Which is worse: Consuming an entire box of tissues to keep up with your running nose or tossing about all night because your nose is so stuffy you can’t breathe? While dealing with a cold or flu is no walk in the park, it’s usually over within a week or so. If your nasal congestion hangs on for more than 10 to 14 days, you could be dealing with a sinus infection (sinusitis). The good news is, nasal congestion relief is possible.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
A stuffy or runny nose is caused by an influx of mucus. With the common cold, the mucus leaves your body eventually and it’s business as usual. On the other hand, a sinus infection occurs when the tissues lining your nasal cavity become swollen and the blood vessels inflamed. This can cause more serious issues like sleep apnea. Some of the symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Pressure/pain around the eyes or along your nose, cheekbones, forehead or gums
- Headache at temples, forehead or behind eyes
- Fever
- Pressure/pain worsens when you lie down
- Reduced sense of smell
Children can also suffer from sinusitis. Infection is more likely due to certain environmental or other factors including:
- Allergies
- Exposure to smoke
- Virus/illness passed on from other kids
- Pacifier use
- Drinking a bottle lying down
Sinus Infection Treatment Options
Sinus pain can be severe enough to interrupt your day-to-day activities and cause you misery. Many even suffer from chronic sinusitis that rears its ugly head just when you think you’ve beaten it. The good news is that there are various sinus infection treatment options. Typical treatments include:
- Reduce inflammation of sinuses with a nasal spray or an oral decongestant
- Promote nasal drainage with nasal irrigation or antihistamines
- Prescription medication will kill bacteria and prevent future infections
- Prescribed steroids can also reduce symptoms for patients with chronic or seasonal symptoms due to allergies
We Can Provide the Relief You Need
Most ear, nose and throat doctors provide services for all aspects of ENT, but we subspecialize in sinus and allergy treatments. As a result, we offer comprehensive treatment plans for our patients. This means we go beyond treating the symptoms, and pay attention to the cause of the problems with state-of-the-art medicine.
If you’re suffering from a nasal or sinus condition and you’re looking for effective relief, book an assessment or contact us today!