Do you have a cough or stuffy nose that isn’t getting better? Are you experiencing facial pain or pressure?
If so, it’s likely you are dealing with a sinus problem. Persistent sinus issues can leave you feeling miserable and run down.
Fortunately, an otolaryngologist can help you find long-lasting relief. Keep reading to learn more about sinus problems and how an otolaryngologist can improve them.
What are Sinus Problems?
Sinus problems occur when the air-filled spaces in the skull, called sinuses, fill with fluid. The sinuses, located behind the eyes, forehead, nose, and cheeks, may become inflamed and stop the proper flow of mucus.
As a result, mucus can build up, providing the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to grow and cause an infection, leading to symptoms such as congestion, a stuffy nose, and a lingering cough.
What are the Symptoms of Sinus Problems?
Common signs and symptoms of sinus problems include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Ear pain
- Toothache
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- A runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Facial pressure and pain
- Stuffiness or nasal congestion
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
What are the Causes of Sinus Problems?
Sinus problems can stem from a variety of sources. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi are common culprits.
Allergies also frequently trigger sinus issues, causing inflammation and discomfort. Environmental factors play a role too, with smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke often leading to sinus irritation.
Certain medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or HIV/AIDS, can make individuals more susceptible to sinus problems. Additionally, structural abnormalities within the nasal passages, including a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or enlarged turbinates, can contribute to chronic sinus difficulties.
Understanding these diverse causes is crucial in effectively addressing and managing sinus-related issues.
When Should You See an Otolaryngologist for Your Sinus Problems?
Make an appointment with an otolaryngologist or ENT specialist if you have any of the following:
- Recurring symptoms
- Fever that lasts longer than 3 to 4 days
- Pain that spreads, worsens, or is severe
- Symptoms that linger for more than 7 to 10 days with no sign of improvement
- An underlying medical condition such as cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or HIV/AIDS
- Experienced little to no improvement after visiting other medical providers for treatment
- Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants don’t alleviate your symptoms
If at-home remedies like adding a humidifier, drinking plenty of fluids, breathing in steam vapors, applying warm compresses, or using nasal irrigators don’t offer sufficient relief, you should see your ENT specialist.
You should see an otolaryngologist right away if you have any of these symptoms that could indicate a serious infection:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- High fever
- Vision changes such as double vision
- Swelling, redness, or pain around the eyes
How Can an Otolaryngologist Help You with Your Sinus Problems?
An otolaryngologist is a medical specialist equipped to treat illnesses and conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat with medication and surgery. These extensively trained experts can also perform surgeries on the neck and head, which are often delicate procedures.
An otolaryngologist can carry out a comprehensive examination to determine the root cause of your symptoms. After an accurate diagnosis, they’ll provide an effective treatment plan that brings long-lasting relief so you can breathe better again.
What Treatment Options Can An Otolaryngologist Provide?
Treatment varies depending on the cause of your sinus problems, and your options may include:
Prescription Medications
These can include:
- Antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection
- Nasal corticosteroids to minimize inflammation
- Steroids to reduce swelling in the sinus membranes
- Decongestants to decrease pain, pressure, and nasal congestion
Allergy Medicines
An otolaryngologist can recommend allergy testing. If you’ve been diagnosed with allergies, the otolaryngologist may prescribe antihistamines.
Many cases of sinus problems are a result of uncontrolled allergies. Histamine causes inflammation in your sinuses and increases mucus production, causing symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, and facial pain.
Prescription antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, offering relief from your symptoms.
Immunotherapy
If you have chronic sinus problems, an otolaryngologist can suggest immunotherapy for long-term relief. Immunotherapy addresses the root cause of your chronic sinus problems and can be in the form of allergy shots or drops.
Much like vaccines, immunotherapy works by gradually introducing your immune system to small, increasing doses of the substance or substances you’re allergic to, also called allergens.
The shots or drops decrease your immune system’s response to allergens, significantly lessening your symptoms. Immunotherapy can take 3 to 5 years and provides long-lasting relief from persistent sinus problems.
Sinus Procedures
Sometimes, chronic sinus problems don’t respond to medications. When that’s the case, an otolaryngologist can recommend any of the following sinus procedures:
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat recurrent or chronic sinus problems. During the quick outpatient procedure, the otolaryngologist inserts a small balloon catheter through the nose to permanently widen sinus openings.
Enlarging your sinus openings allows the sinus cavities to drain better, offering lasting relief from sinus symptoms. Many patients experience decreased sinus problems for years after balloon sinuplasty.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS)
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure that restores the function and health of your sinuses. In this procedure, the otolaryngologist removes the causes of sinus blockage, such as polyps, bone, mucous membrane swelling, or scar tissue that could be blocking your sinuses.
Removing these obstructions enables your sinuses to drain properly, considerably easing your symptoms and preventing or limiting how often you experience sinus flares.
Take Control of Your Sinus Health
Stubborn sinus problems can affect your overall quality of life. Luckily, our top-rated otolaryngologist at Chicago ENT can provide the best treatment to tackle the underlying cause of persistent sinus problems and bring lasting relief.
Have you been dealing with ongoing sinus problems, and at-home remedies are not alleviating your symptoms? Schedule your appointment at Chicago ENT at one of our six convenient locations to get on the path to breathing easier and long-term relief.
