Anderson Reporter

The Indianapolis Sinus Center strives for patients to feel their best, especially during the upcoming cold and flu season, and avoid acute sinusitis.

According to Mayo Clinic, acute sinusitis causes the spaces inside your nose (sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up, which can cause sufferers to feel pretty miserable. 

"Sinusitis occurs when the linings of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a preexisting cold or allergies," Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp, of Indianapolis Sinus Center, told the Anderson Reporter. "Chronic sinusitis is when this inflammation lasts three months or more. We offer on-site diagnostic testing, including low-dose CT scan, to get a better look inside your sinus cavity and identify inflammation and signs of infection."

With acute sinusitis, patients might find it difficult to breathe through their nose. The area around the eyes and face might feel swollen and be accompanied by throbbing facial pain or a headache, according to Mayo Clinic.

"Sinusitis is typically associated with headaches, facial pain and pressure; sometimes pain and pressure in the teeth," Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center told Anderson Reporter. "The reason you feel that in your teeth is, where the teeth are, the maxillary sinuses are right above it. Sometimes the dental routine can extend into the maxillary sinus, and the nerves to those teeth come right through that region as well. So that's very common."

Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days. Home remedies may be all you need to treat acute sinusitis. However, sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks, despite medical treatment, is considered chronic sinusitis and may require a doctor's visit.

To evaluate your symptoms, take the sinus quiz provided by Indianapolis Sinus Center.