Sinusitis Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses that can cause facial pressure, nasal congestion, and headaches. At University Hospital Sharjah, our ENT team provides comprehensive Sinusitis Treatment supported by specialist evaluation, nasal examination, and individualized care.

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Overview

About Sinusitis Treatment

The sinuses are air-filled spaces located around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and eyes. They normally produce mucus that drains through small openings into the nasal passages.

Sinusitis develops when the lining of these spaces becomes swollen or inflamed, which can interfere with normal drainage and lead to mucus buildup, pressure, and infection.

The condition may be classified as acute, recurrent, or chronic depending on how long symptoms last and how often they return. Chronic sinusitis usually involves persistent inflammation rather than a simple short-term infection alone.

Symptoms & Related Concerns

Common symptoms and related concerns

Nasal Congestion

Swelling inside the nose may make breathing difficult or create a persistent blocked sensation.

Facial Pain & Pressure

Pressure may be felt around the cheeks, forehead, eyes, or upper teeth.

Thick Nasal Discharge

Mucus may become thick and drain from the nose or down the back of the throat.

Reduced Sense of Smell

Inflammation and blockage can reduce the ability to smell and sometimes affect taste.

Headache

Some patients experience pressure-related headaches, particularly around the forehead or face.

Cough & Throat Irritation

Postnasal drainage may contribute to coughing, throat clearing, or irritation, especially at night.

When to Consult a Doctor

Consider seeing an ENT specialist in Sharjah if:

Sinus symptoms last longer than expected or keep returning
Nasal congestion significantly affects breathing or sleep
Facial pain or pressure becomes persistent or severe
You experience repeated episodes of sinusitis
Your sense of smell remains reduced
Symptoms do not improve with appropriate initial care
You have chronic nasal blockage or suspected nasal polyps
Fever or worsening symptoms develop after initial improvement

Causes & Risk Factors

PRIMARY CAUSES

  • Viral respiratory infections
  • Bacterial infection in selected cases
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Swelling that blocks sinus drainage
  • Dental infections involving the upper teeth in some cases
  • Fungal disease in selected patients
  • Structural abnormalities affecting the nasal passages

RISK FACTORS

  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Nasal polyps
  • Structural nasal problems
  • Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
  • Reduced immune function
  • Previous sinus disease or surgery
  • Environmental irritants

Diagnosis & Assessment

1

ENT Consultation

Review of symptoms, duration, recurrence, allergies, previous infections, medications, and any history of nasal or sinus procedures.

2

Nasal Examination

The ENT specialist may examine the nasal passages for inflammation, discharge, polyps, swelling, or structural abnormalities.

3

Nasal Endoscopy

A thin endoscope may be used to examine deeper areas of the nasal cavity and sinus drainage pathways when more detailed assessment is needed.

4

Imaging When Appropriate

CT imaging of the sinuses may be recommended in persistent, recurrent, or complicated cases to assess sinus blockage, inflammation, polyps, or anatomical factors.

Treatment & Care Options

Medical Management

Treatment may include saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, and other medications selected according to the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Allergy Management

When allergies contribute to sinus inflammation, treatment may include allergen avoidance, appropriate medication, or further allergy assessment.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected based on the clinical picture. They are not required for every episode of sinusitis.

Management of Chronic Sinusitis

Patients with chronic sinusitis may require longer-term anti-inflammatory treatment, management of nasal polyps or allergies, and regular ENT follow-up.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

When symptoms remain persistent despite appropriate medical care, or when significant structural blockage is present, minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery may be considered to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.

UHS Approach

At University Hospital Sharjah, our ENT team provides personalized sinusitis care supported by specialist evaluation, nasal endoscopy, advanced imaging, evidence-based medical treatment, and minimally invasive surgical options when required.

Experienced ENT Specialists
Advanced Sinus Diagnostics
Personalized Sinusitis Care

Related Services / Conditions

ENT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appropriate treatment for sinusitis?
The most appropriate sinusitis treatment depends on the cause, duration, and severity of symptoms. Management may include saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, allergy treatment, pain relief, or antibiotics when a bacterial infection is suspected. Patients with chronic sinusitis may require longer-term treatment and specialist ENT assessment.
When does sinusitis require treatment?
Medical evaluation is recommended when symptoms are severe, persist longer than expected, repeatedly return, or significantly affect breathing, sleep, or daily activities. Treatment may also be needed when sinus symptoms are associated with high fever, worsening facial pain, reduced sense of smell, or complications.
Is surgery an option for treating sinusitis?
Yes. Surgery may be considered for selected patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis that does not improve with appropriate medical treatment, particularly when nasal polyps or structural blockage interfere with sinus drainage. Endoscopic sinus surgery can help improve drainage and ventilation without external incisions.
Can sinusitis come back after treatment?
Yes. Sinusitis can recur, especially when underlying factors such as allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, or structural nasal problems remain present. Ongoing management of these contributing conditions and follow-up with an ENT specialist in Sharjah may help reduce recurrent episodes.

Ready to take the next step?

Consult our experienced ENT specialists at University Hospital Sharjah for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for persistent sinus symptoms.