WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF SINUS INFECTIONS IN ADULTS?

While numerous things can lead to longstanding nasal and sinus symptoms, the three most common causes are nasal passage deformities, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.

WHAT IS CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

The paranasal sinuses are air-containing spaces within the facial bones. These sinuses are not in the nose but connect to the inside of the nose by way of small openings. Swelling can develop within the sinus that blocks the opening between the sinus and the nose. As a result, bacteria may begin growing and cause an infection within the obstructed sinus. Antibiotics are then used to treat the infection. If the swelling at the opening of the sinus persists after completion of the antibiotics, that persistent blockage may lead to recurring sinus infections and cause continued symptoms in between the infections.

HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

One clue is a frequent need for antibiotics. If you have been on antibiotics four or more times during the past year, there is an increased likelihood that you may have chronic sinusitis. That likelihood is even greater if the antibiotics were appropriately prescribed for bacterial sinusitis, not simply colds, and if you had at least temporary improvement while on antibiotics. Admittedly, not all patients have this recurring sinus infection pattern. Some patients simply have continuous nasal congestion with some discolored postnasal drainage, perhaps a poor sense of smell, and possibly fatigue that's reminiscent to sinusitis. Since it is difficult to make a diagnosis based simply on symptoms, a complete exam of your nasal cavity is important. Nasal endoscopes, which we have available in our office, are especially helpful. They allow us to see the type of secretions coming from the sinuses and detect problems inside the nasal cavity. Another key diagnosis component is a CT scan, also known as a CAT scan. We usually obtain the scan after a prolonged course of medical therapy or at your baseline (ie. on a typical day); however, sometimes we decide to obtain it during a flare-up. This x-ray study determines if there is swelling blocking the opening between the sinuses and the nasal cavity.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

We may prescribe medications to keep your symptoms under control, or we may recommend functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This surgery restores the normal function of the sinuses by removing the blockage at the sinus openings. CEENTA also offers balloon sinuplasty and the Sinuva treatment.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF SINUS INFECTIONS IN ADULTS?

While numerous things can lead to longstanding nasal and sinus symptoms, the three most common causes are nasal passage deformities, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.

WHAT IS CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

The paranasal sinuses are air-containing spaces within the facial bones. These sinuses are not in the nose but connect to the inside of the nose by way of small openings. Swelling can develop within the sinus that blocks the opening between the sinus and the nose. As a result, bacteria may begin growing and cause an infection within the obstructed sinus. Antibiotics are then used to treat the infection. If the swelling at the opening of the sinus persists after completion of the antibiotics, that persistent blockage may lead to recurring sinus infections and cause continued symptoms in between the infections.

HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

One clue is a frequent need for antibiotics. If you have been on antibiotics four or more times during the past year, there is an increased likelihood that you may have chronic sinusitis. That likelihood is even greater if the antibiotics were appropriately prescribed for bacterial sinusitis, not simply colds, and if you had at least temporary improvement while on antibiotics. Admittedly, not all patients have this recurring sinus infection pattern. Some patients simply have continuous nasal congestion with some discolored postnasal drainage, perhaps a poor sense of smell, and possibly fatigue that's reminiscent to sinusitis. Since it is difficult to make a diagnosis based simply on symptoms, a complete exam of your nasal cavity is important. Nasal endoscopes, which we have available in our office, are especially helpful. They allow us to see the type of secretions coming from the sinuses and detect problems inside the nasal cavity. Another key diagnosis component is a CT scan, also known as a CAT scan. We usually obtain the scan after a prolonged course of medical therapy or at your baseline (ie. on a typical day); however, sometimes we decide to obtain it during a flare-up. This x-ray study determines if there is swelling blocking the opening between the sinuses and the nasal cavity.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

We may prescribe medications to keep your symptoms under control, or we may recommend functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This surgery restores the normal function of the sinuses by removing the blockage at the sinus openings. CEENTA also offers balloon sinuplasty and the Sinuva treatment.

Seasonal Allergy Testing | Skin and Blood Allergy Tests in Charlotte, NC

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Providers

Mark J. Abrams, MD Bailin Alexander, MD Steven Aziz, MD Jason Barnes, MD Zachary Cappello, MD Stephen B. Clyne, MD Kevin Coughlin, MD Isaac Dingle, MD Michael T. Falcone, MD F. Brian Gibson, MD, FACS Jewel Greywoode, MD Robert E. Harley, MD S. Brett Heavner, MD Hunter A. Hoover, MD Christopher T. Jones, MD, FACS Timothy J. Kelly, MD, FACS Chad S. Kessler, MD John D. Kilde, MD F.P. Johns Langford, MD, FACS Joshua D. Levine, MD Roy S. Lewis, MD Jonathan R. Moss, MD Gregory S. Parsons, MD Sajeev K. Puri, MD Todd R. Reulbach, MD Michael W. Sicard, MD J. Robert Silver, MD Nicholas G. Stowell, MD Christopher L. Tebbit, MD Lindsey Trefz, MD, MPH Ross A. Udoff, MD Teresa Vos, MD

Seasonal Allergy testing in Charlotte, NC

If you are one of the more than 50 million people in the United States with allergies, chances are all you can think about is how to put an end to your allergy symptoms. After all, Charlotte's seasonal allergies are among the worst in the nation. But before our allergists can recommend allergy treatment , they must find out what you are allergic to. Our allergy specialists can do just that by performing allergy testing. Because the signs of mold allergies, dust allergies, and pollen allergies can be similar, it's important to be tested so the best course of treatment can be determined. By themselves the test results cannot diagnose allergies, but when interpreted alongside a patient's medical history they can identify specific allergens.

CEENTA has seasonal allergy testing available in its North and South Carolina locations, with extended hours in Belmont, Huntersville, and Mooresville.

Schedule Your Same-Day Allergy Appointment

Allergy skin test
Allergy blood test
Scheduling your allergy test in Charlotte, NC and beyond

These tests can be performed on adults and children, and may be done in one of two ways.

Allergy test on the skin to test for allergens

Allergy Skin Test

During an allergy skin test, an allergist tests for many suspected allergens at once by pricking or scratching the skin on the back or forearm. Redness and swelling will appear around the test spot if you are allergic to one of the tests. Another type of skin test requires that a small amount of the suspect allergen be injected into a patient's arm. Most positive reactions to allergy skin tests will appear within 20 minutes. Skin tests should be avoided if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. Skin tests can also irritate the sensitive skin of babies and young children.

Allergy Blood Test

Blood tests cost more than skin allergy tests and can take several days to provide results. Still, there are several reasons a blood test may be used instead of a skin test. Many medicines can interfere with skin testing and must be stopped before the skin test can be performed. Strong allergens can also cause strong reactions after an allergy test.

To see the process, you can watch the video here.

Once your allergy test is complete, your doctor will be able to determine what you are allergic to and develop a treatment plan best suited to your needs.

Scheduling your seasonal allergy test in Charlotte, NC and beyond

CEENTA has allergy testing available in its North and South Carolina locations, with extended hours in Belmont, Huntersville, and Mooresville. Our trained allergy specialists will discuss both kinds of tests to find the right one for you.

Schedule an Appointment with an Allergy Specialist