Chronic sinus infections, lasting 12 weeks or longer, can cause uncomfortable facial pain, a runny or stuffy nose, tooth pain, ear pressure, fever and more.
Let’s take a look at two sinus infection treatment options—Balloon Sinuplasty and medication—and how to know which is right for you.
Medication
There are two different types of medication for sinus infections:
- Symptom relief. Cold and allergy medication can help minimize symptoms while your sinus infection runs its course. Standard options include antihistamines, decongestants and intranasal steroid sprays.
- Antibiotics. Your provider may recommend antibiotics for infections that don’t improve after 10 days.
You can get over-the-counter cold and allergy medication at most Plano drugstores, but you will need a prescription from your provider for antibiotics.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic sinus infections. During the procedure, your ENT specialist inserts a small, deflated balloon into the blocked sinus cavity and gently inflates it. This widens the passage, restores normal drainage and reduces inflammation. Most patients experience a faster recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery.
Which Is Right for Me?
Knowing which treatment is right for you will depend on a few factors:
- The length of your sinus infection
- How often you develop sinus infections
- If you have underlying conditions that contribute to your sinus infections
For example, if you develop a sinus infection while getting over a cold, and the infection only lasts seven days, you can probably manage it with medication. However, if you get a few long-lasting sinus infections each year because of bad allergies, your ENT specialist will likely recommend a Balloon Sinuplasty.
Can Anyone Get Balloon Sinuplasty?
Your ENT specialist may not recommend Balloon Sinuplasty if you have structural issues or obstructions like nasal polyps, tumors or a deviated septum. These conditions can block the sinuses in ways that a balloon can’t fix. Instead, your specialist may recommend a nasal endoscopy to get a closer look and determine if surgery is necessary to remove obstructions and restore sinus function.
Schedule Your Sinus Appointment
The best way to find the right treatment option for your sinus infections is to schedule an appointment with Collin County ENT. Our specialists can go over your symptoms and find the right treatment path. Call today to schedule your appointment.