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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: August, 2018
If you’ve ever suffered from a stuffy nose, facial pain, and pressure around the nose, cheeks, and eyes, or experienced postnasal drip (in which nasal mucus drains down your throat), then you’ve experienced a sinus infection before. A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed or irritated. Sometimes an infection can be so bad that the inflammation can actually block these airways. Acute forms of this infection often come about after a cold; however, those with nasal polyps or a deviated septum may be prone to recurring bouts of sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis can last anywhere from two to four weeks and the condition will often clear up by itself. Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to see an otolaryngologist for treatment. For example, it’s a good idea to call a specialist if you’ve been trying to handle your symptoms at home but they haven’t improved after a few days. You should also schedule an appointment if symptoms get worse.
To manage symptoms of acute sinusitis you may try over-the-counter decongestants and nasal sprays to help reduce inflammation and drain the sinuses. If these medications don’t improve symptoms within a couple of days then you may need a stronger medication such as corticosteroids. In some cases, antibiotics may actually be necessary to clear the infection.
Chronic sinus infections last more than 12 weeks and most sufferers experience the exact same symptoms as those with acute sinusitis such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, or a partial or complete blockage of the nasal cavity. It’s important that you visit an ENT doctor as soon as possible to find out what your treatment options are. In some cases, a prescription medication along with over-the-counter medications and alternative remedies can help ease symptoms until the problem subsides. In more severe cases, the patient may need to consider more aggressive measures.
In the past, the only option for those dealing with severe and chronic sinus infections was to undergo surgery. Luckily, technology has come a long way and now ENT specialists can also offer a simple non-surgical procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. No incisions or cutting is required; the only tool used is a small flexible tube with a deflated balloon at the end of it.
The tube is carefully guided into the obstructed nasal passage where the balloon is inflated to open up the airways and drain the sinuses. Once this occurs, the scope is removed but the airways remain open. The side effects from this procedure are minimal and most patients can return to their normal activities 2 days later.
Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to perform sinus surgery to effectively treat chronic sinusitis. To decide the right treatment option for you, it’s important to schedule a consultation with an otolaryngologist you trust.
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Pain, pressure, drainage--it's a familiar scenario. You have a sinus infection again, and you must address it. Dr. William Bond Jr. treats scores of sinus infections--both acute and chronic--in his Washington, DC otolaryngology office. With precise diagnostic skill and accurate treatment, you can feel better and breathe easier.
What are sinuses?
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull above your eyes, between your eyes and at the sides of your nose. Called the maxillary (the biggest), frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses, these cavities provide humidity to the air we breathe, make our voices distinctively ours and lighten our heavy skulls.
Lined with moist mucous membranes, sinuses become irritated from airborne pollutants and allergens and may stay inflamed after a cold or the flu. They trouble us when injured or are congenitally malformed. Sometimes, polyps, small benign tumors, grow in the sinuses because of chronic irritation from allergies.
The details on sinus infection
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says 31 million Americans suffer from some form of sinus infection every year. They experience symptoms which include:
- Headache and facial pain
- Pressure
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Tiredness
- Bad breath
- Fever
When symptoms last more than two weeks, or infections repeat over and over again, see Dr. Bond in his Washington, DC office. Sinus infections may be acute, or of limited duration, or they may be so frequent as to be chronic and difficult to relieve at home.
Treating sinus infections
Treatment begins with a review of symptoms and other diagnostics such as nasal examination (nasal endoscopy) with a lighted scope and/or a sophisticated CT scan. Dr. Bond looks for nasal polyps, inflammation, structural problems such as a deviated septum (which divides one side of the nose from the other) and other problems. He may wish to perform allergy testing if he feels allergens, such as pet dander, trigger chronic infections.
Based on his findings, he'll present a customized care plan which may include:
- Antihistamines to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Antibiotics to heal infection
- Nasal irrigation, or lavage
- Decongestants
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Plus, as the patient, you track your symptoms, noting how they start, how long they last and what, if anything, relieves them. This information helps Dr. Bond understand more about your sinusitis.
Finally, as you recover, rest and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you smoke, consider stopping as cigarettes irritate the lungs and nasal passages, setting the stage for sinusitis.
Contact us
If you're struggling with your sinuses, look into examination and treatment with board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Bond. Together, you can find a solution and feel better. Call the office today at (202) 726-7770.
