What kind of Doctor specializes in sinus problems?
At Mayo Clinic, doctors who specialize in nose and sinus problems (rhinologists) treat people with nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, skull base tumors and many other conditions.
Who treats nasal polyps at Mayo Clinic?
People who come to Mayo Clinic with nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, skull base tumors, or other conditions of the nose and sinus are treated by rhinologists. With the rhinology specialty group, you receive team-based comprehensive care for the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. Your rhinologist collaborates with internists and surgeons.
What is Mayo Clinic Health System?
Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities that serve the health care needs of people in 70 communities in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What does a rhinologist do at Mayo Clinic?
Rhinology (nose and sinus) Overview. At Mayo Clinic, doctors who specialize in nose and sinus problems (rhinologists) treat people with nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, skull base tumors and many other conditions.
Which doctor should be consulted for sinus?
ENT specialists -- or otolaryngologists -- have advanced medical and surgical training in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, ranging from simple sinusitis and allergies to complex cancers, trauma and deformities of the head, neck and face.
What is a sinus surgeon called?
Our rhinologists are experts in diagnosing and treating nose and sinus problems and related complex medical issues.
How do I clear my sinuses Mayo Clinic?
TreatmentSaline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages.Nasal corticosteroids. ... Decongestants. ... Allergy medications. ... OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.
Who do I go to for sinus infection?
If you believe you have chronic or recurring sinusitis, consider asking for a referral to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. You may need imaging and other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Can an ENT clean out sinuses?
Your ENT specialist may recommend a nasal/sinus irrigation to open you your nasal passages if you have allergies, sinusitis (sinus infection), or a viral URI.
Does insurance cover sinus surgery?
Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of sinus surgery that is deemed medically necessary. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your health insurance plan. You may want to schedule your surgery later in the year after you have met your deductible to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How do I get rid of chronic sinusitis?
TreatmentNasal corticosteroids. ... Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.Oral or injected corticosteroids. ... Allergy medications. ... Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis and nasal polyps.More items...•
Does Covid cause sinus drainage?
Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Body aches. Congestion or runny nose.
How do doctors drain sinuses?
Balloon sinuplasty allows the surgeon to dilate a blocked sinus, creating open space, which allows the sinus to drain normally. The surgeon uses a flexible endoscope with a light to guide the insertion of a thin wire. The wire is then moved through the nasal passages toward the opening of the blocked sinus.
Should I go to an ENT for a sinus infection?
A cold will go away on its own; but it may leave behind sinusitis If you have any of the above symptoms for more than 10 days, or if your cold symptoms suddenly get worse after seven days, you should consult an ENT. An ENT is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your sinusitis.
How do I know if its sinus or Covid?
COVID-19 vs. For instance, a runny nose can be a symptom of COVID-19. However, there are some symptoms unique to COVID-19. Gastrointestinal issues, fever, body aches and a new loss of taste or smell are not typical of allergies or a sinus infection.
What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?
Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis.
What is the best treatment for sinusitis?
Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops ...
How to help sinuses heal faster?
Moisturize your sinuses. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face.
What test to do if you have sinusitis?
An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that allergies might be triggering your chronic sinusitis, he or she might recommend an allergy skin test. A skin test is safe and quick and can help detect what allergen is responsible for your nasal flare-ups. Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures). Cultures are generally unnecessary ...
How to diagnose sinusitis?
Methods for diagnosing chronic sinusitis include: Imaging tests. Images taken using CT or MRI can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These might pinpoint a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that's difficult to detect using an endoscope. Looking into your sinuses.
Can corticosteroids cause sinusitis?
Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis. Under medical supervision, you're gradually given larger doses of aspirin to increase your tolerance.
Can antibiotics help with sinusitis?
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for sinusitis if you have a bacterial infection. If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications.
What is the best treatment for sinusitis?
It's been suggested that products containing certain combinations of herbs may be of some help. These combination therapies contain cowslip, gentian root, elderflower, verbena and sorrel.
How to treat sinusitis?
Treatments to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may recommend treatments to help relieve sinusitis symptoms, including: Saline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages. Nasal corticosteroids . These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation.
How to get rid of sinuses?
This will help ease pain and help mucus drain. Rinse your nasal passages. Use a specially designed squeeze bottle (Sinus Rinse, others) or neti pot. This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses.
What is the best way to check sinuses?
A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to visually inspect the inside of your sinuses. Imaging studies. A CT scan shows details of your sinuses and nasal area. It's not usually recommended for uncomplicated acute sinusitis, but imaging studies might help find abnormalities ...
How to get rid of sinus infection?
Moisten your sinus cavities. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and help mucus drain.
Can you get a sinus test for sinusitis?
Nasal and sinus samples. Laboratory tests aren't generally necessary for diagnosing acute sinusitis. However, when the condition fails to respond to treatment or is worsening, tissue samples (cultures) from your nose or sinuses might help find the cause, such as a bacterial infection. Allergy testing. If your doctor suspects that allergies have ...
Can antibiotics help with sinusitis?
Antibiotics. Antibiotics usually aren't needed to treat acute sinusitis. Even if your acute sinusitis is bacterial, it may clear up without treatment. Your doctor might wait and watch to see if your acute sinusitis worsens before prescribing antibiotics. However, severe, progressive or persistent symptoms might require antibiotics.
What to do if you have sinus problems?
Call your family or primary care doctor if you have symptoms of sick sinus syndrome. You might be referred to a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating heart conditions (cardiologist). Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and symptoms. Write down your answers to help you remember details.
What to do if you don't have sinus symptoms?
If you don't have symptoms, your doctor may recommend regularly scheduled exams to monitor your condition.
What test is used to determine if sinus node is a problem?
To determine if your symptoms are related to problems with the sinus node and heart function, your doctor may use the following tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG). During this test, sensors (electrodes) are attached to your chest and legs to create a record ...
How to keep sinuses healthy?
Pacing the heart. Most people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need a permanent artificial pacemaker to maintain a regular heartbeat. This small, battery-powered electronic device is implanted under the skin near your collarbone during a minor surgical procedure.
How to prevent sinus infection?
You many not necessarily prevent sick sinus syndrome, but you can take steps to keep your heart as healthy as possible and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease: Exercise and eat a healthy diet . Live a heart-healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly.
Can you faint from sinuses?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Symptoms of sick sinus syndrome — such as dizziness, shortness of breath and fainting — only occur when the heart is beating abnormally. You may not have symptoms at the time of your doctor's appointment. To determine if your symptoms are related ...
Can a single chamber pacemaker be used for sinuses?
Some rhythms can be treated with a single-chamber pacemaker, which uses only one wire (lead) in the right atrium to pace the heart rate . However, most people with sick sinus syndrome benefit from dual-chamber pacemakers.
How to treat migraines?
Migraines and chronic or recurrent headaches may be treated with prescription medication that is either taken every day to reduce or prevent headaches or taken at the onset of a headache to prevent it from getting worse. To treat these types of headaches, your doctor may recommend: Over-the-counter pain relievers.
What is the best medication for migraines?
Migraines and other types of headaches may be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Triptans. Many people with migraine attacks use triptans to relieve pain.
How to prevent sinus infection?
Try to stay away from people who have colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals. Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.
How long does sinusitis last?
Acute sinusitis may be a flare-up of a long-term problem known as chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks. Meningitis. This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
What causes sinuses to block?
Acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold. Signs and symptoms may include nasal obstruction and congestion, which may block your sinuses and prevent drainage of mucus. Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold, which is a viral infection. In some cases, a bacterial infection develops.
How long does it take for sinusitis to go away?
Acute sinusitis is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days and home remedies may be all that's needed to treat acute sinusitis.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Symptoms. Acute sinusitis symptoms often include: Thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (post nasal drainage) Nasal blockage or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose.
Do you need to see a doctor for sinusitis?
Most people with acute sinusitis don't need to see a doctor. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following: Symptoms that last more than a week or so. Symptoms that worsen after seeming to improve. A persistent fever. A history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
Does humidifier help sinusitis?
If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced-air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Diagnosis & treatment.
What is the best medicine for sinus pain?
Pain caused by pressure buildup in the sinus cavities may be relieved by pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Always use OTC products as directed. If your child becomes infected, check with his or her doctor to find out what's safe.
What OTC medication can help with sinus congestion?
OTC medications that may help include: Decongestants. These work by narrowing blood vessels to help reduce inflammation and swelling that cause sinus congestion. Such OTC medications (Sudafed, others) are available in liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. Pain relievers.
How to get rid of mucous secretions in sinuses?
Consuming additional fluids helps dilute mucous secretions and promotes drainage. Use a saline nasal spray. Saline washes or sprays can remove thick secretions and allow the sinuses to drain. Use a neti pot. A neti pot is a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity.
How to get rid of a swollen nose?
Inhale warm water vapor. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the moist air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. Apply warm compresses. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks and eyes to ease facial pain. Drink plenty of fluids.
How to prevent sinus infection?
Avoid contact with people who have colds or who are sick with other infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals. Manage your allergies.
How long does sinusitis last?
You've had sinusitis a number of times, and the condition doesn't respond to treatment. You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days. Your symptoms don't improve after you see your doctor. See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection: Fever.
What are the soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nose?
Close. Nasal polyps. Nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nose or sinuses. They often occur in groups, like grapes on a stem. Common causes of chronic sinusitis include: Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses. Deviated nasal septum.
Why is my sinus crooked?
A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse. Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage. Respiratory tract infections.
What causes sinuses to swell?
Overview. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses ( nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. ...
How to prevent sinusitis from smoking?
Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages. Use a humidifier . If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. Other signs and symptoms can include: Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms. But acute sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold.
What is Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities that serve the health care needs of people in 70 communities in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Can antibiotics treat sinus infection?
Treating Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics. Tomah , WI - People often want antibiotics to tackle a sinus infection but that might not be the best treatment since most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses. There are also complications that can develop with dependency on these drugs.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Try massaging by placing the index fingers on both sides of the nose
- Steam inhalation
- Place hot, wet towels over the affected sinuses
- Drink hot beverages
- Try OTC nasal decongestant nasal spray or tablets
- Avoid known allergic triggers
- Avoid common irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution
- Avoid sudden humidity changes
- Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated
- Try nasal saline sprays or rinses
- Discharge containing pus/blood from only one side of the nose
- Face pain, tenderness, or both
- Expected foreign body in the nose ( in case of children)
- Causes sleep disturbances
- Fever and mild body ache
- Yellow/green discharge from the nose
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Decongestion does not decrease even after a week
- High fever
- Severe body pain
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: 1. Nasal corticosteroids.These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops of budesonide or usin...
Diagnosis
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Treatment
- These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms: 1. Rest.This can help your body fight inflammation and speed recovery. 2. Moisturize your sinuses.Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air to help ease pain and help mucus drain. 3…
Clinical Trials
- You'll likely see your primary care doctor first for symptoms of sinusitis. If you've had several episodes of acute sinusitis or appear to have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may refer you to an allergist or an ear, nose and throat specialist for evaluation and treatment. When you see your doctor, expect a thorough examination of your sinuses. Here's information to help you get ready …
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
- Most cases of acute sinusitis get better on their own. Self-care techniques are usually all you need to ease symptoms.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Diagnosis
- These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms: 1. Rest.This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery. 2. Drink fluids.Continue to drink plenty of fluids. 3. Use a warm compress.A warm compress on your nose and forehead may help relieve the pressure in your sinuses. 4. Moisten your sinus cavities.Drape a towel over your hea...
Treatment
- No alternative therapies have been proved to ease the symptoms of acute sinusitis. It's been suggested that products containing certain combinations of herbs may be of some help. These combination therapies contain cowslip, gentian root, elderflower, verbena and sorrel. Possible side effects from these herbal products include stomach upset, diarrhea and allergic skin reacti…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- When you see your doctor, expect a thorough examination of your sinuses. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Preparing For Your Appointment