What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities that interferes with normal mucus drainage. When mucus becomes trapped, it leads to nasal congestion, facial pressure and difficulty breathing. This condition affects more than 30 million people in the U.S. each year.
At the practice of Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky, we specialize in accurate diagnosis and individualized care at our offices in Atlanta (St. Joseph’s), Decatur and Snellville.
Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis

Understanding the duration of your symptoms is the first step in determining the right treatment path:
- Acute Sinusitis: Usually caused by a viral infection and typically resolves within 7–10 days.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Defined by symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks, often requiring targeted medical or procedural intervention.
Common Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
If your symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days, an expert evaluation is recommended. Common signs include:
- Facial pain, pressure or swelling around the eyes and forehead.
- Thick nasal discharge or postnasal drip.
- Reduced or total loss of sense of smell and taste.
- Persistent headaches, fatigue or bad breath.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
Because sinus symptoms can mimic other conditions like rhinitis or migraines, Dr. Stolovitzky uses advanced diagnostic tools for a precise evaluation:
- Nasal Endoscopy: A small camera is used to inspect the sinus openings for inflammation.
- CT Imaging: Used when chronic disease or structural issues are suspected.
- Allergy Testing: To identify triggers that may be causing recurrent flare-ups.
Advanced Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the root cause of your inflammation, whether viral, bacterial or structural.
Medical Management
For many, relief can be found through conservative therapies:
- Saline Irrigations: To clear trapped mucus and moisturize the passages.
- Corticosteroid Sprays: To reduce internal inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Reserved for confirmed bacterial infections.
Innovative In-Office Treatment: Balloon Sinuplasty
For select patients with chronic symptoms, Balloon Sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
During this procedure, a small balloon is gently inflated to widen the sinus passage, restoring normal drainage while preserving your natural anatomy. As an internationally recognized rhinology expert, Dr. Stolovitzky has extensive experience performing this procedure with minimal downtime.
Expert Care for Complex Sinus Disease
Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky is a nationally recognized specialist with decades of experience treating complex nasal and sinus conditions. By combining evidence-based medicine with the latest innovative technology, he ensures each patient in Metro Atlanta receives the most effective, least invasive care possible.
Call Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky for more information or to schedule an appointment.