Northwest Sinus Center is here for you in Bend, OR, when you have a sinus infection. Dr. Ryan Gallivan, your ENT, and rhinologist is skilled at diagnosing and treating the entire spectrum of sinus disorders. Keep reading for tips on clearing up a sinus infection, and come see us if you are concerned about the health of your sinuses.

What is a sinus infection?

When your sinuses are healthy, air flows through them. With a sinus infection, the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed and the sinuses fill with mucus. This causes nasal congestion, headaches, and facial pain. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can be triggered by a cold or allergies. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection or polyps, which are growths in the sinus cavities.

Treating a sinus infection

You should always contact your ENT for sinus infection treatment in Bend, OR if it seems to be lingering too long or is very painful, or if you're frequently getting sinus infections. The typical infection caused by a cold or allergies will take some time to clear up, but you can treat symptoms to ease any discomfort.

It's important to start treatment as soon as you're feeling symptoms of a sinus infection. Different treatments your doctor may recommend to ease your symptoms include:

● Antihistamines are helpful when your symptoms are triggered by allergies
● Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor
● Decongestant medications
● Nasal irrigation helps flush out your sinuses for some relief

Surgery is typically only recommended if your infections are chronic and you haven't responded to other treatments. A balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. Your doctor uses a ballon at the end of a scope to open up inflamed sinuses, the same way a heart surgeon opens blocked arteries during balloon angioplasty. If your chronic sinusitis is caused by growths in your sinuses, your doctor may recommend more traditional sinus surgery to remove them.

If you are struggling with sinus infections, Dr. Ryan Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center is here to help. Contact us for an appointment in Bend, OR, at (855) 746-8700.