Chronic Sinus Infections Get In The Way Of Life.
Millions of Americans suffer through painful sinus infections every year. Like you, they’re constantly searching things on the internet like “sinus infection vs cold” or “pneumonia symptoms” not knowing the true cause of their pain. When sinus infections become recurring or chronic they can really impact your way of life. They can make you feel fatigued. They can cause headaches, congestion and facial pain that makes it hard to focus. They make it hard to breathe and can take away all the joys of life such as hanging out with friends or working on hobbies. They prevent all of the benefits of restful sleep by making it nearly impossible to sleep through the night.
When sinus infections are recurring or long lasting they become known as chronic sinusitis. The symptoms are usually that of an acute infection but there are risks of serious infection. Professional treatment is important when it comes to getting rid of chronic sinus infections.
Learn more about sinus infections and treatment
Will my sinus infection go away without being treated?
Your sinus cavities play a critical role in several bodily functions. They help you communicate, they assist in breathing, and they produce mucus to help fight infections. The sinuses work as a team with the other systems in the ear, nose, and throat to keep your body healthy and performing well.
When your sinus systems are working well they can help prevent bacteria, viral, and fungal infections. Your body's self healing systems can help to clear up most sinus infections without treatment but recurring sinus infections can have more serious health implications. Some major health complications are abscesses and brain infections but they are not very common.
While you will probably avoid the rarer complications, regular sinus infection symptoms will also continuously bring down your quality of life. If you have been suffering from chronic sinus infections for a long period of time you may think that the painful symptoms are normal, but they can be avoided. Symptoms like headache, facial pain, congestion, sleep loss and runny nose can lead to decreases in:
- Work Performance - fatigue can lead to a lack of focus which will cause your work performance to suffer.
- Academic Success - like work performance, academic success can also suffer due to the fatigue that comes with chronic sinus infections
- Relationship Issues - symptoms like, headache, congestion, and facial pain leads to a lack of concentration. This can make it difficult to pay attention to partners or children.
Sinus Infection Treatments
Although the symptoms of a sinus infection are easily recognizable, you aren't always going to know which type of sinus infection you have. Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are all very similar but they need different treatment plans. In fact, a treatment that works for someone else may not work for you even if it is the same type of infection. If you want a treatment plan personalized to you, schedule an appointment with us today.
There are several tools that our physicians may use in order to treat your recurring sinus infections. Some of those tools may include:
Home Remedies for Sinus Infections
We all know that the internet and TV are both full of people trying to sell the “natural miracle cure” for sinus infections. Many of the claims that are made are not backed up by science but there are some natural remedies out there that can help reduce symptoms. You can find some home remedies for nasal congestion and make sure to speak with a physician about incorporating them into your treatment plan.
Sinus Infection Antibiotics
Despite what some people think, antibiotics aren't always the first choice for sinus infection treatment. While antibiotics are helpful, they don't treat infections caused by viruses or fungus. They are also not effective when the sinus infections are caused by allergies, cold, or flu. Antibiotics are only effective at treating bacteria related infections and do not ultimately get to the root cause of the infections.
Medications For Treating Chronic Sinus Infections
There are other medications other than antibiotics that can help to fight the symptoms of sinus infections. Medications like decongestants, nasal sprays, and corticosteroids may be helpful in your treatment plan. Often, these medications are misused. They are used to treat the symptoms and don't get to the root of the problem. Consult a professional ENT to discover the best way for you to include these medications in your treatment plan.
Sinus Surgeries
Sometimes, chronic sinus infections are caused by physical issues like polyps or a deviated septum. When this is the case traditional sinus surgery may be an option for long term relief. Sinus surgeries are completed in a hospital or surgery center and usually involve the removal of bone or tissue.
Balloon Sinuplasty For Chronic Sinus Infections
Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon sinus dilation, is a treatment for chronic sinus infections that was developed in 2005. It is a simple low-risk procedure that can be done in the office. It has a 95% success rate and can provide you with immediate relief. This procedure is an effective and gentle way to get to the root cause of your chronic sinus infections. The procedure has become so popular and successful that most insurances cover it.
I want to learn about balloon sinuplasty.
About Capitol Breathe Free
Building a foundation of trust by treating patients' individual needs is vital to our success. Our team at Capitol Breathe Free is dedicated to providing personalized care for Ear Nose and Throat care, Allergy care, and Sinus Care. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible, while ensuring privacy and professionalism.