Sinus

Sinus Issues

HICKORY ALLERGY ASTHMA & SINUSITIS CLINIC IN HICKORY, NC

If you or your family member suffer from chronic sinus problems, you are not alone. Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. Approximately 15% or 37 million people suffer with chronic sinusitis each year, costs per year are 11 billion dollars. Twenty per cent of all antibiotics are written for sinusitis in adults. The overall incidence of sinusitis is on the rise primarily because of increased recognition with improved diagnostic and x-ray procedures as well as increased physician awareness of this problem. At Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, we will focus our attention on the prevention and long-term management of this chronic disease. We even have a low radiation CT Scanner in our office which aids in the diagnosis and treatment of this common disease. We do not have to guess we can be certain whether you need an antibiotic or not. We can also see if you have a deviated septum or other issues that need further help and referral to the appropriate place. We don’t ascribe to the “watchful waiting” approach when you or your child are suffering.

Woman Feeling Sick — Hickory, NC — Hickory Allergy and Asthma Clinic PA

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis usually include headache, persistent cough, postnasal drainage, facial pain, change in taste or smell, repeated low-grade fevers, persistent purulent nasal discharge, increased wheezing in asthmatics, and earache and bad breath in children. Your child may not have a headache with sinusitis. In fact, cough can be the primary symptom in children. Simply a high index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis. Often surgery is not needed but when appropriate we will make sure you see the best help available.

DIAGNOSIS OF SINUSITIS

On physical exam, patients may not have any obvious signs of infection other than possibly swelling in the nasal airways. In order to help determine if sinusitis is present in patients with a normal physical exam, the most reliable test is a mini CT scan of the sinuses which involves minimal irradiation, but it gives an excellent view of the nasal anatomy and will show the presence or absence of mucosal swelling within the sinuses. In addition, other x-ray studies can be done as well as nasal smears, and certainly skin testing should be pursued to determine the allergic basis of the problem.


At Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, the most common presenting complaint is multiple infections requiring repeated courses of antibiotics. The patient will improve while they are on the antibiotic, but then the infection comes back within a few weeks of completing the round of antibiotics. We will explore your immunity and anatomy to find out why you or your child is suffering from these repeated infections and try to put an end to it or at least gain control to make infections less severe and less frequent.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS

At Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, we recommend several different treatment options, for Sinusitis, to our patients. In conjunction with antibiotics, here are a few of those option that will help you feel better quickly:



  1. Heat, Steam and Postural Drainage promote drainage which reduces pain. Place warm cloths on face/head or inhale steam. Postural drainage is accomplished by following these steps: tilt your head back over the edge of the bed and hold it in that position for 3 minutes; turn your head to the right for 3 minutes; and then turn your head to the left for 3 minutes. We can use nasal decongestants as well.
  2. Nasal Washes aid in reducing the bacteria and mucus in the nose and sinuses. You may get temporary relief from nasal congestion and postnasal drip. You may purchase premixed saline in the pharmacy. We also recommend different approaches depending on the time of the year. Nasal gels help in the winter with proper humidification.
  3. Analgesics reduce pain. However the best pain killer is to promote drainage.



Call Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic today to finally put an end to your sinus problems. No need to be miserable anymore.

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