Knowing when to go to the doctor for a sinus infection is important to avoid any long term discomfort or side-effects. They come in different forms and are easily underestimated, so below we are going to tell you all about sinus infections and what you can do to find relief!
What is a Sinus Infection?
The term sinus infection can be a bit of an oversimplification. Sinusitis comes in a few different types, and all of them are uncomfortable:
- Acute: This is a new infection that is often mistaken for a cold. Symptoms don’t tend to last longer than a month.
- Subacute: This is a step up from an acute infection and sometimes signals a transition from sporadic episodes to something more permanent. This typically lasts up to 8 weeks.
- Chronic: Sinusitis symptoms can last up to and longer than 4 months!
- Acute Exacerbations: After sinus infections become common they establish a new baseline. From here you can worsen for a while and then return to your new ‘normal’.
Most people can tough out an acute sinus infection but that opens the door for it to evolve into a chronic one. This may lead to months of suffering that can keep you grounded and unable to live life normally.
Worse, untreated sinusitis can in some cases cause bone infections, brain abscesses and meningitis! So what are some warning signs of a sinus infection?
Signs of Sinusitis
Sinusitis feels like a cold but gets worse, fast. Besides sneezing and a runny nose you’re stuck with facial pain, severe congestion, swelling, fever, bad breath and even toothaches!
If you feel any of the above accompanied by an unusual amount of fatigue and more intense versions of typical cold symptoms, odds are you’ve got a sinus infection. At this point you should seek out an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor to find relief.
Visiting a Specialist
Otolaryngologists or Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors (ENTs) are professionals who among other things, specialize in dealing with sinus infections. If it’s time to see one then you should definitely look into what procedures they can offer you.
Depending on whether it’s acute or chronic they might tackle the problem differently. Treatments may include nasal sprays and antibiotics to more permanent solutions like endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty. The more options you have, the better your chances are of getting back to normal again.
Finding the right doctor involves a bit of research and making sure you’re prepared. Have a list of questions about what you’re feeling and make sure you have a referral and other details sorted out beforehand.
Finding Relief
Figuring out when to go to the doctor for a sinus infection can keep you from pain and misery. There’s no reason you have to keep suffering when there’s qualified professionals who can turn it all around. Contact us to assess your sinus infection today.