Most sinus infections clear up in a week or two. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks, it is called chronic rhinosinusitis, and it may need specialist care.
Common symptoms
Blocked or congested nose
Thick discharge or post-nasal drip
Facial pressure or pain
Reduced sense of smell
Ongoing tiredness
Nasal polyps
Some people develop nasal polyps, soft swellings inside the nose and sinuses that block drainage and smell.
How it is diagnosed
An ENT specialist will examine the nose with an endoscope and may arrange a CT scan of the sinuses.
Treatment options
Saline rinses and steroid sprays used correctly
Treatment of allergies
Short courses of other medicines when appropriate
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when medical treatment has not worked
What is FESS?
FESS is performed through the nostrils with no external cuts. It opens the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses so they can clear and medicines can reach them better.
See an ENT specialist in Palmerston North
ENT Central is at 187 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North. You can be referred by your GP or contact us directly. Call 0800 ENT DOC (368 362) or book an appointment online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for a medical assessment. If you have severe or sudden symptoms, contact your GP, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or in an emergency call 111.
