Millions of Americans are living with the constant headaches, facial pressure and swelling or constant nasal congestion and discharge. Unlike acute sinusitis, which is often caused by an infection, bacteria and viruses are rarely involved in cases of chronic sinusitis. If you’re struggling with chronic sinusitis, you should visit Dr. Ulrike Ziegner at Riviera Allergy Medical Center in Redondo Beach, California. Dr. Ziegner can diagnose your condition and give you the treatment you need.
Chronic sinusitis 101
Your sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of your face. Usually, they drain through your nose. In people with chronic sinusitis, their sinuses become irritated, get swollen and blocked, trapping fluid and causing pain and pressure. If you have chronic sinusitis, you may notice:
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Pressure above, behind or between your eyes
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Pain behind your cheeks
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Buzzing headaches
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vertigo
Having chronic sinusitis can impact the quality of your life. Patients who visit the Riviera Allergy Medical Center often complain of headaches and trouble sleeping due to congestion. Reduced sleep quality can further interfere with your day, causing you to feel tired and groggy.
Getting a diagnosis
Medications and certain conditions can cause symptoms similar to sinusitis. So it’s critical that you schedule an appointment with a specialist in allergies and immunologic diseases, such as Dr. Ziegner, to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. Dr. Ziegner can perform a comprehensive evaluation to rule out other underlying conditions.
Identifying triggers
In some instances, substances in the environment can trigger chronic sinusitis. For example, an allergy to dust mites may cause your sinuses to become chronically inflamed. A simple skin prick test, along with a detailed evaluation, can help Dr. Ziegner pinpoint the cause of your chronic sinusitis, may it be of allergic or immunologic nature. The goal will be to find the cause and get your chronic sinusitis under control.
Expert management
Without the help of a specialist, it’s unlikely that you’ll succeed in effectively managing chronic sinusitis. Depending on the cause of your chronic sinusitis, Dr. Ziegner may prescribe medications, control allergies by desensitisation or boost your immune system. Treatments will be aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring the natural drainage in your sinuses.
If Dr. Ziegner identifies an underlying cause, treatment will be aimed at managing that condition. If an allergy is the cause, she will counsel you on avoiding the allergenic substance by environmental control. If avoidance is impossible, she may recommend that you take allergy shots to gradually train your immune system to tolerate it.
If you want treatment for chronic sinusitis, book an appointment online or over the phone with Riviera Allergy Medical Center today at
(310) 792 9050.