
Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. Your doctor will determine if you have a sinus infection by asking about symptoms and examining you.Īntibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. 2018 98:171.Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including: Face masks and basketball: NCAA Division 1 consumer trends and a review of over-the-counter face masks. Etiologies of nasal symptoms: An overview. European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology. Long-term patient-related outcome measures of septoplasty: A systematic review. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of nasal obstruction.
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. Anatomy and Physiology of Nasal Obstruction. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask further questions during your appointment. Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?.What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?.What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?.Some basic questions you might ask your doctor include: Is your nasal obstruction worse when you are lying down?.Does using a nasal adhesive strip help?.Are you currently using decongestant spray every day?.What medications are you currently taking for this?.What medications have you used previously for this?.Is there anything you do that relieves the symptoms?.
Is there anything else that makes the obstruction worse?. Do you have a decreased sense of smell?. Do you have allergies affecting your nose?. Is the obstruction mild, moderate or severe?. Is one side of your nose worse than the other?. How much of the time are you aware of the nasal obstruction?. How long has your nasal obstruction been present?. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing for the doctor's questions to you as well as creating a list of questions to your doctor can help you make the most of your time together.įor a deviated septum and its complications, some questions your doctor may ask include: However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to an ear, nose and throat specialist. You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, any other nasal or sinus conditions you have that affect the tissues lining your nose - such as allergies - can't be cured with only surgery. Symptoms due to the deviated septum - particularly nasal obstruction - could completely go away. The level of improvement you can expect with surgery depends on the severity of your deviation. This may require the surgeon to cut and remove parts of the septum before reinserting them in the proper position. If you still experience symptoms despite medical therapy, you may consider surgery to correct your deviated septum (septoplasty).ĭuring a typical septoplasty, the nasal septum is straightened and repositioned in the center of the nose. Medications only treat the swollen mucous membranes and won't correct a deviated septum. It usually takes from 1 to 3 weeks for steroid sprays to reach their maximal effect, so it is important to follow your doctor's directions in using them. Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays can reduce swelling in your nasal passage and help with drainage. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness and can affect your ability to perform tasks that require physical coordination, such as driving. They can also sometimes help nonallergic conditions such as those occurring with a cold. Antihistamines are medications that help prevent allergy symptoms, including a stuffy or runny nose. Oral decongestants have a stimulant effect and may cause you to be jittery as well as make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. Frequent and continued use can create dependency and cause symptoms to be worse after you stop using them. Decongestants are available as a pill or as a nasal spray. Decongestants are medications that reduce nasal tissue swelling, helping to keep the airways on both sides of your nose open. Initial treatment of a deviated septum may be directed at managing your symptoms.