An expert in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, Dr. Rafi is the only Board Certified & Fellowship-trained Allergist & Immunologist in Los Angeles who has completed advanced training in chronic sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis refers to sinusitis symptoms lasting less than four weeks. Most cases begin as a common cold. Symptoms often go away within a week to 10 days; but in some people, a bacterial infection develops.

Chronic sinusitis, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is often diagnosed when symptoms have gone on for more than 12 weeks, despite medical treatment. Though once thought uncommon, recent epidemiologic studies have found the prevalence to be 10%-12%.

People with allergic rhinitis or asthma are more likely to suffer from chronic sinusitis. This is because the airways are more likely to become inflamed when allergic rhinitis or asthma are present. Sinusitis may also be caused by an infection, a fungus, deviated nasal septum, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nasal polyps, or in rare cases an immune system deficiency.