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Acute sinus infections and inflammation usually clear up on their own, and the symptoms can be managed with over the counter medication, just like the common cold. Sinus problems can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, in which case you might require antibiotics. Chronic sinus problems can also be a sign of a middle ear infection. Dr. Frank Kardos, an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Wayne, NJ, recommends that you schedule an appointment if your sinus symptoms last for more than a week and don't clear up with over the counter medication, or if they continue to flare up over a prolonged time period.
Sinus Treatment in Wayne, NJ
Sometimes it's hard to tell if you have a sinus infection because they can occur in conjunction with and share many of the same symptoms as the flu or the common cold. The most common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal inflammation
- Deep nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose
- Thick nasal discharge or drip down the back of the throat
- Facial tenderness and swelling around the sinuses (sinus pain can also extend to the jaw and feel like a toothache)
- Compromised sense of smell and/or taste
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Halitosis
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Cause of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can be triggered by a few factors such as:
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps (tissue growths)
- Deviated septum
- Bacterial or viral infection
If you don't feel better (or continue to feel worse) and your symptoms don't improve with over the counter medication, home remedies, or rest after about a week, schedule an appointment to rule out a bacterial infection or other complication.
Some of the standard sinus treatment options for chronic sinusitis are:
- Nasal, oral, or injectable corticosteroids
- Nasal irrigation with saline
- Antibiotics
- Immunotherapy to manage allergies when they are identified as the underlying cause
- Endoscopic surgery to open the nasal passage (if conservative treatments are ineffective)
Find an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor in Wayne, NJ
For more information about sinus treatment for chronic sinus infections, contact our office by calling (973) 956-1200 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos today.