When to See a Specialist About Your Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinusitis can be a complicated and painful nasal condition. While some people are able to manage the condition with over-the-counter medication, others require medical intervention to relieve their symptoms.

Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a leading medical center for sinusitis treatment, helping patients in and around Silver Spring, Chevy Chase, and Bethesda, Maryland, as well as the greater Washington DC area, attain long-lasting relief from sinusitis.  

Through a detailed examination, innovative therapies, and patient education, Dr. Vasif Kalfa and our team provide you with the tools and treatment necessary to tackle this bothersome condition. Here, we explore the ins and outs of sinusitis, including when to seek professional help.

Understanding sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. It can lead to a variety of symptoms that disrupt your daily life.

It usually begins with a stuffy or runny nose, which may not immediately raise alarm bells. However, this can quickly escalate into facial pain or pressure, and even a temporary loss of your smell and taste senses. Some people also experience a cough or congestion, along with general fatigue.

Sinusitis symptoms can have various triggers. Viral or bacterial infections are often the primary cause, but allergies can also lead to sinusitis. For some people, inherited structural abnormalities within the nasal cavity contribute to or worsen the problem.

Sinusitis can be a complex condition, and it’s important to recognize that it can't always be solved with a simple nasal spray or dose of antihistamine.

When to seek help for sinusitis

So, how can you know when over-the-counter sinusitis remedies are no longer enough? We recommend seeking professional help if:

You have persistent symptoms

If your sinusitis symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, even with over-the-counter treatments, you could be dealing with acute sinusitis, which often requires antibiotics or other medical interventions. If your sinusitis hasn’t improved after a week of at-home care, see Dr. Kalfa for a comprehensive diagnosis and more targeted treatment solutions.

Recurring sinusitis 

If you have sinusitis more than three times a year, it might be chronic. Chronic sinusitis is more complicated and might indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. Recurring sinusitis can significantly impact your quality of life, and specialized treatment may be necessary.

Severe symptoms

If you experience unbearable sinusitis symptoms, such as intense pain or a high fever, it's not something to overlook. These could be signs of a more serious underlying problem that requires immediate medical care.

Obtain real relief from sinusitis 

If you've been experiencing severe and recurring sinusitis symptoms, Dr. Kalfa can carry out a detailed examination to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, and provide effective solutions tailored to your specific needs.

If you find yourself or a loved one struggling with persistent or severe sinusitis symptoms, remember that quality care is available at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland. Give us a call today to get started, or schedule an appointment online any time.