Are you worried that you may have a sinus infection? Your Bend, OR, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), doctor, Dr. Ryan Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center, offers several sinus infection treatment options that will relieve sinus pain and pressure.

Sinus infections signs and symptoms

When your sinuses are inflamed and infected, you may experience these symptoms:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Pain and pressure in your forehead and around your eyes
• Headaches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Pain in upper teeth
• Post-nasal drip
• Morning nausea due to post-nasal drip
• Fatigue

Treating sinus infections

Although sinus infections can go away on their own, it's best to call the Bend, OR, sinus center for sinus infection treatment if your symptoms don't improve in a week to 10 days or you have severe symptoms. During your visit, your ENT may recommend one or more of these treatments:

• Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Anti-inflammatory medication decreases pain and swelling in your sinuses.
• Decongestants: These drugs reduce mucus, making it easier to breathe.
• Nasal Irrigation: Saline sprays, Neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices remove mucus, improve drainage and help reduce congestion.
• Steroid Medication: You may need steroid medication if you have severe inflammation in your sinuses. Your doctor may recommend a nasal steroid spray or prescribe oral medication.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics usually to be routinely prescribed for sinus infections, but doctors prefer a "wait and see" approach these days to prevent antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are only needed if you have a bacterial sinus infection.
• Allergy Treatment: If you get sinus infections often, allergies may be to blame. Keeping your allergies under control with medication may reduce the number of sinus infections you get.
• Surgery: Most people don't need surgery for sinus issues, but it may be the best option if you have chronic sinus infections that don't respond to other treatments. During surgery, your doctor can remove mucus and enlarge sinus openings for better drainage.

Do you need sinus infection treatment? Call your ENT in Bend, OR, Dr. Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center, at (855) 746-8700 to schedule your appointment.