Dr. Brent Driskill, your ENT doctor in San Diego, Hillcrest, CA, provides several services at his office. He helps people suffering from several problems, including sinus infections, sinusitis, which is a common condition that about 28 million Americans are diagnosed with, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is a sinus infection?
This is when soft tissues of facial cavities become inflamed. Sinusitis has two categories: acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is because of allergies or environmental pollutants, and chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks.
Sinusitis occurs due to several things: Allergies to pet dander inflame sinuses and cause a blockage. Nasal polyps are growths that block the airway. A deviated septum is when your nasal septum becomes crooked, and, again, restricts the airway. Respiratory infections like a cold inflame sinuses.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
You may want to consult our ENT doctor in San Diego, Hillcrest, for a diagnosis but here are some things to look out for:
- nasal congestion or obstruction of nasal airway
- pain and tenderness around eyes
- difficulty breathing through the nose
- colored discharge from the nose and ear pain
- coughing and a sore throat
- fatigue and nausea
How do you treat sinus infections?
People more likely to suffer from sinus infections are those who already suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies, a nasal abnormality, like a deviated septum, immune system disorder, or regular exposure to pollutants.
Treatments include nasal irrigation using saline sprays and nasal corticosteroids; antibiotics are the standard treatment to combat bacterial sinus infections; topical nasal decongestants; immunotherapy and antihistamines; or surgery for severe cases.
Do you need Sinus infection treatment? Contact Dr. Brent Driskill, your ENT doctor in San Diego, Hillcrest, CA, at (619) 294-2350 to set up an appointment today.