5 Common and Treatable Sinus Issues

Whether due to allergies, infections, or structural issues, sinus conditions can interfere with daily life.

Our Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center team in Los Gatos, California, founded by Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, offers state-of-the-art care tailored to your needs.

Below are five common sinus problems we often encounter and the treatments that help.

1. Sinusitis (sinus infection)

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pain or pressure
• Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green)
• Headache
• Fever (in some cases)

At-home remedies Dr. Ho may recommend include:

• Steam inhalation to clear nasal passages
• Saline nasal spray or irrigation (e.g., a neti pot)
• Staying hydrated to thin mucus
• Rest 
• Warm facial compresses

Medical treatments that may help include:

• Decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroids
• Antibiotics (if you have a bacterial infection)

If conservative measures fail, you may benefit from procedures such as minimally invasive, non-surgical balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic cases.

2. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Hay fever symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Postnasal drip

At-home remedies Dr. Ho may recommend include:

• Avoiding allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander)
• Using HEPA air filters
• Rinsing nasal passages with saline
• Applying a cool compress to relieve itching

Medical treatments that can help include:

• Allergy testing
• Antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide)
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) for long-term relief

Surgical options are rarely necessary, but you may benefit from turbinate reduction surgery if nasal passages are consistently blocked.

3. Nasal polyps

Symptoms of nasal polyps include:

• Persistent nasal congestion
• Decreased smell or taste
• Postnasal drip
• Facial pressure

At-home remedies Dr. Ho may recommend include saline rinses to keep nasal passages clear and a humidifier to prevent dryness.

Medical treatments for long-term control may include antihistamines or nasal or oral corticosteroids to shrink polyps.

Surgical options include polypectomy (removal of polyps) or endoscopic sinus surgery for severe cases.

4. Deviated septum

Symptoms of a deviated nasal septum include:

• Chronic nasal congestion (especially on one side)
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Snoring or sleep apnea

Home remedies include nasal strips to open nasal passages and sleeping with the head elevated to improve airflow. Dr. Ho may recommend medical treatments such as nasal steroids to reduce inflammation and decongestants to improve breathing.

Surgical options include septoplasty (surgery to straighten the nasal septum) or rhinoplasty for more severe cases.

5. Chronic sinusitis

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Persistent nasal congestion lasting over 12 weeks
• Facial pain and pressure
• Thick nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip and cough

At-home remedies that may help relieve symptoms include daily saline nasal rinses, steam therapy for moisture, and avoiding irritants like smoke.

Medical treatments include:

• Nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines
• Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is suspected)
• Allergy testing and treatment
• Immunotherapy for allergy-related sinusitis

For severe symptoms that resist medical treatment, Dr. Ho may recommend functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to open blocked sinuses or balloon sinuplasty to widen sinus openings.

Get started on sinus relief today

Sinus problems can be frustrating, but with proper treatment, most are manageable. Dr. Ho prescribes treatments based on your symptoms' underlying cause and severity, ranging from home remedies for mild cases to surgical fixes for chronic or severe symptoms.

Schedule a visit at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.