Be able to recognize when your sinus pain may require an ENT’s care.
Facial pain and pressure can be brutal. If these issues flare up throughout the year then you may just blame allergies; however, would you be able to tell whether your symptoms are truly due to allergies or whether something more problematic could be at play? This is when you may want to turn to our Chesterfield, MO, ENT doctor Dr. Paul Burk for answers. In the meantime, here’s how to tell that your sinus issues could be more than simply allergies,
Recognize Allergy Symptoms
Allergies flare up when you come in contact with your triggers, whether that’s pet dander, mold or pollen. While allergies can occur any time of year, if you have seasonal allergies you may notice that your symptoms are worse during the fall and spring months. Common symptoms include,
- Itchy, watery and red eyes
- Itchy nose and face
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nasal congestion
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Hives (itchy skin rash)
Signs It’s More Than Just Allergies
Did you know that sinus infections often occur after dealing with allergies or the common cold? This is why your stuffy nose may stick around for a few weeks after your allergy symptoms have gone away. Sinusitis is often acute, which means that it will clear up within 2-4 weeks on its own; however, if you experience nasal congestion and facial pain and pressure for more than three months, this is a sign of chronic sinusitis. If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic sinusitis you must turn to our Chesterfield, MO, ENT doctor for an evaluation.
How Chronic Sinus Pain is Treated
First, Dr. Burk and his team will need to determine what is causing your sinus pain before they can craft a treatment plan. If you are dealing with allergies, Dr. Burk will provide you with medication options to help manage your symptoms along with lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing your exposure to allergens and triggers.
If your sinus pain is due to chronic sinusitis, treatment may include nasal saline and steroid sprays, allergy medications, injectable medications (if nasal polyps are causing your sinus pain), or minimally invasive procedures such as balloon sinuplasty (which can help to alleviate blockages and improve nasal breathing).
If you are dealing with severe, persistent sinus pain, or if you’ve never visited an ENT for an evaluation, it’s high time you got answers and the proper treatment. Our ENT specialist, Dr. Burk, has been providing trustworthy ear, nose and throat care to the Chesterfield, MO, area for more than three decades. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us at (314) 477-4995.