Find out the different ways our Long Beach ENT specialists treat acute and chronic sinusitis.

Sinus infections are extremely common, affecting as many as 31 million Americans each year. While anyone can develop a sinus infection it is more common in those with allergies or asthma. If you find yourself dealing with a blocked nose, facial pain and pressure, and frequent headaches then you could very well be dealing with a sinus infection. Find out ways to treat your sinusitis and when to turn to our Long Beach, CA, otolaryngologists Drs. Jesse & Jesus Tan and Dr. Rose Eapen for treatment.

For Acute Sinusitis

Most people will choose to treat their sinus infection on their own before turning to a doctor for help. Many times simple over-the-counter medications like nasal decongestants and antihistamines can provide you with relief; however, if you find that they aren’t helping then it’s time to seek out an ENT doctor in Long Beach, CA, that can give you the answers (and relief) you need.

A sinus infection that is caused by bacteria will require antibiotics to get rid of the infection. An ENT specialist can also provide you with prescription-strength antihistamines and nasal sprays, which can be more effective than over-the-counter medications for treating sinusitis that is not a bacterial infection.

For Chronic Sinusitis

If your sinus infection symptoms last more than 12 weeks and aren’t responding to at-home care then you could be dealing with chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can be trickier to treat and it will require seeing an otolaryngologist who can figure out what might be causing your infection and, from there, creating a treatment plan that will work for you.

Sometimes strong medications like steroid sprays and oral corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce and prevent inflammation and swelling of the nasal cavity, which can lead to blockages. Steroid nasal sprays can be particularly beneficial to those who suffer from chronic or recurring sinus infections due to nasal polyps.

If allergies are the root cause then you may want to consider immunotherapy or allergy shots, which expose you to the allergen in amounts that slowly increase over time until your body is no longer sensitive to it.

Sometimes surgery is necessary in order to relieve the blockage and drain the sinuses. There are several different types of surgical options available, from traditional sinus surgery to less invasive options like endoscopic surgery and balloon sinuplasty. Your doctor can discuss your surgical treatment options with you.

If you are dealing with sinus problems it’s time to turn to the experts at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA, to get the proper care you deserve. Schedule an evaluation with us today.