Sinus Infection Treatment

Sometimes, your body’s immune system mistakes a harmless foreign substance (such as dust or pollen) as being a threat. When this happens, the immune system produces antibodies for protection. These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals which then cause an allergic reaction- and your miserable allergy symptoms.

A sinus infection, also called acute sinusitis, develops when your sinuses become inflamed and swollen. As a result, mucus becomes trapped in the sinuses, which leads to an infection. Acute sinus infections appear suddenly, then get better within four weeks. In most cases, acute sinusitis is caused by the same virus that’s responsible for the common cold. You may be at a higher risk for getting sinus infections if you have hay fever or other allergies that affect your sinuses. Patients with a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps are also more susceptible to sinus infections.

The first symptoms of a sinus infection resemble a common cold, whether or not the condition started with a cold. You’ll have classic symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and possibly a low-grade fever. If your symptoms improve and then suddenly get worse, or they last longer than 10 days, a bacterial infection may have developed. You should schedule an appointment at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center when you suspect a bacterial infection or if you develop symptoms of a serious infection, such as swelling or redness around your eyes, a high fever, or changes in your vision. When a sinus infection develops, you’ll experience other symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion
• Sinus headache
• Ear pressure
• Nasal discharge that’s thick, yellow, or greenish
• Postnasal drip (mucus running down your throat)
• Pain and pressure around your eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead

If you are exhibiting sinus infection symptoms, it’s important that you visit our wellness center for a proper diagnosis. After discussing your symptoms with you, we’ll look inside your nose, observing for signs of swelling, congestion, and infection. Typically, a sinus infection can be easily diagnosed in those few steps. However, if a clear diagnosis cannot be drawn from these steps, additional diagnosis methods include nasal endoscopies, CT scans, swabs, allergy tests, and more.

The treatment for a sinus infection focuses on relieving your symptoms. Dr. Gergits may recommend a saline nasal spray to clear your nasal passageways and over-the-counter or prescription nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, decongestants, or antihistamines. If Dr. Gergits suspects you have allergies, he goes over your medical history to identify potential allergens and may perform allergy tests. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your test results, you may be a good candidate for allergy shots or custom-made allergy drops. Most viral sinus infections heal on their own, but you should seek medical care any time you need symptom relief, or your symptoms worsen. To schedule an appointment, call Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center or use the online booking tool.

Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center’s highly-skilled team and top-of-the-line technology can efficiently treat your sinus infection. It is our mission to help our valued patients live and breathe more easily and comfortably. To schedule a consultation with our expert team, contact us today.