Sinus Infections
What Causes a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection is caused by bacteria that has invaded your sinuses. You can develop a sinus infection from having a viral or bacterial illness like the flu or a cold, or exposure to an allergen or fungus. Dental issues can also lead to the development of a sinus infection. Nasal polyps or other growths can increase your risk of developing a sinus infection. At Covington ENT & Allergy Clinic, Dr. Brad LeBert can treat your sinus infection in Covington, LA.
How to Know if You Have a Sinus Infection
Signs and symptoms of a sinus infection can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Fever
- Headache
- A sore throat
- Chronic coughing
- Throbbing pain behind the eyes
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
Sinus Infection Treatment
Sinus infections typically don’t resolve without treatment. Professional treatment for a sinus infection in Covington, LA may include:
- Prescription strength antihistamines and decongestants
- Antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection
- Corticosteroid medication to decrease swelling and open your nasal passages
- Allergy testing to determine if your sinus infection is caused by allergies
- Allergy shots or sublingual therapy
Helpful Tips to Prevent a Sinus Infection
There are several steps you can take to help prevent a sinus infection. You can:
- Irrigate your sinuses with a saline solution to clean out and hydrate your nasal passages and sinuses
- Wash your hands often and don’t touch your mouth, nose, eyes, and face
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom to help keep the air moist and reduce nasal irritation
- Avoid tobacco smoke, perfume, plant and flower pollens, dust, and other substances that can irritate sinuses
Nasal Congestion Treatment
Also known as rhinitis, nasal congestion is a common problem that causes a feeling of fullness or swelling in the face, and fluid may also drip out of the nose. There are several irritants which can lead to nasal congestion, including tobacco smoke, perfume, dust, and plant and flower pollens. Nasal congestion can also be a symptom of another underlying condition, such as a viral infection like a cold or the flu. Dr. Brad LeBert at Covington ENT & Allergy Clinic in Covington, LA is here to help you with all of your ear, nose, and throat needs.
When You Should See an ENT Specialist for Treatment of Nasal Congestion
You should see an ENT specialist if your nasal congestion:
- Lasts longer than 10 days and is accompanied by a high fever
- Causes a yellow or green discharge from your nose
- Causes a bloody discharge from your nose
- Causes ongoing facial pain
If you have a child who is experiencing nasal congestion, you should bring your child in to see Dr. LeBert if the nasal congestion is continuing or getting worse, or your child is having problems breathing.
Treatment of Nasal Congestion
When you come in for your appointment at Covington ENT & Allergy Clinic in Covington, LA, Dr. LeBert specialist will start with a complete physical examination and may recommend allergy testing to see if the nasal congestion is caused by allergies.
In addition to allergy testing, your ENT specialist may prescribe:
- Antihistamines and decongestants to improve breathing and decrease congestion
- Nasal sprays to open nasal passages
- Allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy to control allergy symptoms
- Helpful Tips to Prevent Nasal Congestion
Reducing the amount of allergens in the air can help decrease nasal congestion.
To modify your home environment you should:
- Vacuum frequently, or consider switching to hardwood floors
- Wash pillowcases and sheets frequently
- Use hypoallergenic sheets and linens
- Install a HEPA filter in the bedroom to filter out irritants
- Keep pets off furniture and out of the bedroom
Start your Journey to
To find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of nasal congestion, call ENT specialist, Dr. LeBert at Covington ENT & Allergy Clinic in Covington, LA. You can reach him in the office by calling (985) 327-1987.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about our services to help you find the answers you need.