LA Harbor News

• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies.
• If sinusitis lasts for more than three months, it is considered to be chronic sinusitis.
• Early intervention is highly recommended to address chronic sinusitis to reduce the risk of more serious issues.

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are common medical conditions that can become more serious the longer they go untreated. Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free said early intervention is key when treating sinusitis.

"When you intervene earlier, your success rate is much higher, and in addition, it's also going to lead to a quicker and easier recovery," Dr. Hershcovitch told LA Harbor News. "Those with very advanced sinus disease, to the point of sinus failure, will need more significant intervention treatments."

Symptoms of sinusitis include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus, especially at night, and sometimes fever and chills, according to Merck Manual.

Sinusitis can advance to chronic sinusitis, a condition where the sinuses, the spaces inside your nose and head, become inflamed and swollen for three months or more, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition disrupts the normal drainage of mucus, leading to nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. As a result, individuals may experience a stuffy nose, and the area around their eyes may feel tender and swollen. Other symptoms may include infections, the presence of nasal polyps (abnormal growths in the sinuses), or inflammation of the sinus lining. The condition can affect both adults and children.

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also responsible for 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits.

According to studies, early intervention for chronic sinusitis not only increases immediate quality of life but also typically improves long-term relief and reduces healthcare costs.

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss or infections in the bones and skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is recommended to schedule a doctor's appointment if symptoms last for more than 10 days.

At times, allergies related to sinus disease can lead to headaches, according to Healthline. Although it’s a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, certain allergies—and allergy-related symptoms such as headaches—can be addressed with preventive steps and OTC medications. If your allergies are interfering with your day-to-day activities, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a full diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.

According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Hershcovitch received his undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He continued his education at the State University of New York for medical school. Dr. Hershcovitch finished his residency training in head and neck surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and completed his training with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University.