Dr. Cole Rodman talks sinus health on King 5’s New Day Northwest.
How to treat your sinus problems – New Day NW | king5.com
If your nose always feels blocked, your head feels heavy or your sinuses seem to flare up year-round, you are not alone. Sinus issues affect people of all ages and often linger far longer than they should. The good news is that many of the most common sinus problems are very treatable once we understand what is actually causing them.
Why Sinus Problems Happen
Most sinus issues fall into one of two categories: mechanical or inflammatory.
Mechanical problems are structural. A deviated septum, narrow nasal passages or blocked sinus openings can physically prevent mucus from draining the way it should. When drainage is blocked, the nose feels stuffy and congested.
Inflammatory problems are driven by swelling inside the nose. Allergies, repeated infections and chronic irritation cause the lining of the nose to swell, which also limits airflow and drainage.
When airflow and drainage are restricted, people often experience congestion, pressure, facial pain and a persistent feeling that their nose is never clear.
At-Home Treatments That Help
Two at-home treatments consistently help when used correctly.
The first is a nasal saline rinse. This should always be made with distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled. The rinse helps flush allergens, mucus and irritants from the lining of the nose.
The second is a nasal steroid spray like Flonase. This medication is typically used once or twice daily and works by reducing inflammation within the nose. When swelling comes down, there is more space to breathe and less congestion.
These two treatments are often the best first step. If you are using them consistently and your symptoms still are not improving, it is time to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
When Surgery Is the Right Option
Many people still harbor concerns about sinus surgery due to what they have heard in the past. Two or three decades ago, sinus surgery often involved significant nasal packing and an uncomfortable recovery. That history still shapes how many people think about surgery today.
Sinus surgery now is very different. It is minimally invasive, with all of the work done inside the nose. In most cases, surgery is a mechanical solution that corrects structure by fixing a deviated septum or opening blocked sinus pathways to restore normal drainage.
Most procedures take two to three hours, depending on what needs to be addressed. It is an outpatient procedure, so patients typically go home the same day. Recovery typically involves about a week off work with some nasal congestion for a few weeks afterward. Most people feel surprisingly well once the anesthesia wears off and return to their everyday life much sooner than expected.
Surgery is not for everyone, but for the right patient, it can bring lasting relief.
When To See an ENT Specialist
If breathing through your nose feels difficult most of the time, that often points to a mechanical issue. Constant blockage, stuffiness or obstruction should be evaluated.
Inflammatory symptoms are another important reason to come in. Ongoing runny nose, sinus pain or pressure and recurrent sinus infections are not things you should have to live with. If you need antibiotics three or four times a year for sinus infections, it is a strong sign that it’s time to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Find Sinus Relief at Proliance Surgeons Puget Sound ENT
You do not have to push through feeling congested or uncomfortable every day. The correct diagnosis is often the first step toward long-term relief.
Proliance Surgeons Puget Sound ENT has offices in Edmonds, Seattle and Mill Creek. We can see patients quickly and provide comprehensive sinus care for both adults and children.
If sinus issues are holding you back, help is available.
Visit PugetSoundENT.com to schedule an appointment and begin breathing easier.