Chronic Sinusitis
Treatment in Austin, TX
Persistent sinus pressure, congestion, or inflammation that just won't resolve? Capital ENT's board-certified sinus specialists diagnose and treat chronic sinusitis with a full range of medical and surgical options — so you can finally breathe freely again.
What Is Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis (also called chronic rhinosinusitis) is a condition where the sinuses remain inflamed and swollen for 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment attempts. It affects breathing, causes facial pain and pressure, and can significantly impact quality of life.
Unlike a short-term sinus infection that resolves with antibiotics, chronic sinusitis persists and often involves underlying factors — such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, allergies, narrow sinus drainage pathways, or recurring infections — that prevent the sinuses from clearing properly.
- One of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S.
- Symptoms persist 12 weeks or longer
- Often linked to allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues
- Can significantly reduce quality of life and productivity
- Medical and surgical treatments are available
Relief is possible — most patients respond to treatment.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when two or more of these symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer.
Nasal Congestion or Obstruction
Persistent stuffiness that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, often described as a constant feeling of blockage that makes everyday activities and sleep uncomfortable.
Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose)
A persistent watery or mucoid discharge draining from the front of the nose. In chronic sinusitis, rhinorrhea may be clear or colored and often occurs alongside nasal congestion.
Postnasal Drip
Mucus draining down the back of the throat, causing an irritating sensation, frequent throat-clearing, a persistent cough, or bad breath. May be accompanied by thick or discolored discharge.
Facial Pain or Pressure
Dull, constant pressure around the forehead, cheeks, or between the eyes. Pain may worsen when bending forward or lying down.
Reduced Sense of Smell & Taste
Diminished ability to smell or taste food, caused by persistent inflammation in the sinus passages and nasal lining.
Fatigue & Difficulty Concentrating
Chronic sinus inflammation can cause persistent tiredness, poor sleep quality, and difficulty concentrating — often described as a constant "fog."
When to See an ENT Specialist vs. Your Primary Care Doctor
Your PCP can treat occasional sinus infections. But if your symptoms keep coming back or never fully resolve, it may be time to see a sinus specialist.
| See an ENT Specialist | Start With Your PCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ✓ Symptoms lasting 12+ weeks | ▸ Symptoms lasting < 4 weeks |
| Frequency | ✓ 4+ sinus infections per year | ▸ 1–2 infections per year |
| Treatment Response | ✓ Antibiotics / sprays haven't worked | ▸ First-line medications help |
| Imaging | ✓ CT scan evaluation needed | ▸ Clinical exam sufficient |
| Structural Issues | ✓ Deviated septum, polyps suspected | ✗ Not typically evaluated |
| Allergy Connection | ✓ Allergy testing & immunotherapy | ▸ May refer out for testing |
| Surgical Options | ✓ BSP, FESS, septoplasty available | ✗ Not available |
How We Treat Chronic Sinusitis
Treatment starts conservatively and escalates only if necessary. Most patients find relief without surgery.
Comprehensive Evaluation
A board-certified ENT examines your sinuses, reviews your symptom history, and performs an in-office CT scan to map the anatomy of your sinus passages.
Medical Therapy
Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, and targeted antibiotics when infection is present. Many patients find significant relief at this stage.
Allergy Management
If allergies are a contributing factor, we offer in-house allergy testing and customized immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) to address the root trigger.
Surgical Intervention
When medications are not enough, minimally invasive procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can open blocked passages and provide lasting relief.
Medical vs. Surgical Treatment Options
Chronic sinusitis can often be managed medically, but some patients benefit from minimally invasive procedures.
| Medical Therapy | Balloon Sinuplasty | Endoscopic Sinus Surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Medications & nasal rinses | Balloon dilates sinus openings | Tissue or polyps surgically removed |
| Setting | ✓ At home | ✓ In-office | ▸ Hospital / OR |
| Recovery | ✓ None | ✓ 24–48 hours | ▸ 1–2 weeks |
| Best For | Mild symptoms, first-line treatment | Blocked sinus ostia, moderate CRS | Nasal polyps, severe or complex CRS |
| Insurance | ✓ Covered | ✓ Most plans cover | ✓ Most plans cover |
Your Capital ENT specialist will recommend the right approach based on your CT scan findings, symptom severity, and prior treatment history.
Why Choose Capital ENT for Chronic Sinusitis
Our Expertise
What sets Capital ENT apart:
- 4 board-certified otolaryngologists specializing in sinus care
- Over 10,000 nasal and sinus procedures performed
- First practice in Austin to offer Balloon Sinuplasty
- In-office CT scanner for same-day imaging
- In-house allergy testing and immunotherapy
- 4 convenient Central Texas locations
Your First Visit
What to expect at your consultation:
- Thorough review of your symptom history and prior treatments
- Nasal endoscopy to visualize your sinus passages
- In-office CT scan if needed (results in minutes)
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and all treatment options
- Personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals
- Insurance verification before any procedures are scheduled
Balloon Sinuplasty — The Most Requested Sinus Procedure in Austin
For patients with chronic sinusitis who have not responded to medication, Balloon Sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The procedure opens blocked sinus passages in-office with no cutting, no tissue removal, and a return to normal activity in 24–48 hours.
Capital ENT was the first practice in Austin to offer Balloon Sinuplasty and has performed more of these procedures than any other Austin ENT practice.
Learn More About Balloon SinuplastyChronic Sinusitis FAQ
A sinus infection (acute sinusitis) typically lasts less than 4 weeks and resolves with antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, or when infections recur frequently (4 or more times per year). Chronic sinusitis often involves underlying factors — such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or allergies — that prevent the sinuses from draining properly.
Common causes include nasal polyps, a deviated septum, allergies, recurring infections, and inflammation of the sinus lining. In Austin, environmental allergies — especially cedar — are a frequent contributing factor. Some patients have multiple overlapping causes that work together to keep the sinuses inflamed.
Your ENT will perform a nasal endoscopy (a thin scope to visualize the sinus passages) and typically order a CT scan to map your sinus anatomy. These tests help identify structural blockages, polyps, or inflammation that may be causing your symptoms. Capital ENT offers in-office CT scanning with same-day results.
Many patients achieve lasting relief through a combination of medical therapy and, when necessary, minimally invasive procedures. The goal is to restore proper sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and address any underlying causes such as allergies. While chronic sinusitis can recur in some patients, proper management significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life.
Not always. Many patients respond well to medical therapy alone — including nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, and allergy management. Surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatments have been tried for an adequate period without sufficient improvement. When surgery is needed, minimally invasive options like Balloon Sinuplasty offer faster recovery than traditional approaches.
Most insurance plans cover both medical and surgical treatment for chronic sinusitis when medically necessary. Coverage for procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty typically requires documentation that conservative treatments have been tried first. Our office will verify your benefits before any procedure is scheduled.
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs. Most patients do not need a referral to see our specialists. Call 512-339-4040 to schedule.
Stop Living With Chronic Sinus Problems
Our board-certified sinus specialists are ready to help you find lasting relief. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations.