Ronald Morton, MD

Home Remedies Before going to the doctor, a lot of people choose to try home remedies. While home remedies may be a good option for someone suffering from an acute infection once or twice a year, they may not be the best option for someone suffering from chronic sinus infections. They also won’t treat the root cause of your issue; they just manage symptoms. Some home remedies include: Stay hydrated - It is essential to stay hydrated when feeling sick because the body needs fluids to operate efficiently. Warm or cold press - Alternating between warm and cold compresses can help relieve swelling, thus reducing pain. Humidifiers - Water vapor and steam are good tools for opening up the sinuses. The water vapor can get into the nasal blockage and begin breaking it up. Neti pot - Neti pots can effectively treat nasal blockages; however, they can be dangerous when not used properly. Make sure to follow all manufacturer’s guidelines when using a neti pot. Medication Medications are another excellent way to manage sinus pain symptoms rather than get to the root cause of your issue. Medications can be an effective tool when dealing with a bacterial infection or a once-a-year sinus infection. Medications that we may include in your treatment plan include: Antibiotics Antibiotics can treat bacterial sinus infections very effectively, but this is all they are used for. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, you should look for a more long-term solution. Decongestants Decongestants are used to treat the swelling in the nasal passage to let the mucus drain effectively again. This will help your body to get rid of the infection more efficiently. Decongestants are not recommended for long-term use. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are similar to decongestants in that they are used to treat the swelling of the nasal passage. However, some corticosteroids can be used long-term. Medications and home remedies are fine for someone who doesn’t suffer from sinus pain that often, but what about those who suffer from painful chronic sinus symptoms? We offer long-term solutions that can effectively treat your sinus conditions. Long-Term Solutions Traditional Sinus Surgery Most of the time, sinus surgery is only recommended for someone with a physical abnormality in the sinuses that affects mucus drainage or breathing. Abnormalities treated by surgery include: Deviated septum Nasal polyps Nasal passages blocked by bone or tissue Sinus surgery is an effective option for treating abnormalities in the nose. However, during sinus surgery, there is cutting, bleeding, the removal of bone and tissue, and long recovery times. There is now a better option. Balloon Sinuplasty: The Safe and Effective Sinus Surgery Alternative Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive in-office sinus procedure that can open up your sinuses in about an hour. There is no cutting, no bleeding, no removal of bone, and no long recovery period. Balloon sinuplasty has been around for 15 years and has been clinically proven to be an effective long-term sinus treatment. Most insurances also cover it. During the procedure, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus cavity and inflated. This opens up the cavity allowing you to breathe again and allow the infection to be cleaned out. The balloon is then removed, and you should see immediate results. Recovery time is anywhere from 1 to 2 days.