Sinus Infection Treatments
Severe colds may be confused for what is, in fact, a sinus infection. Symptoms for both colds and sinus infections are similar, including runny nose, nasal congestion, facial tenderness, and headaches. Unlike a cold, sinus infections can be caused due to bacteria, which means that antibiotics may be needed. If you believe you may have a sinus infection, you can turn to an allergy doctor, like an allergist in Warrenton, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy, for help. They have probably treated patients just like you, who are suffering from a sinus infection. By detecting the infection early on, it can help prevent even worsened symptoms and complications later on.
Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroid sprays can be used long-term, and help decrease inflammation of the sinus passages and openings. Perhaps the biggest problem with sinus infections is that the mucus layers within the sinus cavity can swell, leading to further congestion and bacteria build-up. Due to the swelling, hair-like sweepers in the nasal cavity are unable to move particles out of the sinuses. Topical nasal corticosteroids are also helpful in shrinking the size of and minimizing the development of nasal polyps.
Antibiotic Medication
A standard treatment option for many patients who have a sinus infection, is prescribing oral antibiotics. Sinuses are deep rooted into the facial structure where blood supply is limited, so those with severe or chronic infections may need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time. Antibiotics help fight off the sinus infection through attacking the bacteria which caused it. Until the antibiotics take effect, other medications may be taken to alleviate symptoms.
However, overusing antibiotics can lead to resistance. So, an allergy doctor is likely to recommend that patients with sinus infection symptoms only take the antibiotic when green nasal discharge is still present after 7-10 days.
Nasal Decongestant Sprays
It is imperative to pay attention to what type of nasal spray you are using, since they are not all the same. Topical nasal decongestant sprays can be useful to patients who have swollen nasal passages and severe congestion. These sprays can help shrink down inflammation, enabling the sinuses to drain. The downside to using these sprays, is that it can result in a dependency, and nasal passages may swell closed when use has stopped (rebound phenomenon).
Sinus Surgery
If all other forms of allergy treatment for sinus infections has failed, an allergy doctor may suggest surgery. Anatomical flaws of the patient’s sinuses is often the most common reason for surgery. Through a procedure, defects in the bone structure can be fixed, nasal polyps are removed, and closed passages can open again.
Those who are fed up with dealing with a sinus infection that just won’t go away can consult with an allergy doctor for a treatment plan. Sinus infections can be difficult to manage, in addition to interfering with a person’s life and capacity to experience joy. Symptoms can be frustrating, and quite distressing. Please call an office so they can figure out how to alleviate these symptoms before they worsen further.