If you’re dealing with a sinus infection and feeling particularly miserable, you might be tempted to self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines. But before you do, you should know that it’s probably time to see a specialist. If your symptoms continue for more than 10 days or if they return, again and again, the best course of action is to book an appointment with a specialist. A sinus specialist in Dallas can help you find relief from your symptoms and address any potential underlying problems. Here are 8 reasons why seeing a specialist is the right move:
You’re dealing with chronic sinus problems.
People who suffer from chronic sinusitis often turn to OTC medications because they feel desperate for some kind of relief. But OTC medicines usually don’t work for chronic sinusitis — and in fact, they may make your condition worse by allowing bacteria to persist. Because chronic sinusitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are a logical choice for treatment. Unfortunately, many chronic sinusitis patients also have allergies and therefore can’t take antibiotics. If your problem has gone on for months or years, it’s time to see a specialist.
You have symptoms other than a runny nose and cough.
It’s possible for allergies to lead to a bacterial infection, but that’s rare. If you only have symptoms of a runny nose and cough, it’s unlikely that you have an infection. You may simply be suffering from allergies, which can be treated with allergy meds. If, however, your symptoms include a fever above 101° F, a headache, a sore throat, or a bad cough that won’t go away, you may have a bacterial infection. If any of these chronic symptoms are bothering you, you should see a doctor — particularly if you’ve already tried to treat them with over-the-counter meds.
Your infection is resistant to the medicine.
If your sinus infection has been treated with antibiotics several times, it’s possible that the bacteria in your sinus is resistant to the antibiotics you’ve been taking. In this situation, it’s important to stop taking antibiotics and see a specialist. If you are taking antibiotics and they’re not helping your symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist. A specialist can look into your case and send you for an exam if they think it’s necessary.
There’s possible damage to your facial bones or your eyes.
There are a few symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as pain around your eyes, swelling in your face, your nasal passages being completely blocked by mucus, or fluid buildup in your sinuses. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit the doctor immediately. If you’ve had a sinus infection for a long time, it’s possible that you’re experiencing damage to your sinuses or facial bones. If you’ve been suffering from a chronic infection for a long time, it’s important to seek treatment and relief.
Your breathing is compromised.
There are a few different symptoms that indicate the infection in your sinuses is closing off your airways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, visit a doctor: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sinus infections can be serious, and it’s important to address them immediately.
There is a growth in one of your sinuses.
If you’ve been suffering from chronic sinusitis, it’s possible that there’s a growth in one of your sinuses. A growth in your sinuses, known as a sinus cyst, can cause a lot of pain, and it can be very difficult to treat. If you’ve been suffering from chronic sinusitis for a long time, it’s important to see a specialist to rule out a sinus cyst.
It’s time for a rhinoscopy or MRI scan.
If your sinus infection has gone on for a long time, it might be time for a rhinoscopy or MRI scan. A rhinoscopy is a medical procedure that involves placing a lighted tube inside your nose to look inside your sinuses. It is used to diagnose various problems such as polyps and growths. An MRI scan is the most accurate way to diagnose a sinus infection that’s causing pressure inside your skull. It will also show any abnormalities in your sinuses, such as cysts or tumors.
Conclusion
Sinus infections are extremely common, but they are also highly treatable. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. A sinus infection is often accompanied by headaches, fever, and a cough, so it’s important to take note of all of your symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment so that you can get relief as quickly as possible.