Sinusitis or inflammation of the sinuses is a common condition, and the symptoms can make you miserable. Fortunately, your urgent care doctor is an expert at diagnosing and treating sinusitis.
The Causes of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, or from allergies.
Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis
The signs and symptoms of sinusitis are similar to a cold and include:
Frequent sneezing or coughing
Continuous pressure and pain behind or around your eyes
Frequent high fever or headaches
Irritation and discomfort in your nasal passages
A frequent stuffy nose and problems breathing through your nose
A yellow or green discharge coming from your nose
How You Can Help Prevent Sinusitis
There are several easy steps you can take to help prevent sinusitis. Remember to:
Use a saline solution to irrigate your sinuses daily to clear out nasal passages
Place a humidifier in your bedroom to moisten the air and soothe your sinuses
Take over-the-counter oral decongestants or mucus thinning medications to help reduce headaches and congestion
Use decongestant nasal sprays to decrease swelling and congestion
Professional Treatment for Sinusitis
Depending on the cause of your sinusitis, your doctor may recommend:
Allergy testing and treatment if your sinusitis is due to an allergy
Prescription-strength antihistamines or decongestants to decrease symptoms
Antibiotics if your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection
Oral or nasal corticosteroids to decrease swelling and inflammation
Sinus Surgery and Balloon Sinuplasty
Surgery may also be an option if your sinusitis is due to a structural issue or abnormality in your sinus. Balloon sinuplasty is a common, minimally invasive type of surgery to relieve sinusitis.
During balloon sinuplasty, a thin tube is inserted into your nostril and guided up into your sinuses. The tube has a balloon at one end. When a blockage is found, the balloon is inflated to open the area, and deflated again and removed after the blockage is corrected.
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of sinusitis, call the doctors at Sabine Urgent Care. You can reach them in the Leesville, LA, office by calling (337) 404-4106, or in Many, LA, by calling (318) 590-9390, so call now.