.g., immunotherapy)
- Avoidance of triggers such as smoke or strong irritants
- Long-term nasal steroid therapy
Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
- If symptoms persist despite medical therapy, your ENT may recommend advanced treatment, such as endoscopic sinus surgery to open blocked sinus pathways to improve drainage.
- Polyp removal for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.
- Septoplasty to correct a deviated nasal septum.
These procedures are designed to restore normal sinus function and significantly reduce long-lasting symptoms.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Your ENT specialist will work with you to ensure ongoing improvement. Follow-up typically includes:
- Reviewing symptom response to treatment
- Adjusting medications as inflammation decreases
- Monitoring allergy triggers and environmental exposures
- Evaluating long-term nasal steroid use
- Reassessing sinus health after any surgical procedure
Most patients experience substantial improvement with consistent care. For chronic sinusitis, periodic visits can help prevent flare-ups and maintain clear breathing year-round.