Most people will deal with a sinus infection in their lifetime. They are incredibly common. The nasal congestion, the swollen nasal cavity, the inflammation… can be downright miserable; however, when should you be concerned about your sinus pain? It’s important to recognize the warning signs that may indicate that it’s time to visit our Chesterfield, MO, ENT doctor, Dr. Paul Burk, for an evaluation.
Not all Sinus Infections are the Same
It’s important to recognize that not all sinus infections are caused by the same thing. Sure, most sinus infections are viral and will clear up on their own, but sometimes sinus infections are bacterial. The best way to determine if a sinus infection is bacterial is to come into our Chesterfield, MO, ENT practice. A simple nasal swab can help us determine if the culture is bacterial or not.
Know When Sinus Problems Require Treatment
If your sinus pain and pressure don’t get better over the next week or so, this is often a sign of a bacterial infection. This is when you should turn to Dr. Burk for diagnosis and treatment. After all, while a viral sinus infection won’t respond to antibiotic therapy, a bacterial sinus infection will require treatment. If symptoms are severe or aren’t clearing up on their own, it’s time to give us a call.
Sinus Pain Could Indicate Another Issue
Sinus pain doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a sinus infection. If your pain is chronic or persistent, this could also be a sign of an underlying issue such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Again, coming into our office for an evaluation will both rule out what’s not causing your sinus pain while also pinpointing the root cause.
It’s important to turn to an ENT doctor if you’re dealing with sinus pain, especially any new or worsening pain, as treatment options will depend on the cause. For example, how we treat sinusitis is very different from how we treat nasal polyps, and it’s important that you are treating the problem directly and effectively to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Don’t let sinus pain and pressure impact your daily routine here in Chesterfield, MO. Dr. Burk and the team at Ear Nose and Throat Balloon Sinuplasty can provide you with answers and treatment options. Call us today at (314) 447-4995.