Chronic Sinus Conditions in Cedar City, UT
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Contact UsAbout Chronic Sinus Conditions
Sinusitis is a condition that affects mucus drainage in the nose. Acute sinusitis is a temporary infection that may last up to a month while chronic sinusitis can last three months or longer. Caused by an infection, nasal polyps, or the swelling of the lining of the sinuses, chronic sinusitis can also develop from allergic reactions. At Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat, our expert team utilizes a computed tomography (CT) scan to examine the sinuses in detailed cross-sections to diagnose and identify the cause of the chronic condition. If the sinus condition is more serious, the CT scan may also serve as surgical navigation for our provider, board-certified otolaryngologist and surgeon Dr. Robert D. Pearson. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Inflammation
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drainage down the back of the throat
- Stuffy nose, making it difficult to breathe through the nose
- Tenderness or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Loss of sense of smell and taste
- Bad breath
If you are having difficulty breathing, have a persistent runny nose, or have any pain or tenderness in the sinus area, you should seek medical attention, especially if it begins to affect your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with our Cedar City, UT location to get you breathing normally again.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Sinus Conditions?
Common causes include recurring infections, allergies, nasal polyps, and anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated septum. Infections, particularly viral or bacterial, can lead to prolonged inflammation and trigger a chronic condition. Allergic reactions to environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander may contribute to ongoing sinus inflammation. Nasal polyps, small growths in the nasal passages, can obstruct normal drainage and ventilation, leading to chronic sinus issues. Additionally, structural issues within the nasal cavity, such as a deviated septum, can impede proper airflow and drainage, creating an environment conducive to persistent sinus problems. Addressing the specific underlying cause is crucial for effective management and relief of chronic sinus conditions.
What Are the Risk Factors for Chronic Sinus Conditions?
Several risk factors can contribute significantly to the persistence and severity of sinus issues, often exacerbating symptoms and complicating treatment. Identifying and addressing these underlying causes can help mitigate chronic sinus problems and improve overall quality of life. Chronic sinus conditions can be influenced by several risk factors, such as:
- Recurring infections
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Environmental irritants
Chronic Sinusitis Treatments
Chronic sinusitis is usually not caused by a bacterial infection, but our medical team may prescribe antibiotics if it is. We may recommend a nasal corticosteroid spray to prevent or reduce inflammation or an antifungal medication if the cause, although rare, is fungal. Other noninvasive remedies include treatments for allergies causing sinusitis and other oral or injected medications to reduce the size of the nasal polyps and lessen congestion.
Surgical options may include functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty. During FESS, the drainage pathways between the sinuses and the nose are widened, allowing mucus to flow out of the sinuses better and allow air in. During a balloon sinuplasty, a balloon creates bigger openings in the sinus.
Patients who've had balloon sinuplasty can expect some pain and tenderness the first few days after their treatment and may want to take a day or two at home to rest. You'll need to resist blowing your nose for at least 24 hours after your surgery and follow any post-care instructions. However, those who had FESS may have a longer recovery with swelling on the nose and cheeks, as well as nosebleeds. You should be able to go back to work after about a week and get back to your normal routine after about three weeks. It could take about 1 – 2 months before you feel normal again, but our patients find the surgery is worth the relief they feel for years to come.
Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat Reviews
Best ENT there is!! Dr. Pearson and his staff are very personable. You never feel like just another number. They actively listen and spend time educating and answering questions. I am very confident in his skills and pleased with my results.
The best clinic I have experienced in Cedar City. Professional staff. Very kind and easy to talk to. And they listened to every word. Dr Pearson answered all of my questions in easy terms that I easily understood. Never felt rushed. Highly recommend this clinic.
I've always been treated with respect in and out promptly, and staff always friendly, and The Doc has a great bedside manner and knows his stuff!!!!
Dr Pearson is a very gentle, kind and extremely knowledgeable Dr. I will be recommending him to all my friends and family.
Dr. Pearson has been GREAT with my children. He always makes them feel comfortable after seeing him I always feel that my children are in the best care possible.
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Total Reviews
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Get Sinus Relief
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, it may be time to visit Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat for help. Board-certified ENT physician and surgeon Dr. Robert D. Pearson performs a wide variety of nonsurgical and surgical procedures to help people find relief from acute and chronic sinus infections. To set up a consultation, contact our Cedar City, UT office for help.
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About UsChronic Sinus Conditions FAQs
Does balloon sinuplasty hurt?
No, most patients don’t feel any pain during a balloon sinuplasty procedure. Before we begin, the treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Some patients report feeling a slight sense of pressure if they feel anything at all.
Can functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) help me sleep better?
FESS is a minimally invasive procedure that can address various sinus conditions that may contribute to sleep disruptions, such as chronic sinusitis or nasal blockages. By alleviating these underlying issues, FESS has the potential to improve overall breathing quality during sleep, which in turn, can lead to a more restful night. While FESS is not a direct treatment for sleep disorders, many patients report enhanced sleep patterns post-surgery due to the reduction in sinus-related discomfort and improved nasal airflow.
What is the difference between chronic sinusitis and allergies or colds?
Chronic sinusitis is a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses lasting over 12 weeks, often despite treatment. Allergies are immune responses to environmental triggers, presenting symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing, whereas colds are short-lived viral infections with symptoms such as a runny nose. While colds and allergies can lead to sinusitis, they typically resolve quicker, whereas chronic sinusitis may require more intensive treatment at Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat.