When it comes to sinus treatment, you might feel like there’s very little you can do. After all, sinus problems are just the result of your body not working as it should. But that’s why it’s so frustrating! It hurts, and you can’t do much about it. If you’re in a lot of pain or have issues with your sinuses often, though, it’s probably time to see a specialist. There are many different types of sinus doctors who deal with sinus issues on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at some of the most common specialists and what they can do for you if you have chronic sinusitis.
All About Sinus Doctors
All doctors who specialize in sinus issues are sinus specialists. Since all sinuses are connected, a sinus infection can lead to other issues, like ear infections, headaches, and allergies. Because of this, it’s important to seek out a sinus specialist if you have chronic sinusitis. If you have recurrent sinus infections, especially if they’re accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and/or fever, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested for allergies. Allergies can be very difficult to treat and are often the root of chronic sinusitis.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists (ENTs)
ENTs are the specialists who deal with your ears, nose, and throat. They can provide you with treatment for chronic sinusitis and other sinus issues. ENTs are likely to start with allergy testing, as this is the primary cause of chronic sinusitis according to most studies. Depending on what type of allergies you have, you may be given oral medication or be referred to an allergist for shots. If allergies are not the cause of your sinusitis, ENTs can still help you with a variety of issues. They can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, steroids for polyps, and saline solutions for allergies. If you have severe allergies or chronic infections that don’t respond well to oral antibiotics, ENTs can also provide you with a nasal spray or a steroid spray that you spray into your nostrils.
Nasal Endoscopy and Rhino-ENDoscopic Surgeons (NAS-RS)
NAS-RS surgeons are specialists who deal with your nasal passages and sinuses via endoscopy (looking inside the nasal passage with a scope) and surgery. If other treatments aren’t working, your ENT may refer you to a NAS-RS surgeon. NAS-RS surgeons can do everything from prescribing antibiotics to removing polyps, cysts, and other growths that are blocking your nasal passages. They may also be able to perform endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) if bacteria have become trapped in your sinuses. If your sinuses have become completely blocked due to infection, you may need a typical surgical procedure. If you’re having trouble breathing because of a completely blocked sinus, an emergency room may be able to perform a simple procedure to open up your sinuses, allowing you to breathe again. This is only a temporary solution, though—you’ll need to get more serious treatment as soon as possible.
Decongestant Inhalers and Irrigation
Decongestant inhalers are designed to clear your nasal passages of mucus, and they can be very effective. They may not provide as much long-term relief as other treatments, but they can help you feel better while you’re waiting for allergy shots to work or while you’re waiting for antibiotics to clear up the infection in your sinuses. If you have a lot of mucus in your nasal passage, though, a decongestant inhaler may not be enough to clear things up. In this case, you may want to try a saline solution or an irrigator. An irrigator is a device that squirts water into your nasal passage to flush out mucus. These machines are extremely helpful for people with chronic sinusitis and/or allergies. They can provide long-term relief from symptoms and can help prevent infections from spreading to other parts of your body.
Conclusion
Sinusitis is a common condition that can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. While a sinus infection does not always lead to sinusitis, it is a very common complication of a cold or other upper respiratory infections. A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become blocked due to an infection or excessive mucus, which can cause pain, pressure, and other symptoms including headaches. When these symptoms become chronic, it is often necessary to seek professional treatment. If you’ve been suffering from persistent sinus pain, congestion, or other symptoms for more than ten days, you should visit the best sinus doctor in Waterbury to find out what is causing the issues and begin a treatment plan as soon as possible.
