Sinusitis issues plague millions of Americans every year. In fact, sinus problems are more common than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes and impact your quality of life alike. The constant pain of dealing with headaches, drainage, pain and pressure, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping can easily affect your wellbeing and make day-to-day activities more strenuous than normal.
Acute sinusitis tends to be easier to deal with and typically goes away on its own, needing little treatment. There are many home remedies to help deal with acute sinusitis. However, when dealing with chronic sinusitis (sinus problems that last longer than 10 weeks and occur multiple times a year), you probably should see a doctor to find some relief. Especially if you have the following:
Nasal Discharge Increases
Green, yellow, or cloudy nasal discharge is common with sinus infections, but when the amount of discharge increases, it could be a sign that the infection is getting worse and needs treatment.
Medications Ineffective
For acute sinusitis, over-the-counter medications usually help relieve painful symptoms. Chronic sinusitis infections however, may not respond to medications due to repeated use. A more thorough solution may be needed to help with your sinus issues.
Pain Worsens or Spreads
Pain around the nose and eye area is common with sinusitis. If the pain gets worse, a specialist will be able to help treat the source of the issue and stop the infection from escalating.
Recurring Sickness
If your symptoms last longer than 10 weeks and occur multiple times a year, it’s time to see a specialist and figure out the best course of action for relief.
Fever
While fevers are not a common occurrence with sinusitis, if you are experiencing a fever with your sinus problems, it means that there could be an infection or the infection is worsening.
Luckily, there are multiple solutions for chronic sinusitis relief. Knowing your triggers (usually environmental elements), treating underlying causes (allergies, immune deficiency issues), surgery to correct structural problems such as deviated septum, or balloon sinuplasty procedure……which you can learn more about here.
Every situation is different, depending on the root issue of your sinus problems. Our doctors will work with you to find the best solution to relieve your sinus pain and get you back to feeling your best!
