Chronic Sinusitis Specialist
Joshua James, MD
Board-Certified ENT Specialist located in McKinney, TX & Frisco, TX
Over 28 million people in the United States live with the inflammation and pain of chronic sinusitis. As a board-certified ENT, Joshua C. James, MD, provides comprehensive care for chronic sinusitis in his Frisco and McKinney, Texas offices. Dr. James customizes your treatment plan using medications and in-office balloon sinuplasty to improve your sinus health and make it easier for you to breathe. Learn more about treatment options for chronic sinusitis by calling the office of Joshua C. James or by requesting an appointment through the online booking system today.
Chronic Sinusitis Q & A
What is chronic sinusitis?
Your sinuses are made up of four cavities in your head that produce thin mucus to filter bacteria and other debris out of your nose. Chronic sinusitis describes long-lasting inflammation, typically lasting 12 weeks or longer, in these cavities.
You may be prone to developing chronic sinusitis if you have underlying allergies that causes blockages in your airways or if you have frequent sinus infections. Other common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
- Asthma
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Weakened immune system
Chronic sinusitis can cause ongoing issues with your breathing and sense of smell. For some, symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
A common symptom of chronic sinusitis is persistent tenderness or pressure around your eyes, nose, and forehead. Other symptoms you may experience with chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Bad breath
- Postnasal drip
- Persistent tiredness
The chronic inflammation of sinusitis can also cause ear pain, tooth pain, and cough.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
Treating chronic sinusitis involves a comprehensive approach. Dr. James confirms your condition by evaluating your sinuses and the root cause of the inflammation. He may include one or more treatments in your plan to relieve and prevent symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as:
Medications
You may benefit from medications to reduce inflammation and treat contributing factors, like asthma and allergies.
If you have an active sinus infection, you may need to take a course of antibiotics to clear it before receiving other treatments.
Balloon sinuplasty
To address the long-lasting sinus inflammation, Dr. James offers in-office balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube up into your sinuses.
Attached to the tube is a small balloon. Once in place, Dr. James inflates the balloon to widen your sinus cavity and promote proper drainage of mucus.
Nasal surgery
If your chronic sinusitis is the result of a structural issue in your nose, such as a deviated septum, you may need surgery to correct it.
Find out more about your options for treating chronic sinusitis by calling the office of Joshua C. James, MD. You can also schedule a consultation through the online booking system today.