ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: November, 2021
Is it a sinus infection or could it be something else?
You’re sick and tired of being sick. You thought your sinus infection would be gone by now but the nasal congestion and facial pressure just seem to be lingering. If you are dealing with a sinus infection that keeps returning or doesn’t go away, our Washington, DC, otolaryngologist Dr. William Bond can help you figure out what’s causing your infection and how to effectively treat it.
How long does it take for a sinus infection to go away?
In most cases, a sinus infection will go away after about 4 weeks. It’s common for these sinus problems to occur after a cold or respiratory infection. If your sinus infection appears after a respiratory infection, this is a viral infection that will go away on its own with self-care and rest; however, a sinus infection caused by a bacterial infection will require antibiotics from our Washington, DC, ENT doctor.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
It can be easy to mix up a sinus infection with rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose often caused by pollen and other allergens) because symptoms are often the same. Symptoms of a sinus infection include,
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain and pressure
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Referred pain in the upper teeth and jaws
- Sinus headaches
- Earaches
- Hoarseness
- Sore or irritated throat
- Persistent cough
Is there such a thing as a chronic sinus infection?
Absolutely! While sinus infections are often acute, some people develop chronic or long-lasting sinus symptoms. For a sinus infection to be considered chronic you must be dealing with symptoms for more than 12 weeks.
When should I see a doctor about my symptoms?
If your sinus infection symptoms last more than 10 days or return, it’s a good idea to turn to our Washington, DC, otolaryngologist to find out what’s causing your symptoms and how to best treat it. Since sinus infections can become chronic it’s a good idea to turn to our ENT team as soon as possible so that we can provide you with the treatment you need to feel better quickly.
If you are dealing with a sinus infection that is severe, recurring or unresponsive to home care, then you’ll want to turn to our Washington, DC, ENT doctor Dr. Bond for sinus infection treatment. Call us today at (202) 726-7770 to schedule your appointment.

The Recovery Process
It typically takes about two weeks for both children and adults to make a full recovery after a tonsillectomy. You may feel tired and easily fatigued for the first few days after surgery. Other symptoms such as ear and throat pain are common and can last up to two weeks. If you find that your symptoms are getting worse or aren’t improving after 4-5 days, you should speak with your ENT doctor.
Get Pain Under Control
Pain management is an important topic for our patients undergoing a tonsillectomy, as the pain that proceeds from this surgery can be pretty intense in the very beginning. Your ENT doctor will provide you with a strong pain reliever to help ease discomfort during the first few days. You may switch to ibuprofen if your pain is starting to lessen; however, it’s important to avoid aspirin for at least two weeks after your tonsillectomy.
It is very important that you stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids. A good rule of thumb is to consume one cup of water an hour. If your urine is pale in color, this is a sign that you are drinking enough water. While you can eat what you want after your surgery, you may not feel very hungry at first. Don’t worry, your appetite will return after a couple of days.
Your Diet Post-Tonsillectomy
Most people worry about what they can and can’t eat post-surgery but the answer is, anything you want. You can’t hurt your throat by eating certain foods; however, you may want to ease back into your diet by starting with soft foods such as yogurt, rice, mashed potatoes, and ice pops.
Give Yourself Time to Rest
Most people will feel too fatigued to go about their normal activities. Most children will return to school within a week and resume full activities within two weeks. Most adults can return to work within 10 days after a tonsillectomy. You will want to rest as much as possible and avoid most activities for at least the first 48 hours after your surgery.
If you have any concerns about your upcoming tonsillectomy, or you have questions about your at-home instructions after you return home, know that your ENT doctor is always here to provide you with the answers, care, and support you need. Don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns you might have while you heal from your tonsillectomy.