Dr. Archana Jhawar, Senior ENT Specialist
If you are struggling with a constantly blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, dull headaches, or facial pressure you may be dealing with sinusitis.
Dr. Archana Jhawar, a senior ENT specialist with over 25 years of experience, provides evidence-based care for acute and chronic sinusitis.
At our Allergy & Sinus Clinic in Vashi and Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, we focus on identifying the underlying cause, whether it is allergies, infection, nasal polyps, or a structural blockage and provide a treatment plan that provides long-term relief.
| Symptoms | Likely Cause | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Clear nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes, or symptoms lasting less than 10 days. | Common cold or allergy | Medical treatment, home care, and allergen avoidance. |
| Blocked nose, facial pressure, reduced sense of smell, thick nasal discharge, or sinus symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks or repeatedly coming back. | Chronic or recurrent sinusitis | ENT evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Video nasal endoscopy may be recommended if needed. |
If facial pressure or headache is your main symptom, you can also read more about sinus headache treatment.
Acute sinusitis usually develops suddenly, often after a common cold or viral infection.
Symptoms typically last for less than 4 weeks, and most people recover completely with appropriate treatment and home care.
Subacute sinusitis is a prolonged sinus infection that lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
It may occur when an acute infection does not completely resolve and sometimes requires further evaluation and treatment.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms such as nasal blockage, thick nasal discharge, facial pressure, or reduced sense of smell persist for 12 weeks or longer.
Ongoing inflammation, nasal polyps, allergies, or structural problems inside the nose may contribute to this condition.
Recurrent acute sinusitis refers to 4 or more separate episodes of acute sinusitis within one year, with complete recovery between episodes.
An ENT evaluation can help identify underlying causes such as allergies, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities.
An accurate diagnosis helps identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guides the most effective treatment. At our clinic in Vashi and Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, we use a step-by-step approach to diagnose sinusitis.
Not sure if your headache is sinus or migraine? Read: Sinus Headache vs Migraine: How to Tell the Difference
Many people experience repeated sinus infections even after their symptoms improve with antibiotic and other medicines. This often happens because an underlying structural problem or ongoing inflammation is trapping mucus inside your sinuses.
Common reasons for recurrent sinusitis include:
Identifying these contributing factors is important for long-term relief and prevention of recurrent sinus infection.
Treatment for sinusitis depends on its cause, severity, and duration. Most patients improve with medicines and self-care measures.
Surgery is recommended only when symptoms persist or structural problems prevent normal sinus drainage.
Surgery is recommended only when symptoms continue despite appropriate medical treatment or when structural problems block normal sinus drainage.
Dr Archana Jhawar, senior ENT surgeon at Kokilaben Hospital, Navi Mumbai offer minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery for suitable patients.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed entirely through the nostrils without external cuts. It restores normal sinus drainage by removing diseased tissue and clearing blocked sinus openings.
When appropriate, a microdebrider may be used to precisely remove inflamed tissue or nasal polyps.
To read about the complete surgical process, and recovery timelines, visit our page: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in Navi Mumbai.
If a deviated nasal septum (DNS) or enlarged turbinates contribute to persistent sinus blockage, septoplasty and/or turbinoplasty may be performed along with FESS to improve nasal breathing and sinus drainage.
When chronic sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or longer, ongoing inflammation can affect your breathing, sleep, and quality of life. Without appropriate treatment, it may also increase the risk of other complications.
If left untreated, chronic sinusitis may lead to:
Persistent nasal blockage that makes breathing through the nose difficult.
Facial pain or pressure and recurring headaches.
Reduced sense of smell and taste.
Repeated sinus infections requiring frequent treatment.
Poor sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Worsening of asthma or allergic rhinitis in susceptible individuals.
Development of nasal polyps, making symptoms more difficult to control.
Serious complications are rare but can occur if the infection spreads to the eyes or, very rarely, the brain.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop swelling around the eyes, vision changes, severe headache, high fever, confusion, or persistent vomiting.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Call 9322229159 to Book a consult with Dr archana Jhawar to rule out hidden causes or early complications.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Archana Jhawar provides expert medical management or advanced FESS surgery for your sinus care.
Consultation available at:
Neoalta ENT Clinic, Vashi
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Koparkhairane
