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When you have persistent sinus infection symptoms, you need real relief that lasts. Your allergy specialist can help you feel better and help determine if your symptoms could be related to allergies and asthma. Here is a guide to sinus infections and how you can achieve symptom relief that really works.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, comes from an overproduction of mucus and inflammation due to viral or bacterial infection. It often develops after a bout with the flu or a cold and may become chronic if it lasts three months or more.
Many people do not realize that sinusitis also stems from allergies and allergy-induced asthma. So, discovery and treatment of allergic triggers can be important in the management of sinusitis symptoms.
At-Home Sinusitis Management
When people develop symptoms that accompany sinusitis, like fever, swelling and congestion, facial pain, and mucus, they may be able to treat their symptoms at home. Rest, adequate hydration, and an in-room humidifier lessen symptoms and free up the airways. Over the counter decongestants help, too.
Treatments for Sinusitis from Your Allergy Doctor
Severe and repeated sinus infections signal the need for evaluation by an allergy specialist. The doctor will review your symptoms and methods of treatment you have tried at home. They will also do a physical examination, discuss your medical and family history, and do in-office allergy testing.Allergy testing typically consists of skin prick tests which insert small amounts of possible allergens under the skin of the forearm. Your doctor will then evaluate the localized reactions to determine the degree of allergic sensitivity. They may prescribe allergy shots and oral medications to control allergies and allergy-induced asthma and reduce the occurrence of sinusitis.
Besides allergy testing and treatment, people with sinus infections can benefit from prescription antibiotics, corticosteroid sprays to calm inflammation, antihistamines to reduce allergic mediators, decongestant medications, and sinus irrigation.
Sinus irrigation floods the sinuses with clear water or with a saline solution to remove excess mucus from the nose and nasal passages. Daily use of sinus-rinsing products like saline sprays keeps sinus passages clear, reducing allergy and sinusitis symptoms.
Surgery for Polyps and Sinus Obstructions
Nasal polyps are benign over growths which occur in the lining of the nostrils and sinuses. They can cause significant obstruction and result in repeated episodes of sinusitis. An ear, nose and throat specialist, or otolaryngologist, can treat these growths with an in-office procedure called balloon sinuplasty which compresses the polyps to allow for free flow of air and nasal secretions.
Otolaryngologists also perform surgeries on a deviated septum. The septum is the partition which divides the nose into two distinct halves. Due to malformation or injury, the septum may be crooked, thus blocking the nasal passages and setting the stage for infection. Your allergist can tell you if you need one of these corrective treatments.
Sinus Infection Relief Near Me
At Oak Brook Allergists, our three board-certified allergy specialists help patients uncover the reasons for sinusitis and find solutionsto help them breathe freely and feel their very best.
To arrange a consultation with the providers at Oak Brook Allergists, call our office today at(630) 574-0460, or request your appointment online. Dr. Pongonis, Dr. Knysak, and Dr. Rubin see patients in our Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainfield locations. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
