So you think you have a bad case of seasonal allergies, but when is it time to seek medical intervention for your condition?

The five highly trained doctors at the Ear Nose & Throat Specialists of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, PA, can help you determine what you are suffering from and the best course of action to take, providing you with long-term relief from possible sinusitis.

Explaining Sinus Infections?

When your sinus cavity becomes inflamed, you can develop a sinus infection. This condition targets the sinus cavities in the face, specifically the nose, forehead, and upper cheeks. The sinuses are typically filled with air and can help drain the nose and keep the airways clean.

If these areas become inflamed, the air inside the sinus cavities can change, causing pressure and these symptoms:

• Itchy/watery eyes
• Runny or congested nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat from sinus drainage
• Sinus headache

There are various kinds of infections. Depending on the environmental trigger, sinus infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal.

• Viruses can happen just like a cold. This type will get better with time and leave.
• Bacteria can set up in your sinuses and come and go. You may feel like you are getting better, but the next day, you may feel bad again. Bacterial infections usually last 10 to 14 days and need an antibiotic to clear up.
• Fungal infections are more challenging to eliminate because a weakened immune system can cause them. To clear up the issue, antifungal drugs and sometimes surgery are needed.

Diagnosing and Treatment

Our specialized group of doctors at Ear Nose & Throat Specialists of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, PA, can help you diagnose your case of sinusitis.

Sometimes, it's harder to diagnose this disease as it also shares symptoms with COVID and the common cold, which can cause sinusitis, so how would our doctors diagnose it for you?

There are some differences, such as facial pain or the location of a sinus headache. Also, the duration of symptoms can help in diagnosis. 

If you start having a darker green discharge, fever, or difficulty breathing, scheduling an appointment with our providers is best. You may need an antibiotic to recover from this illness.

Sinus Help in Erie, PA

This infection usually resolves itself with at-home care. You can reduce pesky symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking plenty of water, and resting.  

If you think your symptoms are worsening or you have breathing problems, please call (814) 864-9994 to schedule a sinusitis consultation appointment with one of our specialty doctors at Ear Nose & Throat Specialists of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, PA.