Sinus Infection Treatment Options
posted: Apr. 07, 2022.
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Dealing with a sinus infection? Dealing with them rather frequently? Feel like you’re constantly battling a sinus infection? If so, an ENT doctor can provide you with the appropriate treatment options, regardless of whether you are dealing with an acute or chronic infection. Here’s what you should know about treating your sinus infection,
You May Be Able to Treat it Yourself
If you are dealing with acute sinusitis you may be able to manage your symptoms on your own with saline nasal sprays, over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants. If your sinus infection is due to allergies, you may be able to make simple lifestyle changes that can improve your allergies, which in turn can improve your infection. Other at-home sinusitis treatment options include,
- Drinking lots of water to flush out toxins
- Using a humidifier in your bedroom
- Applying warm compresses to the face
- Using a neti pot to flush out bacteria and germs from the sinuses
- Getting lots of rest
- Stocking up on vitamin C
So, when is it time to turn to an ENT expert for your sinus problems? It’s time to turn to a specialist if,
- You aren’t sure if your symptoms are due to a sinus infection or something else
- Your symptoms are accompanied by a fever that lasts more than 3 days
- Your symptoms persist for more than 10 days
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- Your symptoms return
There isn’t a Single Way to Treat Sinus Infections
First and foremost, we need to determine what’s causing your infection and whether you’re dealing with an acute or chronic case. Acute cases may be treated with prescription-strength steroid and nasal sprays or oral allergy medications, while chronic sinusitis may require more intensive treatments. Chronic sinus infections may be caused by nasal polyps, a deviated septum or allergies, and it’s important to figure out the cause before we create a treatment plan. Chronic sinusitis is often treated with,
- Nasal, oral or injectable corticosteroids
- Medications used to shrink nasal polyps
- Immunotherapy (aka allergy shots)
- Balloon sinuplasty, a procedure that opens up blocked sinuses (an alternative to sinus surgery)
- Sinus surgery
If you are dealing with a sinus infection that isn’t getting better and isn’t responding to at-home care then a call to your ENT doctor may be the best approach. An ENT doctor can determine the best strategies for managing and treating any sinus problems.