There are two times during the year when otolaryngologists treat a lot of people for sinusitis, the doctor says. One is now, during March and April, and the other is in September and October when there is weed pollen. Osguthorpe and other otolaryngologists across the United States are launching a campaign to educate the public and primary-care physicians on the importance of treating sinusitis promptly. While allergies, colds and sinusitis all cause similar symptoms, they are different illnesses, says Osguthorpe. Sinusitis is the only one of the three that is a bacterial infection.
Bacteria can spread from the sinuses to the eyes and brain nearby.
In rare cases, such spreading leads to blindness and death. Only a doctor can diagnose sinusitis after a physical examination. Occasionally X-rays, an MRI or CT scan also are needed. Otolaryngologists treat patients who are referred by primary-care physicians and those who wind up in emergency rooms, Osguthorpe says. But patients who know the symptoms also will know when to visit their primary-care physicians for a diagnosis and initial treatment, the doctor adds.