Sinusitis & Recurrent Infections

Treating Sinusitis In Murray & West Jordan, UT

If you frequently find it hard to breathe because of nasal congestion and facial pain or pressure, you might have sinusitis. Recurrent sinusitis can cause you to experience these symptoms frequently. At Allergy Associates of Utah in Murray and West Jordan, Utah, Andrew Smith, MD, MS, and Tara Sarin, MD, can treat your symptoms and help you prevent future infections. Learn more about sinusitis and recurrent infections by calling Allergy Associates of Utah or booking an appointment online today.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection affecting your sinuses, which are the hollow cavities located in your skull around your nose. When you have sinusitis, the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed and irritable. 

Sinusitis often stems from infections or other health complications and habits, including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• The common cold
• Nasal polyps
• Blocked drainage ducts
• Immune system deficiencies
• Deviated septum
• Smoking

You may have recurrent sinus infections if you get sinusitis three or more times a year. Without treatment, sinusitis can damage your sinuses and leave them more prone to infections in the future. 

Which symptoms are consistent with sinusitis and recurrent infections?

Sinusitis can cause a lengthy list of troublesome symptoms that can make it hard for you to sleep, concentrate, and complete daily tasks effectively. Symptoms of a typical case of acute sinusitis include:

• Pressure or pain in your face
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Loss of smell
• Fatigue

Recurrent sinus infections cause these symptoms plus a few others. With chronic or recurrent sinusitis, you might also experience headaches, toothaches, and fevers.

It’s important to get an official diagnosis of chronic or recurrent sinus infections because many different conditions can cause similar symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis and assessing the contributing factors can help make your treatment more successful. 

How are sinusitis and recurrent infections treated?

At Allergy Associates of Utah, Dr. Smith or Dr. Sarin evaluates you and may recommend allergy testing and other tests to determine which factors contribute to your sinusitis or recurrent infections. They perform a basic physical exam and request information about your habits and your medical history.

After your evaluation, Dr. Smith or Dr. Sarin creates an individualized plan to treat your current infection or prevent infections in the future. In your treatment plan, they include a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. It might include:

• Antibiotics
• Air purifiers
• Smoking cessation
• Nasal washes
• Nasal steroid sprays

In some cases, non-surgical intervention isn’t enough to relieve sinusitis and recurrent infections. Dr. Smith or Dr. Sarin might recommend nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum or other structural abnormality. 

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus surgery to expand your sinus. Your surgeon might also irrigate the cavity to remove the infection. 

If you get sinusitis or recurrent infections, call Allergy Associates of Utah at (801) 282-8700, or request an appointment online at either location today.