Sinus Infection Treatment In Will County And Dupage County Illinois
If youre experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, the experts at Oak Brook Allergists can help you find relief especially if you have chronic sinusitis. Our allergy and immunology physicians and specially-trained assistants work together to provide you with the relief you need.
Make an appointment today by calling 574-0460, or you may request an appointment online.
Sore Throat And Cough
The constant presence of mucus draining down your throat causes irritation. Your voice can be raspy and sore in a way thats different from a regular sore throat. In fact, your throat symptoms may not even start until the later stages of a cold for example, when youre otherwise feeling better but your nose is still draining. This is a very common complication of postnasal drip.
Sinus Shortness Of Breath
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Why Sinus Sufferers Have Bad Breath And What To Do
Dr. Ivker Patient Question: I have really bad breath and it smells like infection, what should I do?
If youre conscious of your breath or even embarrassed, youre not alone. Its a common issue for sinus sufferers, and theres a solution. Unfortunately, this is a very common complaint by both the sinus sufferer and those around you . There are three common reasons for this:
1). Indigestion causing bad breath
2). Sinus infection
3). Candida or fungal infection
I know the symptoms because my wife used to remind me quite often that, your breath stinks or you smell like you have an infection. I commonly had sinus infections, I was a chronic sinus sufferer, I had indigestion every time I ate, I was always congested, my sinuses were always clogged and I had no relief . Its no wonder when you have all of that nasty production going down your throat.
The common culprit of all 3 above is a candida overgrowth. Candida can cause indigestion and heartburn. It causes congestion and continual sinus infections, which is like a stagnant cesspool of heinous muck. This bad fungus also feeds on fats, sugars, and yeasts that you eat, which their toxic waste is like a garbage dump emitting a bad odor in the back of your throat resulting in bad breath.
How Do I Know if I Have a Candida Overgrowth?
There are two reliable ways to find out, both support the other:
1). Take the online Candida Quiz
2). The A.M. saliva test
How Do You Get Rid of It?
Follow Dr. Ivkers 7 Step Process
Nasal Obstruction Treatment Options
Ear Nose and Throat doctors often treat nasal obstruction with medicines. Many address reversible causes of nasal swelling like underlying allergies. They might prescribe you a nasal steroid spray to reduce inflammation of your turbinates and nose.
Your doctor might suggest you have your adenoids surgically removed if they’re causing your nasal obstruction. Most doctors perform adenoidectomies on an outpatient basis.
They might perform surgery to shrink your turbinates if you don’t show improvement with medicines. There are a few new surgical approaches that they could use to shrink turbinates, which include a small tissue-shaving device and radiofrequency energy.
Your ENT doctor may recommend balloon sinuplasty to drain the large nasal sinuses, clear blocked sinuses, or reduce inflammation. Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic, minimally invasive procedure whereby your doctor inserts a small catheter that has a balloon that can inflate when inside your nasal cavity. It is typically performed as an in-patient procedure.
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Which Tests Are Used To Diagnose Breathing Problems
Doctors diagnose breathing problems by doing a physical exam, asking about your overall health, and using various tests. For instance, pulmonary or lung function tests can measure lung function in people who have asthma. These include spirometry and a test known as a methacholine challenge.
Spirometry is a simple breathing test. It measures how much air you can blow in and out of your lungs, and how fast and how easily you can do this. It can tell whether your airways are blocked and how much. A methacholine challenge test may help with a diagnosis of asthma. Your doctor will know which test is best for your situation.
Your doctor may take an X-ray to see inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, and bones. A chest X-ray is a good test to diagnose pneumonia. But it can’t identify most breathing problems by itself. Some people with breathing problems may need a CT scan of their chest. It uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.
If you have long-term sinusitis, your doctor may order a special sinus CT scan.
Treatment For Sinusitis And Bronchitis
You can treat a sinus infection at home with a combination of medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestant sprays, topical nasal corticosteroid sprays, and nasal saline washes. All of these methods can help address the inflammation and swelling that occur in the nasal passages and sinus openings due to a sinus infection.
However, topical nasal decongestants should only be used for three or four days, as overuse can result in dependency. Likewise, over-the-counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines may contain drying agents that can thicken mucus and should be used sparingly and with caution so as to not cause additional congestion.
Home remedies for bronchitis include increasing the amount of fluid you consume and using a cool-mist humidifier. Drinking more fluids can help to thin the mucus in the lungs. Using a humidifier can soothe irritated airways.
The most common medications that can assist with bronchitis are bronchodilators and decongestants.
Bronchodilators can provide relief by opening tight air passages in the lungs. If you experience any wheezing, a doctor may prescribe one for you. Decongestants may relieve some of the symptoms associated with bronchitis. Because bronchitis is generally caused by a virus, antibiotics are not helpful in its treatment.
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Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.
The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.
This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed
Often, your healthcare provider can diagnosis sinusitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Sometimes other tests are done. These may include:
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Cultures from the nose
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Sinus computed tomography . This imaging method uses X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body.
Your healthcare provider will figure out the best care based on:
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How old you are
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Can Post Nasal Drip Make You Short Of Breath
Post nasal drip can be a trigger for an asthma attack, causing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the inflamed airways can produce additional mucus, further narrowing the space through which air can pass through.
Can sinusitis affect the lungs?
Over time, recurrent lung inflammation due to sinusitis or lung infections can actually damage your lungs, worsening your COPD and causing a substantial decline in your ability to function. Sinusitis can make COPD worse to the point that it increases the risk of COPD-related hospitalization and re-admission.
Development Of A Chronic Condition
Mucus overproduction and poor drainage can be part of a cycle of ongoing respiratory infections, a condition calledsinusitis. Postnasal drip might not contribute directly to sinusitis, but it can be a constant companion until the sinusitis is effectively treated.
Contact Alexis Furze, MD when your postnasal drip lasts more than 10 days. Call the office directly to book an appointment to find the relief you need now.
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Can Sinus Affect Your Chest
This happens when mucous accumulates in the back of the sinuses and, yes, drips down into the throat and chest. Post-nasal drip usually means more mucous gets into your chest. Having a phlemy sounding cough, and coughing up all that mucous , is a classic sinus infection symptom.
Can sinus infection move to lungs?
In certain patients, however, the infection can result in lower respiratory symptoms such as cough and chest congestion, eventually turning into bronchitis, sometimes even pneumonia. This typically occurs from infected post nasal drainage entering the lungs.
Throat Irritation And Cough
As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.
It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.
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When Its Time To See A Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience sinus infection symptoms of fever, facial pain, congestion, or nasal discharge that last longer than ten days or that keep coming back.
Dethlefs says you should see a medical provider, If nasal drainage changes from clear to thick and yellow. If fever spikes and persists more than 24-48 hours or symptoms arent adequately treated with OTC therapies.
Fever represents a rare symptom of a sinus infection, indicating you have another illness or underlying condition. Your doctor can perform an evaluation and the necessary testing to identify and treat the root cause of your symptoms.
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Can Blocked Sinuses Cause Anxiety
The study, which ran from 2002 to 2013, showed that the individuals with chronic sinusitis had a 50 percent higher likelihood of experiencing depression or anxiety. The more severe their symptoms, the better the odds of developing mental health problems.
How do you get rid of shortness of breath from sinuses?
Gently pinch your nose closed, close your mouth, and slowly nod your head up and down while holding your breath for as long as possible. 5. Once you cant hold your breath any longer, be sure to breathe using your nose again and try to keep your breaths calm and focused.
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How Are Breathing Problems Treated
Things that cause breathing problems are known as triggers. Avoiding triggers is the No. 1 way to control allergies and asthma. It may help to wear a dust mask when doing housework or yard work, limit contact with a furry pet, wash bed linens at least once a week, stay indoors during peak pollen times, and change the filter on your air conditioner often.
Continued
Medications are also important in treating breathing problems. Oral or nasal allergy drugs such as antihistamines and may make it easier to breathe.
Inhaled steroids can help. These drugs reduce inflammation in your airways. Allergy shots lower your sensitivity to allergens and may ease some breathing problems.
For asthma, inhaled or oral drugs help open airways and fight inflammation. These medications help ease or even prevent airway blockage and extra mucus. People who have asthma must control inflammation in order to keep their airways open and lower sensitivity to asthma triggers including:
- Irritating pollutants in the air
- Fragrances and fumes
Signs That Indicate You Have A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection occurs when the tissues lining your sinuses become inflamed, swollen, and infected. Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection shares many of the same symptoms as the common cold and COVID-19, making it difficult for you to determine whether you should treat your condition at home or see your doctor.
Lauren Dethlefs, PA-C, a physician assistant with Healthcare Associates located in McKinney, explains, Acute sinusitis is typically triggered by a cold or allergies and is self-limiting. The sinuses can also become infected with a bacteria leading to a bacterial sinusitis which requires medical treatment. Fungal infections can also lead to sinusitis.
What does a sinus infection feel like, and what are the symptoms of a sinus infection? Continue reading to learn more about determining if you have a sinus infection and about effective treatments.
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Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice
Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.
If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.
Why Diagnosis Is Important
Because patients cant breathe through their nose, they mouth breathe while sleeping, causing them to snore. Sometimes nasal polyps can make snoring severe enough to tip a patient who snores over to sleep apnea which has a substantial effect on patients.
Patients with sleep apnea dont sleep well, and they are at higher risk for other health problems, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and memory and concentration problems.
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Do You Suffer From Allergies And Asthma
Dont let allergies run your life. Talk to a Columbia Allergy clinic today to find relief.
Monica H.First time at allergy specialist they really care about my kids lifestyle they care more about their patients that their wallet. Now days that’s a keeper.
David W.Adam and the staff were great at considering my concerns, explaining my results and listening to my questions. Plus everyone was on time and things moved swiftly.
Pain Tenderness Or Pressure Around The Face
Some people believe that our sinuses are only in the nose. However, these sacs spread out around the entire nasal area and cover the space from the lower forehead all the way to the front of the cheekbones.
Because they cover a good portion of the face, you could feel pain all over this area. As mucus accumulates in the nasal passages, it may push on your nerves. As a result, you may feel tenderness, pressure, or heaviness in your face.
Nov 30, 2021 | Blog, Shortness of breath and dizziness
Shortness of breath and dizziness are two things that almost everyone has been through in their lives at least once. There are various reasons for these issues to occur, ranging from asthma, and stress to anemia. These issues do not mean that you take a hike to the emergency room every time.
However, dizziness and shortness of breath may indicate a more grave condition like a blood clot in the lungs arteries or maybe even a heart attack. A dizzy person has a sensation of vertigo, room revolving, or moving around. This can cause balance issues and instability. Presyncope makes a person lightheaded and may give fainting feels, with nausea or blurred vision.
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Problems That Can Develop If You Have Postnasal Drip
You probably dont give nasal mucus a thought until its aggravated by a cold or allergies. Then, it can dominate your days until the underlying cause is over. While in most cases,postnasal drip is a temporary symptom that clears up with time, it can have complications, or it may be part of other rare health conditions that may not clear up naturally.
When postnasal drip becomes chronic, visitAlexis Furze, MD in Newport Beach. As an otolaryngologist and facial surgeon, Dr. Furze is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat many of the conditions that cause post nasal drip and its complications.
What Nasal And Sinus Problems May Lead To Breathing Difficulty
Breathing difficulty can be caused by numerous factors, including sinus and nasal conditions that lead to restricted, congested or inflamed nasal passages.
Sinus and nasal problems that cause breathing issues may include:
- Chronic sinusitis, which can cause nasal congestion and post-nasal drip
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged nasal turbinates
- Allergic rhinitis
Simply put, any sinus or nasal problem that leads to potential nasal obstruction, either due to a physical, structural issue or due to an inflammatory sinus condition can be the source of breathing difficulty.
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Sinus Infection Symptoms Vs Covid
COVID-19 shares many of the same symptoms as a sinus infection, making it difficult for you to determine whether you have a sinus infection or COVID.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by an infectious virus, while a sinus infection results from inflammation of the nasal passages. COVID-19 also has far more symptoms than a sinus infection.
Additional symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever and chills
- Bluish tint to the lips and face
- Loss of smell and/or taste that occurs without congestion
- Pink eye, characterized by irritation, redness, and itching of the eyes puffy eyes eye discharge sensitivity to light
- Gastrointestinal upset
COVID-19 produces a dry cough without mucus, while a sinus infection produces a wet cough with mucus. COVID-19 and a sinus infection can both cause shortness of breath, though, with a sinus infection, this symptom is usually only present in severe cases.
The pain produced by a sinus infection generally presents in your head, such as throughout your cheeks, brow, and forehead. In contrast, COVID-19 causes all-over body aches, chest pain, and a wide range of gastrointestinal problems.
Cases of acute sinusitis typically last less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts for at least 12 weeks or longer and recurs often. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus and resolve within two weeks.
If you remain unsure whether you have a sinus infection or COVID-19, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.