Sinusitis Treatment in Hyderabad
A blocked nose, facial pressure, headaches or mucus at the back of your throat can make everyday life uncomfortable. Sometimes, these symptoms improve after a common cold. However, when they continue or keep returning, you may need an ENT evaluation.
Dr. Shareef assesses your symptoms, medical history and examination findings before discussing suitable treatment options. The first step is to understand what is causing the problem.
What Is Sinusitis?
Your sinuses are small, air-filled spaces around your nose and eyes. They connect to your nasal passages through small openings that allow mucus to drain.
Sometimes, the lining of these spaces becomes swollen or inflamed. As a result, mucus may not drain properly. This condition is called sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis.
A common cold can trigger sinus symptoms. However, allergies, nasal inflammation and structural problems inside the nose can also contribute.
Not every blocked nose or headache is caused by sinusitis. Therefore, an ENT assessment can help identify the possible cause before treatment begins.
Acute vs Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis can differ in how long symptoms last and how they affect your daily life. Understanding the difference can help you know when to seek medical advice.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis develops over a shorter period. It often follows a respiratory infection, such as a common cold.
- Nasal congestion or a blocked nose
- Thick nasal discharge
- Facial pressure or headache
- Reduced sense of smell
- Post-nasal drip or cough
- Facial tenderness
Many acute cases improve with suitable supportive care. However, some people need medical evaluation. Antibiotics are not always necessary.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis may involve symptoms that continue for 12 weeks or more, along with clinical evidence of ongoing inflammation.
- Ongoing nasal blockage
- Repeated nasal discharge
- Facial pressure
- Reduced sense of smell
- Recurring sinus symptoms
- Persistent post-nasal drip
If these problems continue or keep returning, an ENT consultation can help identify the cause and guide the next steps.
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis does not affect everyone in the same way. However, several symptoms occur frequently.
Blocked Nose
You may find it difficult to breathe through one or both sides of your nose. The blockage may come and go or continue over time.
Facial Pressure
Some people feel pressure around the forehead, cheeks, nose or eyes. The discomfort may increase with congestion.
Post-Nasal Drip
Mucus may flow from the back of your nose into your throat. As a result, you may clear your throat often or develop a cough.
Reduced Sense of Smell
Nasal inflammation can affect your ability to smell. Consequently, food may seem to have less flavour than usual.
Thick Nasal Discharge
You may notice thick or coloured mucus. However, mucus colour alone cannot confirm a bacterial infection.
Headache
Sinus problems can cause facial pressure and headaches. Nevertheless, a headache does not always indicate sinusitis.
Bad Breath
Ongoing nasal or sinus problems can sometimes contribute to unpleasant breath.
Cough or Ear Pressure
Some people also experience coughing, tiredness, ear pressure or discomfort around their teeth.
Recurring Symptoms
Symptoms that keep returning may need further assessment to understand what is contributing to them.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can develop for several reasons. In some cases, more than one factor contributes to the symptoms.
Viral Infections
A common cold can cause inflammation inside the nose. This swelling may temporarily affect normal sinus drainage.
Allergies
Allergies can cause swelling and congestion inside the nose. As a result, mucus may not drain as easily.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the lining of the nose or sinuses. They can contribute to blockage.
Deviated Nasal Septum
A septum that bends to one side may contribute to nasal obstruction and affect sinus drainage in some people.
Recurrent Infections
Repeated episodes of sinus symptoms may need assessment to identify factors that explain why they keep returning.
Other Nasal Conditions
Sometimes, the cause is not immediately clear. A detailed ENT examination may help identify other contributing conditions.
Sinusitis vs Common Cold
A common cold and sinusitis can feel similar, especially during the first few days. However, the symptom pattern and duration may offer useful clues.
What You May Notice
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild headache
- Symptoms that usually improve with time
What You May Notice
- Persistent nasal blockage
- Facial pressure or pain
- Post-nasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell
- Symptoms that persist or worsen
- Repeated episodes of sinus symptoms
Mucus colour does not prove that an infection is bacterial. A healthcare professional considers the complete pattern of symptoms before recommending treatment.
Can Allergies Cause Sinus Problems?
Yes. Allergies can play an important role in ongoing nasal symptoms. Allergic rhinitis causes inflammation inside the nose.
People with allergic rhinitis may experience sneezing, a runny nose, nasal blockage, itching, watery eyes and post-nasal drip.
As a result, nasal swelling and congestion may continue or return when you encounter a trigger.
If your ENT specialist suspects an allergy, they may recommend an appropriate assessment and treatment.
When Should You See an ENT?
A blocked nose does not always require an ENT consultation. For example, symptoms from a common cold often improve with time. However, ongoing or recurring symptoms deserve attention.
Consider an ENT evaluation if:
- Your symptoms keep returning.
- Nasal blockage continues for several weeks.
- Facial pressure does not improve.
- Your sense of smell has reduced.
- Nasal discharge keeps returning.
- You experience repeated sinus infections.
- Symptoms affect sleep or daily activities.
- Previous treatment has not helped.
Know the urgent warning signs
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop severe symptoms, especially:
- Swelling or redness around the eyes.
- Changes in vision.
- A severe or unusual headache.
- Confusion or a stiff neck.
These symptoms need prompt medical assessment rather than self-treatment.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
The first step is understanding what causes your symptoms. Your ENT specialist considers your medical history and examination findings before deciding whether further tests are needed.
Medical History
The doctor asks about symptom duration, allergies, previous infections and medicines you have tried.
Clinical Examination
The nose, throat and related areas are examined for signs of inflammation or blockage.
Nasal Endoscopy
In selected cases, a small endoscope helps the doctor examine the nasal passages more closely.
Imaging When Needed
A CT scan may help assess chronic sinus disease or structural problems. It is not needed for every acute episode.
Sinusitis Treatment Depends on the Cause
There is no single treatment that suits everyone. The right approach depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, severity and duration.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Depending on your diagnosis, the doctor may recommend:
- Saline nasal care.
- Suitable nasal medications.
- Treatment for nasal inflammation.
- Allergy management.
- Pain relief when appropriate.
- Other medicines based on your condition.
For example, allergy treatment may help when allergic inflammation contributes to nasal blockage.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Sinus surgery is not the first treatment for every patient. An ENT specialist may consider it when:
- Chronic sinus problems continue despite suitable medical treatment.
- Nasal polyps contribute to blockage.
- Sinus drainage pathways remain blocked.
- Specific structural problems affect sinus function.
The decision depends on symptoms, examination findings, investigations and individual needs.
Many acute sinus infections are viral. Your doctor considers the symptoms and clinical findings before deciding whether antibiotics are appropriate. Do not start antibiotics or use nasal decongestant sprays for long periods without medical advice.
Understanding FESS
Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a small endoscope inserted through the nasal passages. This allows the surgeon to view affected areas from inside the nose.
Depending on the condition, the surgeon may open blocked sinus drainage pathways or remove tissue, such as nasal polyps, that contributes to blockage.
Dr. Shareef's profile lists a special interest in endoscopic sinus surgery.
Sinus Care with Dr. Shareef
Understand the doctor's experience and approach to ENT care.
Dr. Shareef – Consultant ENT Surgeon
Dr. Shareef is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Star Hospital, Nanakramguda. His profile records more than 25 years of experience in ENT.
He completed ENT training in the UK, working at institutions in London, Manchester and Glasgow. His profile also lists a special interest in endoscopic sinus surgery.
His patient-first approach focuses on understanding the problem, explaining the plan and recommending appropriate investigations and treatment according to each patient's needs.
Read About Dr. Shareef →Sinusitis Treatment FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about sinusitis, diagnosis and treatment.
What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis develops over a shorter period, often after a respiratory infection. Chronic sinusitis involves symptoms that continue for 12 weeks or more, along with clinical evidence of ongoing inflammation.
Can sinusitis go away on its own?
Many acute cases improve with time and suitable supportive care. However, symptoms that persist, become severe or keep returning may need an ENT evaluation.
Does every sinus infection need antibiotics?
No. Many acute sinus infections are viral. A doctor considers your symptoms and examination findings before deciding whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Can sinusitis cause headaches?
Sinusitis can cause facial pressure and headaches. However, not every headache is related to sinus disease. Persistent or recurring headaches may need evaluation to identify the actual cause.
Can allergies cause chronic sinus symptoms?
Allergies can contribute to ongoing nasal inflammation and congestion. Your ENT specialist can assess whether allergic rhinitis or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Do I need a CT scan for sinusitis?
Not always. A CT scan is generally unnecessary for a straightforward episode of acute sinusitis. However, your doctor may recommend one if chronic sinus disease or a structural problem needs further assessment.
When is sinus surgery recommended?
An ENT specialist may consider surgery for selected patients when chronic sinus problems continue despite suitable medical treatment or when specific structural problems or nasal polyps contribute to blockage.
What is FESS?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery uses an endoscope through the nasal passages to view and treat selected sinus problems. The surgeon decides whether it is appropriate based on the patient's condition and investigations.
When should I see an ENT specialist?
Consider an ENT consultation if symptoms keep returning, continue for several weeks, affect sleep or daily activities, or do not improve with previous treatment.
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Persistent Sinus Symptoms? Understand Your Options.
If nasal blockage, facial pressure or recurring sinus symptoms affect your daily life, arrange an ENT consultation to discuss the possible cause and suitable next steps.