ENT Services — Thiruvananthapuram
Sinusitis Treatment
Persistent blocked nose, facial pain, or recurring sinus infections? Get lasting relief with targeted ENT care at our Pongumoodu clinic.
Understanding Sinusitis
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses — the air-filled cavities in the skull around the nose and eyes. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria or viruses can grow and cause infection.
Sinusitis can be acute (lasting up to 4 weeks), subacute (4–12 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). In Kerala's climate, allergic rhinitis and dust mite allergies are common triggers that worsen sinus symptoms.
Acute Sinusitis
Sudden onset, usually after a cold or flu. Clears within 4 weeks with treatment.
Subacute Sinusitis
Lasts 4–12 weeks. Often needs more targeted treatment to resolve fully.
Chronic Sinusitis
Persists beyond 12 weeks. May require specialist evaluation and longer treatment.
Recognise the Signs
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Nasal Congestion
Persistent blocked or stuffy nose making it hard to breathe through the nostrils.
Facial Pain or Pressure
Dull aching pain or pressure around the cheeks, eyes, forehead, or nose bridge.
Nasal Discharge
Thick yellow or green mucus from the nose, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat.
Loss of Smell
Reduced or absent sense of smell (anosmia) due to nasal inflammation.
Headache
Sinus-related headaches, often worse in the morning or when bending forward.
Fatigue
Feeling tired or run-down due to the body fighting infection and disrupted sleep.
Post-Nasal Drip
Constant sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, causing cough.
Tooth or Jaw Pain
Upper tooth pain caused by pressure from inflamed maxillary sinuses nearby.
How We Help
Our Treatment Approach
Effective sinusitis care starts with finding the root cause — whether it is infection, allergy, nasal polyps, or a structural problem. Dr. Marissa tailors a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Comprehensive Nasal Examination
Using nasal endoscopy and diagnostic tools to directly visualise the nasal passages and sinuses to identify polyps, structural issues, or infection.
Medical Management
Appropriate antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants prescribed based on the type and severity of your sinusitis.
Allergy Evaluation and Management
Identifying allergic triggers — dust, pollen, mould — that worsen sinus symptoms, and providing targeted allergy management strategies.
Nasal Irrigation Guidance
Teaching safe and effective saline nasal rinsing techniques to flush out mucus, reduce inflammation, and maintain sinus hygiene at home.
Referral for Surgery if Needed
For severe chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps not responding to medication, referral for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) with appropriate guidance.
Local Context
Sinusitis in Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala's warm, humid climate and high pollen levels — especially during monsoon season — make sinusitis and allergic rhinitis extremely common. Dust mites, mould spores, and cockroach allergens are prevalent in homes across Pongumoodu, Kowdiar, Pattom, and Sasthamangalam. Early ENT consultation prevents acute sinusitis from becoming a chronic, debilitating condition.
Common Questions
Sinusitis FAQ
How do I know if I have sinusitis or just a cold?
A common cold usually resolves within 7–10 days. Sinusitis typically causes facial pain or pressure, coloured nasal discharge, and symptoms lasting beyond 10 days. An ENT evaluation can confirm the diagnosis.
Do I always need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Not always. Many cases of acute sinusitis are viral and resolve with steam inhalation, saline rinses, and nasal sprays. Antibiotics are prescribed only when there is evidence of bacterial infection.
Can sinusitis cause tooth pain?
Yes. The roots of the upper back teeth lie close to the floor of the maxillary sinuses. Inflammation in these sinuses commonly causes pain felt in the upper teeth or jaw.
Is sinusitis related to allergies?
Very commonly, yes. Allergic rhinitis causes nasal inflammation that blocks sinus drainage, leading to sinusitis. Treating the underlying allergy is an important part of managing recurrent sinusitis.
When should I see a doctor for sinusitis?
See a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days, if you have severe facial pain or headache, high fever, vision changes, or if sinusitis keeps recurring. Chronic sinusitis always warrants an ENT consultation.
Chronic sinus congestion can sometimes trigger throat irritation — see our throat and tonsillitis care page if you also have a sore throat.
Breathe Freely Again
Book a sinus consultation at Dr. Marissa's ENT Clinic in Pongumoodu, Thiruvananthapuram. Serving patients from Kowdiar, Pattom, Sasthamangalam, Vellayambalam, and nearby areas.