Sinus infection
Find relief for sinus infections with Dr. Nancy Becker, an ear, nose, and throat specialist. We will find the best solution for your specific needs.
Stuffed up? No problem
If your nose or face feel stuffed up and painful but over-the-counter options aren’t effective, it’s time to ask an ear, nose, and throat specialist like Dr. Nancy Becker about sinus infections. Make an appointment by phone for a personalized consultation at her clinic’s Enumclaw or Bonney Lake, Washington, office. Over 35 million Americans develop sinus infections once a year, but when common treatments aren’t enough, prescriptions or surgeries are worth considering to find relief fast.
Becker Hearing Center
Phone: (360) 825-4027
Email: swilkie@ent-allergywa.com
Your immune system reacts to a variety of foreign objects it comes into contact with, and allergies are when your body encounters irritants in the air or food, whether through touch, breathing, or ingesting. Allergens are substances triggering any common symptoms:
• Itchy skin, mouth, or eyes
• Tongue, throat, or face swelling
• Coughs
• Nausea
• Sneezing
• Breakout of rashes or hives
• Scrathy Throat
• Vomiting
Thankfully, allergy exams can pinpoint allergens. The earlier your diagnosis, the better you can avoid dangerous allergic reactions. Dr. Becker recommends testing even if your symptoms are mild so you’re empowered to live the most comfortable life possible.
Allergy Treatment
If your nose or face feel stuffed up and painful but over-the-counter options aren’t effective, it’s time to ask an ear, nose, and throat specialist like Dr. Nancy Becker about sinus infections. Make an appointment by phone for a personalized consultation at her clinic’s Enumclaw or Bonney Lake, Washington, office. Over 35 million Americans develop sinus infections once a year, but when common treatments aren’t enough, prescriptions or surgeries are worth considering to find relief fast.
About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, so if you think you’re one of them and live in the Puget Sound region, get tested by an ear, nose, and throat specialist like Dr. Nancy Becker. Call her Bonney Lake or Enumclaw, Washington office for a personalized allergy exam and the best available treatment options including immunotherapy.
Hearing Aids
When hearing loss makes it difficult for you to have conversations, consider using one or two hearing aids. The Hearing Center at the Dr. Nancy Becker clinic provides the latest listening devices for women and men. Call the Enumclaw or Bonney Lake, Washington, office today for a personalized consultation about Bluetooth® hearing aids.
Sinus Infections
FAQs
Formally known as sinusitis, sinus infections are inflammations of the linings of the sinus air cavities under your face, causing a buildup of fluids and germs. In your nose or cheekbones, between your eyes, or above your brows, you may experience many instances of sudden and long-lasting discomfort.
Sinusitis has many common symptoms:
- Pressure or pain
- Congestion (stuffed-up feeling)
- Runny nose
- Discolored nose or throat drainage
- Cough
- Complications like fever, toothaches, bad breath, or fatigue
Your sinuses are a system of hollows in your skull that may help with vocalization or humidifying the air you breathe, but they’re easily congested from a variety of threats to your immune system.
Causes may include:
- Viruses like the common cold
- Bacteria
- Allergens (allergic rhinitis)
- Fungi
- Noncancerous growths like polyps in your nasal lining
- Crooked nose (deviated septum)
- Blocked drain-ways
If over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal drops, and humidifying therapies are ineffective after three days, consult Dr. Becker about more significant measures like prescription antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, and antifungal medications before inquiring about surgery.
Dr. Becker prescribes surgery if your chronic or recurrent sinus infection is primarily due to a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or blocked drain ducts, especially when a CT scan confirms the diagnosis and other treatments have failed after four to six weeks. The primary objective of sinus surgeries is to unblock drainage ducts by widening them, though when a deviated septum is causing sinusitis, a secondary goal may be to balance your airflow by removing or reshaping your nasal cavities.
Dr. Becker administers a local or general anesthesia before your surgery, which may take up to four hours. She usually performs endoscopic surgery because it’s less invasive than traditional sinus surgery.
The former involves inserting a lighted camera tool (endoscope) through your nasal passage to help remove polyps or other tissue constricting the ducts, while the latter requires incisions through your face or the inside of your mouth. Dr. Becker always prescribes traditional surgery in the presence of complications like pus, bone infections, or brain abscesses.
Ask her about personalized expectations for recovery and at-home care following your procedure. In severe cases, some patients may require a second surgery for best results.
Experience comprehensive care for ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and cosmetic needs at our clinic. Our expert team provides expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and advanced procedures to enhance well-being and boost natural beauty.