Sinus infections are a major issue that afflicts the health of millions of people every single day. This condition is quite common in the U.S. as well as in several other countries.
To deal with sinusitis in the best manner, you should be aware of any signs that it’s worsening. Plus, you should be aware of the treatment options that may provide quick relief. We’ll discuss these factors below:
Signs of Worsening Sinusitis
Since sinusitis might go away with some home remedies or OTC treatment, you should know when the issue is a bit more serious. The following signs will help you figure this out:
Persistent Symptoms
One way you know that your sinusitis is getting worse instead of better is that it just won’t go away. Acute infections like this usually go from 3 to 8 weeks. If your headache, facial pain, nasal congestion, and/or runny nose are persisting beyond that, you probably have a chronic infection on your hands.
Ongoing Allergies
If your allergies are triggered, you might be suffering from chronic sinusitis. This happens when your sinus and nasal passages are congested, inflamed, swollen, and generally uncomfortable for several weeks. You might also experience trouble breathing or even contract asthma that has little to do with the infection itself.
Bad Breath
One little-known sign of sinusitis is bad breath or halitosis. Make sure you monitor your breath and get professional treatment if this is the case.
Treatment Options
Since everyone’s body and sinus system might respond to different treatments, we suggest you try out a few before sticking to what works best. We’ll look at a few treatment options below:
Antibiotics
The standard method for treating sinusitis is to complete a course of antibiotics. These can run for 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition and the kind of antibiotic the doctor prescribes.
Sinuses are deep pockets inside our bone structure, so the blood supply in that area is quite limited. If the case is particularly severe, the treatments will have to last for longer periods of time.
Nasal Sprays
If you need some quick relief for a few days, nasal sprays might be a quick and convenient option. However, make sure you don’t use the spray for more than a few days or as prescribed by a medical professional.
These nasal sprays can quickly soothe nasal passages, allowing the mucus to flow as it should. If you overuse them, though, this may result in dependency and/or immunization.
Antihistamines
Sinuses and allergies are closely related, so it only makes sense to try out antihistamines as well. These can block the inflammation from allergic reactions which helps in fighting the swelling within our sinuses.
Sinus Surgery
When drug therapies just aren’t cutting it anymore, sinus surgery might be the last resort. Fortunately, this is also one of the most effective ways of curing your sinus problems for good.
You’d have to consult an otolaryngologist for this particular procedure, so be sure to look up the best sinus doctors in Dallas. The surgeon will fix any bone defects that are causing issues with your nasal passages. They’ll also remove any polyps and open the closed passages. Don’t worry; you’ll only be given general or even local anesthesia. Most patients of this surgery don’t even have to stay in the hospital overnight.
Combating With Sinusitis Is Now Possible
It’s all too easy to mistake sinusitis for the common cold. The usual symptoms are all there, so you might just want to weigh out the available options. However, it’s worth reading up on the symptoms of sinusitis, as it usually doesn’t go away without proper treatment. Pay attention to your symptoms and remain on top of your health game!