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What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis (also known as rhinosinusitis) is an infection of the sinuses. It happens most often after a cold or an allergy flare-up.

The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near the nose passage. The sinuses make mucus. This fluid cleans the bacteria and other particles from the air you breathe.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis are:

  • Runny nose (lasting longer than 7-10 days)
  • Drip from the nose in the throat
  • Headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Bad breath
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swelling around the eyes

UR Medicine's Treatments for Sinusitis

Your provider will diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms, as well as a physical exam. They may perform the following tests:

  • A culture, or swab, of the mucus inside your nose
  • Sinus x-rays
  • CT scan of your sinuses
  • Blood test

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health, as well the severity of your condition. If you have chronic or recurrent sinusitis, we may refer you to a UR Medicine allergist or immunologist.

Decongestants and antihistamines will not relieve your symptoms of sinusitis. Treatments for sinusitis include:

  • Pain relievers
  • Nose drops
  • Sinus rinses
  • Antibiotics (for severe symptoms like fever, swelling, and pain or tenderness)
  • Steroids

If medications aren’t helping your chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery is an option. This procedure expands the openings that drain your sinuses, helping them work better and decreasing your risk of future infections.

What Sets Us Apart?

Patients of UR Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology have access to a network of specialists in multiple disciplines. Our rhinologists (specialists in the nose and sinuses) are exposed to more complex conditions and unusual conditions than most physicians in our region.

Our state-of-the-art clinic includes four exam rooms equipped with high-definition monitors. Our exam rooms also serve as procedure suites for in-office surgeries. We use video-capture technology to help give our patients a stronger understanding of their conditions.

Our ENT physicians are trained in non-surgical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ears,
nose, throat, head, and neck. Our experts perform hundreds of procedures and surgeries every
year, so your care is always in the hands of well-practiced experts.

Many of our physicians are also involved in research to find new treatments for ENT-related conditions. All of our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Providers

Our care team is here for you. Find a UR Medicine expert and get care now.

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Locations

We serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

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7 locations

Ear, Nose, & Throat - Batavia
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

7995 Call Parkway, Suite 100
Batavia, NY 14020

Ear, Nose, & Throat - Geneva

64 Elizabeth Blackwell Street, Suite A
Geneva, NY 14456

Ear, Nose, & Throat - North Greece
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

60 Greece Center Drive, Suite 2
Rochester, NY 14612

Ear, Nose, & Throat - Brighton
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

Clinton Woods
2365 South Clinton Avenue, Suite 200
Rochester, NY 14618

Pediatric Otolaryngology - Rochester
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

Lattimore Medical Center
125 Lattimore Road, East Entrance, Suite 100
Rochester, NY 14620

Ear, Nose, & Throat - Rochester

Highland Professional Office Building
990 South Avenue, Suite 207
Rochester, NY 14620

Ear, Nose, & Throat - Hornell

St. James Medical Office Building
7309 Seneca Road North, Specialty Clinic, Suite 102
Hornell, NY 14843

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