When you have sinus issues, you may deal with symptoms that affect your daily life. Congestion, facial pain, and headaches can all be part of chronic sinusitis and can become very uncomfortable and irritating,
If you’re looking for some relief from these symptoms, you’ll first need to understand the root causes before you begin exploring effective treatments. At Sinusitis in Seattle, Dr. David Santos offers comprehensive care to provide you with lasting relief from sinus problems.
Understanding Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities: this inflammation usually results from infections, allergies, or structural issues in your nasal passages. Dr. Santos will listen to your symptoms before determining which of the following three types of sinusitis you have:
- Acute Sinusitis: Typically lasts up to four weeks and may be the result of viral infections.
- Subacute Sinusitis: Persists between four to twelve weeks.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Lasts longer than twelve weeks and may result from ongoing infections, allergies, or issues with your nasal passages.
Common Symptoms
If you have sinusitis, you may notice symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pain or pressure
- Headaches
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
If your symptoms don’t improve with time or medication, you should consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist like Dr. David Santos at Sinusitis in Seattle. Dr. Santos can look at the potential underlying cause of your sinus problems and help guide you to a personalized solution.
Effective Treatments For Permanent Relief
Your doctor may recommend combining medical and, in some cases, surgical interventions to relieve sinus issues permanently.
Medical management of sinusitis includes things like:
- Medications: Depending on the cause, treatments may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungal medications for fungal sinusitis, or corticosteroids to reduce nasal inflammation.
- Nasal Irrigation: Regularly flushing your nasal passages with saline solutions can help clear mucus and allergens and promote better sinus drainage.
When medication and sinus rinses don’t do the trick, you may need to consider surgical options such as:
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure allows Dr. Santos to use a small tool with a camera to examine your nasal passages. He can then make adjustments to improve drainage and help you breathe easier.
- Sinuplasty: Dr. Santos will insert a tiny balloon into your sinus passageways before inflating it to widen the openings, allowing your sinuses to drain better.
- Septoplasty: If a deviated septum is causing your sinus issues, Dr. Santos will correct it to enhance airflow and sinus function.
Can You Prevent Sinusitis?
Though you can’t prevent all forms of sinusitis, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting another sinus infection:
- Manage Allergies: Identify and avoid allergens that trigger sinus inflammation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and promotes better drainage.
- Maintain Humidity: Running a humidifier in your house can keep nasal passages moist and reduce irritation.
- Avoid Irritants: You should steer clear of smoke and pollutants that can aggravate your sinuses.
Book Your Consultation Today At Sinusitis In Seattle
Dr. David Santos at Sinusitis in Seattle offers personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With over thirty years of experience, Dr. Santos specializes in diagnosing and treating various sinus conditions. When you choose Dr. Santos, you’ll get more than high-quality patient care—you’ll also get a surgeon who uses the latest techniques to provide effective and lasting relief.
Take the first step towards addressing your sinus issues and seeing significant improvement in your quality of life. Dr. Santos and the team at Sinusitis in Seattle are dedicated to helping you improve your overall sinus health and find lasting relief.
Call Sinusitis in Seattle today at (206) 242-3696 or schedule your appointment online.