Sinus Infection Treatment: How to Get Relief

A sickly looking woman with a sinus infection lying on the couch.

If you’re sneezing, have a runny nose, and a headache, you might think that all you have is a cold. However, if your symptoms last for longer than a week, you might have a sinus infection.

Sinus infections can take up to four weeks to go away if you leave them untreated. Fortunately, you can try several options for sinus infection relief.

Treating Simple Sinusitis

Cold or allergy-like symptoms are common signs of a sinus infection. However, colds happen when viruses enter your upper respiratory system, like your nose and throat. You get sinusitis when bacteria, viruses, or fungi get into your sinuses, which are deep inside your nose and near the top of your throat. This causes swelling and cold or allergy-like symptoms. To relieve discomfort and achieve sinus infection relief, try these at-home remedies:

  • Get ample rest
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Use a humidifier at home
  • Moisturize your sinuses
  • Take over-the-counter cold and allergy medications or decongestants

If your sinusitis persists after a week of self-care, it’s best to visit your doctor to get it checked. They may prescribe:

  • Antibiotics (only for bacterial infections)
  • Oral or topical decongestants
  • Nasal corticosteroids

Treating Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a recurring kind of sinusitis that can last for several months or repeatedly flare up.

To achieve sinus infection relief, your doctor may recommend several treatments. First on the list is medications. Your allergist may prescribe any of the following medicines to ease your symptoms:

  • Antibiotics (only for bacterial infections)
  • Oral or injected corticosteroids
  • Oral or topical decongestants
  • Antihistamine medications (if sinusitis is found together with an allergy)
  • Saline nasal irrigation

If medication does not work, you may need more advanced methods for sinus infection relief, depending on what’s causing your sinusitis. Check with your allergist if they offer these treatment options:

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure involving a unique medical device. This device consists of a guidewire, a catheter, and a small balloon at the end. Once your doctor positions it in your sinus cavity, they will proceed to inflate the balloon.

This treatment option works by dilating the openings of major nasal sinuses. Your doctor will forcibly stretch your blocked nasal passages to remove congestion and promote better drainage.

Aspirin Desensitization Treatment

If your sinusitis is because of an aspirin reaction, your doctor might suggest increasing your tolerance to this drug. This controlled process involves gradually giving you large doses of aspirin until you become desensitized.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy aims to build up your tolerance to an allergen. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo this procedure if the cause of your sinusitis is allergies.

Immunotherapy shots can reduce the severity of your allergic reactions, providing sinus infection relief. For food allergies, your doctor can also check if you’re a good candidate for oral immunotherapy.

Sinus Surgery

Medications and non-surgical treatments can typically relieve chronic sinusitis. However, if you don’t respond well to these treatments, your doctor may consider surgery.

They will request diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan, to help them decide on the best surgery for you. Doctors often recommend functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

In this procedure, your surgeon utilizes an endoscope to examine the nasal passages. If needed, they will remove any nasal polyps or abnormal growths in the structures. They can also correct a deviated septum through this surgery.

Sinus Infection Relief Near Me in Northeastern Illinois

You can probably achieve sinus infection relief through home remedies and over-the-counter medications. However, for persistent sinus infections, your doctor will prescribe medicine and other non-invasive treatments. Only the most severe cases warrant surgery.

At Oak Brook Allergists, our board-certified allergists deal with all kinds of allergies and allergy-related conditions. Our team can perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition. Based on the results, we can craft a personalized treatment plan to relieve your sinusitis long-term.

Call us now at (630) 574-0460 or request an appointment online to set up a consultation with us. Our offices in Elmhurst, DuPage, Naperville, and Plainfield are also open for new patients.

You don’t need to endure the discomfort brought about by sinusitis. Give us a call today, and let us help you breathe easier!