Experienced and Trusted Sinusitis Doctor in Houston
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a common condition and affects millions of people each year. Our goal is to identify why your sinuses are blocked and provide the appropriate treatment plan. The pain and discomfort from your condition can interrupt your daily routine and make simple activities uncomfortable. When over-the-counter decongestants fail to resolve your symptoms, an underlying structural or inflammatory issue may be the cause.
At Houston Ear Allergy Rhinology Surgical Associates, we evaluate and treat complex sinus conditions for patients across Northwest Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, and Cypress. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (346) 371-4327 to get started.
Symptoms we can help with:
Pressure In Face
Colored nasal drainage
Can’t breathe through nose
Head feels plugged
Sinusitis affects millions of people – tired of losing weeks out of your life?
“I visited Dr. Sana after dealing with a five-month long sinus infection. He recommended surgery to clear the infection, open the sinuses and correct a deviated septum. The results have been extraordinary. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.”
Russ S.
“Saw Dr. Sana for chronic congestion and polyps in my sinus passages. Had the surgery and everything is 100% better. I can breathe and smell again. Highly recommend.”
Brian S.
“Dr Sana is great! I had surgery on my sinuses due to finding sinusitis on an MRI/CT scan. We were looking for why my left eye might be twitching (constantly for weeks straight). Dr Sana wouldn’t promise that the surgery would help with the eye twitching, but we did the surgery anyway to relieve some sinus pressure. I can breathe so much better now, and my eye twitch hasn’t returned since surgery!”
Daniel S.
“Dr. Sana fixed my deviated septum as well as chronic sinusitis. I had barely any swelling from surgery and the recovery time was quick. I highly recommend Dr. Sana!”
Kassidy C.
“I had issue with a sinus infection for going on a year. I was recommended to this physician and I am glad I went. After about 6 months of figuring out the cause we decided on surgery to correct the septum, shrink my turbinates, and open up the openings to my sinuses. 2 weeks after my surgery I can breathe so well out of my nose. I wish I would have done it sooner. Dr. Sana was super professional and answered all of my questions through the process.”
Dan P.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining your paranasal sinuses becomes inflamed. Most cases start with a common viral cold, although allergies and exposure to other irritants can also trigger inflammation.
In response, your body may produce more mucus to help trap and clear bacteria, viruses, allergens, and other particles. When inflammation causes the sinus openings to swell, mucus cannot drain properly and becomes trapped inside the sinuses located behind your cheeks, forehead, nose, and eyes. This buildup increases pressure in the affected areas and can create an environment where an infection may develop.
What Causes Recurring Sinus Infections?
When sinus infections keep coming back, there may be an underlying cause preventing your sinuses from clearing fluid on their own. Understanding the root cause helps determine whether medication or an in-office procedure is needed:
- Anatomical Blockages: A deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, or naturally narrow sinus pathways can restrict normal airflow and fluid movement.
- Nasal Polyps: Soft, noncancerous growths can form on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, obstructing drainage and trapping mucus.
- Unmanaged Environmental Allergies: Constant exposure to triggers like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander causes persistent swelling in your nasal tissue, keeping your sinus openings chronically shut.
- Respiratory Infections: Frequent colds or respiratory viruses can repeatedly trigger secondary sinus inflammation.
- Environmental Irritants: Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, or dramatic changes in humidity and temperature can cause irritation that may lead to sinus infections.
Is a Sinus Infection Contagious?
A sinus infection itself is generally not contagious. However, if your sinusitis develops because of a viral illness, such as the common cold, you can spread that virus to others through respiratory droplets produced when you cough or sneeze.
Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, are not contagious. They can develop when trapped mucus creates an environment where bacteria already present in the nasal passages or sinuses can multiply, often as a secondary complication following a viral infection.
Common Symptoms of Sinus Pressure and Infection
Sinus inflammation triggers a broad range of physical symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms can help you determine when to seek treatment for sinus infection care:
- Facial pain and pressure behind the eyes, cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose
- Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through your nose
- Thick yellowish or greenish nasal discharge
- Sinus headaches localized across the forehead, temples, or upper jaw
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Ear fullness and pressure caused by fluid buildup
- Dental pain in the upper teeth caused by pressure in the maxillary sinuses directly above the jaw
- Halitosis (bad breath) caused by persistent bacterial drainage
- Fatigue and exhaustion from poor sleep due to breathing difficulties
Types of Sinusitis We Treat
Sinusitis is classified based on its duration. Understanding which type you have allows us to tailor our care plan to match the severity and cause of your condition:
Acute sinusitis
A sinus infection lasting less than 10 days.
It often responds to over-the-counter cold medication, nasal saline irrigation in addition to topical decongestants, and sometimes a course of oral antibiotics if necessary.
Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms lasting greater than 3 months.
At this point, there may be associated symptoms such as sore throat, drainage, persistent cough, hoarseness, and ear pressure or pain. There may be underlying issues such as allergies or nasal polyps. Patients often require surgical intervention since conservative measures may not be effective.
Recurrent Sinusitis
Four or more acute episodes per year.
Infections that fully resolve after treatment however continue to recur can be challenging for patients. They feel they are losing weeks out of their life several times per year. The workup consists of obtaining imaging (dedicated sinus CT) and consideration of sinus surgery, which is performed endoscopically through the nose.
Advanced Sinus Diagnosis in Houston, Spring, & Conroe
A skilled sinusitis doctor in Houston can accurately identify the root cause of your sinus congestion. Our specialists will determine the anatomical and environmental factors that may be causing your recurring symptoms.
- In-Office Nasal Endoscopy: Using a tiny, high-definition camera, our specialist visually inspects your nasal passages and sinus openings. Tissue swelling, blockage, and structural integrity are evaluated during this procedure.
- Low-Dose Sinus CT Scan: Advanced cross-sectional imaging provides detailed views of deep sinus cavities to detect trapped fluid, bone structure variations, or hidden blockages.
- Targeted Allergy Testing: We evaluate potential environmental triggers to determine if chronic allergic inflammation is causing your sinus passages to swell and trap mucus.
Once your diagnosis is established, we create a personalized treatment plan for your sinus health.
Treatment Options for Sinus Infections & Facial Pressure
Finding lasting relief from sinus inflammation requires a personalized approach based on the root cause and severity of your symptoms. At Houston Ear Allergy Rhinology Surgical Associates, we deliver expert sinus treatment in Houston, Spring, and Conroe, offering customized care plans ranging from medical management to advanced procedures.
Acute or Mild Cases
Conservative medical management may be highly effective for acute or mild cases of sinusitis. Depending on your specific symptoms, we may recommend:
Prescription nasal steroid sprays to calm inflamed tissue
Sterile saline irrigations to flush out trapped mucus
Targeted oral antibiotics when a bacterial infection is identified
Antihistamines or specialized allergy care to manage environmental triggers
Safe options for sinus infection treatment while pregnant, including obstetrician-approved saline rinses, humidification, and gentle pressure relief
Chronic Sinusitis
Non-invasive treatment for acute cases may not be enough when sinus inflammation persists and becomes chronic or recurrent. We offer modern, minimally invasive solutions right in our office:
Balloon Sinuplasty: An FDA-approved procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to gently reshape and expand narrow sinus pathways without cutting or removing bone and tissue
In-Office Turbinate Reduction: Shrinks swollen nasal tissue to improve airflow and facilitate normal drainage
Our Sinus Surgeon
Dr. Said S. Sana DO
With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Sana is a contemporary nose and sinus surgeon in Houston. We are using the latest surgical techniques and perform endoscopic surgery through the nose with minimal recovery time – usually 1 week. Pain is usually mild and well-controlled with medication.
When Is Sinus Surgery Recommended?
We may recommend surgery if conservative medications fail to manage severe long-term sinusitis infections. When necessary, we use contemporary techniques to safely open blocked nasal passages. These offer rapid recovery, typically within one week, and minimal post-procedure discomfort.
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): The standard endoscopic approach to remove diseased tissue, polyps, or obstructing bone and permanently widen sinus pathways
- Septoplasty: Straightens a deviated nasal septum to correct structural obstruction and improve bilateral airflow
- Inferior Turbinate Reduction: Reduces swollen nasal tissues to relieve chronic congestion and facial pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of a sinus infection?
The most common symptoms include facial pain and pressure, severe nasal congestion, thick, discolored nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, sinus headaches, ear pressure, and a reduced sense of smell and taste.
How can I tell if I have a sinus infection or allergies?
Allergies and sinus infections can both cause congestion and nasal irritation. However, allergies can trigger itchy eyes, clear/watery nasal discharge, and frequent sneezing. On the other hand, sinus infections produce thick yellow or green mucus along with pronounced facial pain and pressure. You may also experience dull sinus headaches, a low-grade fever, or a toothache.
How long does a sinus infection usually last?
Acute sinus infections typically last between 7 and 14 days. If your symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement, or if they worsen after initially getting better, you may have a bacterial infection or subacute sinusitis that requires medical evaluation.
Do I need antibiotics for a sinus infection?
Many acute sinus infections are viral and will not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics are typically prescribed when symptoms last longer than 10 days, are severe, or indicate a bacterial infection.
What causes recurring sinus infections?
Recurring infections are often caused by underlying issues, such as a deviated septum, unmanaged environmental allergies, chronic tissue swelling, naturally narrow sinus passages, and nasal polyps.
When should I see an ENT for a sinus infection?
You should see an ENT specialist if you experience sinus symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, have four or more sinus infections in a single year, suffer from chronic facial pressure, or find no relief from over-the-counter medications and standard antibiotics.
What tests are used to diagnose sinusitis?
Our ENT physician diagnoses sinusitis through a detailed health history, a physical exam, an in-office nasal endoscopy (using a small camera to look inside your nasal cavity), and sometimes a low-dose sinus CT scan to view deep sinus structures.
What is the best treatment for sinus pressure and facial pain?
The best treatment for your condition varies based on the underlying cause. Temporary relief can come from warm compresses, saline nasal rinses, and decongestants. For long-term relief, treatments range from targeted prescription medications and allergy management to in-office procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty.
When is sinus surgery recommended for chronic sinusitis?
Sinus surgery or minimally invasive procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty are recommended when chronic inflammation lasts 12 weeks or longer, recurrent infections happen frequently, or structural blockages/polyps prevent normal drainage despite medical therapy.
Can nasal polyps cause sinus infections?
Yes. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that line the nasal passages. As they grow, they can physically block the small sinus openings, preventing normal mucus drainage and trapping bacteria, which directly leads to recurrent sinus infections.