When sick, the first tendency of most people is to self-medicate. This is most especially the case when dealing with common colds or flu, as people do not often take these common illnesses seriously. However, it is important to note that self-medication does not automatically work with all respiratory or sinus infections. You may be able to get temporary relief, but the infection is not treated permanently. So when dealing with sinus infections, it is highly recommended to see a sinus doctor for proper diagnosis and right treatment.
So until when is watchful waiting and self-medication appropriate? When is the right time to see a sinus doctor? What should you ask your doctor? These are just some of the questions that might run on the mind of a first-time sinusitis sufferer. Read on to know more on what to do when you suspect yourself having sinusitis.
When to Call a Sinus Doctor
Watchful waiting is only recommended if you are showing early signs of sinusitis. This is because at this stage, the infection can be easily treated at home, especially if you have a strong immune system. Here are some of the situations wherein it is recommended that you see a sinus doctor right away. First is when your colds have been persistent for more than 10 days or gets even worse after a week. Second is when you have been feeling pain in your face for more than a month and had not been previously checked out. If you are taking antibiotics and there is no improvement after 3 – 5 days, it is necessary to go back to your doctor and ask for different prescription. There are also symptoms that you need to watch out for. Some of which are facial and dental pain, frequent headaches, high fever, yellow or green nasal discharge, and nosebleeds. If you are experiencing these symptoms for at least 3 – 4 days, it is recommended that you seek professional opinion.
Sinus Doctors for Sinusitis
If you are not sure whether you have a sinus infection or not, you can just consult a health expert for proper diagnosis. Some of the health professionals that can diagnose sinusitis include family medicine doctor, pediatrician, intern doctor, nurse or general physician. These people can refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, also called an otolaryngologist. Proper examination can be conducted by an ENT specialist to determine the cause of infection. Only when the cause of infection is properly identified can the right course of treatment be determined. Always remember to be honest with your sinus doctor about your condition. Ask about possible treatment options. When prescribed with drugs, do not forget to ask about potential side effects. Lastly, ask about preventive measures that you can do to prevent future sinusitis attacks.
So until when is watchful waiting and self-medication appropriate? When is the right time to see a sinus doctor? What should you ask your doctor? These are just some of the questions that might run on the mind of a first-time sinusitis sufferer. Read on to know more on what to do when you suspect yourself having sinusitis.
When to Call a Sinus Doctor
Watchful waiting is only recommended if you are showing early signs of sinusitis. This is because at this stage, the infection can be easily treated at home, especially if you have a strong immune system. Here are some of the situations wherein it is recommended that you see a sinus doctor right away. First is when your colds have been persistent for more than 10 days or gets even worse after a week. Second is when you have been feeling pain in your face for more than a month and had not been previously checked out. If you are taking antibiotics and there is no improvement after 3 – 5 days, it is necessary to go back to your doctor and ask for different prescription. There are also symptoms that you need to watch out for. Some of which are facial and dental pain, frequent headaches, high fever, yellow or green nasal discharge, and nosebleeds. If you are experiencing these symptoms for at least 3 – 4 days, it is recommended that you seek professional opinion.
Sinus Doctors for Sinusitis
If you are not sure whether you have a sinus infection or not, you can just consult a health expert for proper diagnosis. Some of the health professionals that can diagnose sinusitis include family medicine doctor, pediatrician, intern doctor, nurse or general physician. These people can refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, also called an otolaryngologist. Proper examination can be conducted by an ENT specialist to determine the cause of infection. Only when the cause of infection is properly identified can the right course of treatment be determined. Always remember to be honest with your sinus doctor about your condition. Ask about possible treatment options. When prescribed with drugs, do not forget to ask about potential side effects. Lastly, ask about preventive measures that you can do to prevent future sinusitis attacks.
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