Can you feel the pain and pressure building in your sinuses? Then it could be symptoms of a sinus infection, which means you should seek medical care as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A primary care physician has limited experience and resources for sinus infection treatment. Typically, a generalist will ask about your symptoms, then prescribe an antibiotic without in-depth testing or diagnostics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, many patients prefer to visit an ENT when they have sinus infections. A specialist has unique knowledge and experience, with the goal of getting to the root of the health concerns. Some sinus infections don\u2019t respond to antibiotic treatments because they are viral or fungal, and an ENT can help with this diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The early stages of a sinus infection can seem similar to other health conditions, such as allergies or a head cold. But as the infection progresses, you will notice unique symptoms that indicate a sinus infection: pain when bending forward, the pressure under and above the eyes, and pain that continues to increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s a head cold, you will have a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, postnasal drip, sneezing, and other common symptoms. However, the common cold will go away within about a week. So, you will notice that the symptoms start to subside with your recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a viral sinus infection, you might notice the symptoms improving with time. But if the cause of the sinus infection is a bacterial or\u00a0fungal infection<\/a>, then the symptoms will continue getting worse until you seek treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay attention to the timeline of your symptoms. When you notice that symptoms are lasting longer than a week and they seem to be getting worse, then it\u2019s a sign that you might benefit from a consultation with an ENT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it necessary to visit your primary care physician first? It depends on your symptoms and insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, some insurance plans require a visit with the primary care physician in order to get a referral to a specialist. However, if the general physician is unable to diagnose and treat your condition, then they will refer you to talk to an ENT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, some patients prefer to go to the ENT directly. For example, if you have recurring sinus infections, it might not make sense to simply pick up another antibiotic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An ENT helps with immediate relief and gets to the root of the problem to prevent issues in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the symptoms are similar, there are actually different types of sinus infections. Understanding the various infections is vital so the doctor can identify the ideal treatment to get you the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the cause of a sinus infection, a mild or moderate infection might clear up with at-home treatments. You can use remedies like\u00a0neti pot nasal rinsing<\/a>, decongestants, and humidifiers to clear congestion and promote healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are taking medications and using nasal rinses to clear congestion, then it can have a positive impact on promoting healing. Minimizing congestion in the sinuses helps to reduce inflammation and keep the airways clear of obstruction<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most patients will use at-home treatments in the initial stages of the sinus infection. If you find that the infection isn\u2019t clearing or the symptoms are worsening, it might be time to seek medical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few signs: you should call a local ear, nose, and throat specialist for sinus infection treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to an ENT for a sinus infection. Diagnosis is always the first step. Our goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms. Then we can design a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, keep in mind that other seemingly unrelated symptoms could be an indication of a sinus infection. For example, you might feel like you have a toothache. The back molars are close to the sinuses, which could result in tooth pain when there is an infection in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s rare that emergency care is needed for\u00a0<\/a>sinus infection treatment<\/a>. Ideally, patients visit an ENT when the symptoms are still mild or moderate. But if the symptoms are severe and you need immediate help, don\u2019t hesitate to go to urgent care or the emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always seek emergency treatment if you notice any of these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\nENT vs. Primary Care Physician<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Different Types of Sinus Infections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Is Medical Treatment Necessary for a Sinus Infection?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to Talk to an ENT About Sinus Infections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When Emergency Treatment Is Necessary for Sinus Infections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Talk to an ENT About Sinus Infection Treatments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n