If you are suffering from a sinus infection, then it can severely affect your quality of life due to breathing issues. You might feel persistent congestion in your nasal chambers, facial pain, and headache. Usually, people prefer over-the-counter medicines to treat the conditions, but you must always consult an ENT specialist who can help you recover completely. They have the skill and knowledge to effectively diagnose and treat the issue’s root cause. So, if you are still unsure about booking an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, let us know how they can help you.

What is Chronic Sinusitis?

When the sinus infection becomes severe, leading to inflammation of the sinus cavity that lasts for more than twelve weeks, it is known as chronic sinusitis. The most common symptoms are thick natural discharge, reduction in sensation of smell, persistent facial pressure or pain, and nasal obstruction. Sinus infections can occur for various reasons, such as bacteria or fungi, allergies, and nasal polyps. Even structural abnormalities within the national passage can lead to sinus infections over time.

How Do ENT Specialists Diagnose It?

When you approach an ENT specialist at https://earnosethroat.com.sg to treat chronic sinusitis, they comprehensively evaluate the situation. They would review your medical history, including the infection’s duration, symptoms, and whether any previous treatment was implemented.

Next, a physical examination will be conducted to inspect the nasal passage using medical equipment. The most common detection tool is an endoscope, which helps to view the sinus drainage passage. Through nasal endoscopy, it is determined whether there is any obstruction, inflammation, or hidden polyps. Also, imaging studies such as CT scans can be conducted for an in-depth diagnosis, which would help identify any structural issues or how far the inflammation has extended.

Treatment Provided by ENT Specialists

Based on the result of the diagnosis, the ENT specialist will structure a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the underlying cause of the sinusitis.

Medical Management

You would be prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Decongestants would also be suggested to elevate nasal congestion. You might also find that ENT specialists use steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation and histamines to control allergic reactions. They provide essential advice to clear the mucus and allergens from the nasal passage.

Invasive Procedures

Based on the condition of the sinus infection, you would either be recommended balloon sinuplasty or any other surgical intervention. These are only prescribed if the medical therapy fails. Moreover, if there are any structural abnormalities, a surgical intervention can cure that and fix the persistent inflammation and blockage condition.

Final Words

An ENT specialist would also guide you on preventing sinus infections in the future. They suggest allergy management by initiating immunotherapy or environmental controls, including humidifiers. Moreover, you can also schedule regular follow-ups to check sinus health; if any issue occurs, they can treat it promptly. Find out who the leading specialist is in your city. Make sure that you consult a well-known one for your ailment.