At Parker Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, our ENT Dr. Andrew Parker can diagnose and help you manage chronic sinusitis in Norwalk, CT. Sinusitis can interrupt your life with uncomfortable symptoms so if you are tired of sniffling, keep reading and contact us to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Acute sinus infections can happen to anyone. They usually accompany a common cold virus and symptoms clear within 10 days, but chronic sinusitis is different. Chronic sinusitis is caused by an infection of bacteria or fungi in the sinuses and can last 12 weeks or longer. If you have allergies or a deviated septum, are a smoker, or have abnormal sinuses or nasal polyps, you could be more likely to suffer from chronic sinusitis. Symptoms are:

• Congestion
• Pain and pressure in the sinuses
• Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Postnasal drip
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of smell

If you have had these symptoms for 12 weeks or longer it could be chronic sinusitis, so call us for an appointment.

How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?

If you suspect chronic sinusitis in Norwalk, CT, your ENT will look inside your nasal cavity and feel your sinuses to evaluate your symptoms. We will track the length of your symptoms and may request an X-ray or MRI of your sinuses to identify polyps or blockages. A nasal culture or allergy test may help us determine the exact cause of your sinusitis.

How To Manage Sinusitis

Your Norwalk ENT can help you manage your symptoms so you can continue your favorite activities. Treatments for chronic sinusitis include medicine, lifestyle adjustments, and even surgery. For example:

• Both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines and decongestants can help ease symptoms
• Nasal sprays with steroids reduce inflammation to open the airways
• Nasal rinses soothe your sinuses
• Using a humidifier in the space where you spend most of your time helps calm irritated airways by keeping them moisturized
• Your doctor can dilate the sinuses to help open up your airways
• Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure done with a scope that allows your ENT to remove polyps or blockages in the sinuses that are exacerbating symptoms

Get Help Today

If you are struggling with symptoms of chronic sinusitis in Norwalk, CT, it is time to see an ENT. To make an appointment with Dr. Andrew Parker or an audiologist, contact Parker Audiology & Hearing Aid Center in Norwalk, CT, at (203) 866-4327.