Sinusitis & Sinus Infections
Sinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection, occurs when the sinus passages become inflamed and blocked, leading to pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can affect daily comfort, sleep, and overall quality of life, especially when they persist or keep returning.
At Mile High ENT, we focus on identifying the cause of sinus symptoms and recommending treatment options that help restore normal sinus function and provide lasting relief.
Complete our online form or call us at 303-487-0834 to schedule a consultation today.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus cavities, which are air-filled spaces located around the nose, eyes, and forehead. These spaces are lined with a thin mucous membrane that helps trap and clear particles through normal drainage.
When inflammation occurs, this drainage becomes blocked. Mucus begins to build up within the sinuses, leading to pressure, congestion, and discomfort. This blockage may be caused by infection, allergies, or structural issues within the nasal passages.
Types of Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis: Symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks, often following a cold
Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks, often with ongoing inflammation
Recurrent sinusitis: Multiple sinus infections occurring throughout the year
Understanding the duration and pattern of symptoms can help guide treatment decisions.
Our Approach to Sinusitis Care
Our ENT specialist, Dr. Sarmad Sabour, begins with understanding how sinus symptoms are affecting your daily life, whether it is ongoing congestion, facial pressure, or recurring infections. He focuses on identifying the underlying cause and recommending treatment options that support both symptom relief and long-term sinus health.
At Mile High ENT, our approach to sinusitis care includes:
Our goal is to help you breathe more comfortably, restore normal sinus function, and reduce the frequency of infections over time.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis symptoms can vary depending on severity and duration. Common symptoms include:
Facial pressure or pain (forehead, cheeks, around the eyes)
Thick nasal drainage (yellow or green mucus)
Postnasal drip
Reduced sense of smell or taste
Headaches, fatigue, and low energy
Tooth pain or pressure in the upper teeth
Symptoms may worsen when bending forward or lying down and can persist or recur if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Take our Sinus Relief Score quiz to see if your symptoms may benefit from further evaluation and treatment.
What Causes Sinus Infections
Sinus infections develop when normal sinus drainage is blocked, allowing mucus to build up and create an environment where inflammation and infection can occur.
Common causes include:
The most frequent trigger, causing temporary inflammation that blocks sinus drainage
May develop when symptoms persist, and mucus becomes trapped
Ongoing inflammation can narrow sinus openings and interfere with drainage
Structural issues such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps can restrict airflow and drainage
When the sinus openings do not function properly, even without infection
Exposure to smoke, pollution, or dry air can irritate the nasal lining and contribute to inflammation
When to See Our ENT Specialist
Occasional sinus symptoms can happen with a cold, but persistent or recurring symptoms may require evaluation.
You may benefit from an ENT visit if you experience:
Symptoms lasting more than 10–14 days
Frequent sinus infections throughout the year
Ongoing facial pressure or congestion
Symptoms that improve and then return
Reduced sense of smell that does not resolve
An evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are due to infection, inflammation, or structural issues.
How We Diagnose Sinusitis
At Mile High ENT, Dr. Sabour begins by understanding your symptoms, how long they have been present, and how they affect your daily life. This is followed by a focused, in-office evaluation of the nasal passages and sinus openings.
Your visit may include:
Review of symptoms and medical history
Examination of the nasal passages
Nasal endoscopy to evaluate sinus openings (when needed)
Imaging (such as a CT scan) in select cases
This evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guides a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Initial Treatment for Sinusitis Management
At Mile High ENT, treatment is based on what is driving your symptoms, whether it is a viral illness, bacterial infection, or ongoing inflammation.
Your treatment plan may include:
Medications to reduce inflammation and support sinus drainage
Nasal sprays or saline irrigation to keep the nasal passages clear
Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is identified
Allergy management to reduce recurring inflammation
Treatment of the underlying nasal obstruction that may be limiting drainage
For many patients, symptoms improve with medical management. If symptoms persist or continue to recur, we discuss additional options to better address the underlying cause.
When We Consider Surgical Treatment
For some patients, sinus symptoms continue despite appropriate medical treatment. When this happens, it may indicate an underlying structural issue that is preventing proper sinus drainage.
You may benefit from surgical treatment if you experience:
Frequent or recurring sinus infections despite treatment
Ongoing facial pressure or congestion that does not improve
Difficulty breathing through the nose due to blockage
Limited or short-term relief with medications or nasal sprays
At Mile High ENT, surgery is only considered after a thorough evaluation and when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. The goal is to address the source of blockage, restore normal sinus drainage, and reduce the likelihood of future infections.
Depending on your condition, surgical options may include:
Our Approach to Minimally Invasive Care
At Mile High ENT, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques to restore sinus drainage and relieve pressure with as little disruption as possible. By targeting the source of blockage directly, we improve sinus function without unnecessary impact on surrounding tissue, helping you return to your routine more quickly.
We perform these procedures in-office, providing a more convenient and comfortable experience. We also guide your follow-up care to support healing and minimize discomfort after treatment.
By focusing on minimally invasive care, we aim to provide lasting relief from chronic or recurring sinus symptoms, help you breathe more comfortably, and reduce the frequency of infections.
Find Relief From Ongoing Sinus Symptoms in Denver, CO
If you are dealing with persistent congestion, sinus pressure, or recurring infections, an evaluation can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment.
At Mile High ENT, we focus on helping you breathe more comfortably and reduce the impact of sinus issues on your daily life.
To schedule a consultation at Mile High ENT, please call us at 303-487-0834 or fill out our online appointment request form.