If you’ve been having trouble breathing due to sinus issues find out if surgery might help.
Most people will deal with a sinus infection at some point during their lifetime. While a stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and facial pressure may be uncomfortable these symptoms will usually go away within a week or two. Unfortunately, there are some people who suffer from chronic or recurring sinus infections. When this happens it’s a good time to turn to our Chicago otolaryngologist Dr. Gordon Siegel at Midwest ENT to find out what he can do to help.
The Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
In order for a sinus infection to be chronic, symptoms have to last for more than 12 weeks. The common symptoms of sinusitis include,
- Nasal inflammation
- Thick nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Coughing that’s worse at night
- Pain the ears
- Headache
- Facial pain and pressure
- Bad breath
When to Consider Sinus Surgery
While many people won’t require surgery in order to effectively treat their sinusitis, surgery may be the best option for someone who has been dealing with chronic sinusitis that isn’t responding to nonsurgical treatments.
Only once a patient has exhausted all other treatment options will our Chicago otolaryngologist doctor recommend getting sinus surgery. Surgery is effective for removing blockages in the nasal cavity to drain the sinuses and restore breathing.
Before undergoing surgery, your otolaryngologist will run a CT scan of the sinuses about 4-6 weeks after starting sinusitis medication to see if it's working. This CT scan will also help us determine what might be causing your sinus infection.
We know that your goal is to find the best physicians in the Chicagoland area. That’s why Midwest ENT is proud to be part of Northwestern Private Practice, which provides patients with independent physicians who are working at the esteemed Northwestern Memorial Hospital and other Northwestern-affiliated clinics. Learn more about us on our website: www.northwesternprivatepractice.com.
We believe that getting medical care, from a simple ENT consultation to undergoing sinus surgery, should be quick and easy. We are often able to get patients in to see a doctor within a week. If you’re looking for an ENT doctor in Chicago to treat your sinus problems then turn to Dr. Siegel of Midwest ENT.