Subacute Sinusitis Bellevue & Kirkland

SUBACUTE SINUSITIS KIRKLAND AND BELLEVUE

The Pacific Northwest offers a beautiful landscape that can come at the cost of an increase in seasonal allergies and respiratory problems. Allergies, recurrent sinus issues, and other conditions can affect your quality of life. Sinusitis is one of the most common respiratory problems in the United States. Most people will experience a form of sinusitis. The Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors at Northwest Face & Body effectively treat all forms of sinusitis, including subacute sinusitis in Kirkland and Bellevue.

SUBACUTE SINUSITIS EXPLAINED: WHAT IS SINUSITIS?

Sinusitis is an infection that causes inflammation and swelling in the sinuses. This inflammation usually resolves on its own within a week or so. Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. However, in most cases of a sinus infection, over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies can manage symptoms. 

Types of Sinusitis:

Sinusitis is classified into different types based upon the length and severity of symptoms. The most common forms of sinusitis include acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and recurrent sinusitis. 

Acute sinusitis refers to the typical sinus infection. This type of sinusitis typically lasts around one to two weeks but can last up to four. Most people will get an acute sinus infection at some point. If it resolves, there is usually no need for treatment from a specialist. 

If sinusitis symptoms worsen or last more than four weeks, consulting with an ENT specialist may be necessary. Once symptoms last longer than four weeks, the sinusitis is then considered subacute sinusitis. Subacute sinusitis is classified as sinusitis that lasts between four to eight weeks. 

Next, if sinusitis symptoms last more than eight to twelve weeks, your ENT doctor may determine that you have chronic sinusitis. While the timelines are not fully agreed upon, generally, if your sinusitis symptoms do not resolve within twelve weeks, chronic sinusitis is a likely diagnosis.

Finally, recurrent sinusitis refers to having multiple bouts of sinusitis per year. This can include acute, subacute, or chronic sinusitis. Patients with recurrent sinus infections usually have three or more per year.

Symptoms of Subacute Sinusitis:

Subacute sinusitis carries many of the same symptoms as the other types of sinusitis. Due to the prolonged period of time, subacute sinusitis may come with more severe symptoms than acute sinusitis.

Sinusitis symptoms also vary based upon the cause of sinusitis. Most sinusitis is caused by a viral infection or respiratory condition such as allergies or asthma. If you have subacute sinusitis, you may have symptoms like:

CAUSES OF SUBACUTE SINUSITIS

There are three main causes of sinusitis. The most common cause is a viral infection. It is sometimes possible for the common cold or flu to cause or worsen sinusitis. 

Next, bacteria can cause sinus infections. While viruses remain the main culprit for most sinusitis cases, bacteria caused sinusitis is still common. Bacterial sinusitis may be more likely to become subacute than other forms of sinusitis. Finally, fungal sinusitis is rare. More common in moist, warm climates, fungal sinusitis requires immediate attention and treatment. 

Sinusitis often occurs with or due to other respiratory conditions. Having other conditions may also put you at a higher risk of developing any type of sinusitis, especially chronic sinusitis. Factors that may cause or contribute to sinusitis include:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated septum
• Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke
• Cystic fibrosis
• Recent or frequent respiratory infections
• Any major condition that causes the suppression of the immune system

Occasionally, treating and managing these conditions can alleviate sinusitis symptoms. If one of these conditions causes sinus inflammation, adequate treatment can result in a cessation of symptoms. Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Sunil Ummat at Northwest Face Medical can aid in determining the cause of your sinus problems. Once a probable cause is identified, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat will compile a comprehensive treatment plan.

TREATING SUBACUTE SINUSITIS IN BELLEVUE AND KIRKLAND

If you or your doctor suspects that you may have a serious or chronic sinus problem, it may be time to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist at Northwest Face Medical. Our ENT doctors and surgeons, Dr. Allegra and Dr. Ummat, have decades of experience treating sinus problems using non-surgical and surgical techniques. Northwest Face Medical offers the best sinusitis treatment in Bellevue and Kirkland.

Consultation:

At a consultation with a sinus doctor at Northwest Face Medical, you will discuss your sinusitis symptoms. Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat will also want to know your general medical history and any other treatments you have tried. Finally, your Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor may request additionally imaging such as a CT scan. Often, these can be performed at Northwest Face Medical. 

Once Dr. Allegra and Dr. Ummat understand your symptoms and cause of sinusitis, they will build a customized sinusitis treatment plan. In most cases, your ENT specialist will start with more conservative treatments to manage and prevent sinusitis. However, after trying non-invasive methods, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat may recommend sinus surgery.  

Non-Surgical Options:

Depending on your sinusitis symptoms, causes, and medical history, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat may recommend various non-surgical treatments to manage your subacute sinusitis. The ultimate goal is to alleviate and treat your symptoms to improve your quality of life. 

In most cases of Bellevue sinusitis, your ENT doctor will recommend and attempt non-invasive sinusitis treatments. Non-surgical treatments for Bellevue subacute sinusitis can include:

• Nasal Sprays: Your ENT doctor may prescribe or recommend a nose spray to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of subacute sinusitis. Use of the nasal spray may be temporary or long term depending on the specifics and severity of your sinusitis.

• Antihistamines: Like a nasal spray, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat may prescribe or recommend a daily antihistamine medication. This is especially effective when treating sinusitis caused by hay fever or allergies.

• Nasal Irrigation: Performing a nasal flush occasionally can aid your sinuses in flushing out mucus and pollutants. This is usually done at home and in conjunction with other treatments.

• At-Home Sinusitis Remedies: There are many at-home remedies and treatments that your ENT specialist may recommend. The main remedy includes staying hydrated and avoiding foods that may irritate your sinuses or cause inflammation. Warm compresses on the face can sometimes treat facial pain. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat will recommend at-home remedies for sinusitis that may lessen your symptoms.

Sinus Surgery In Bellevue:

If you do not see adequate relief from non-surgical sinusitis treatments, or if you have continued recurrence of subacute sinusitis, sinus surgery may be the best option for long lasting relief.

There are many types of sinus surgery that Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat may perform to treat sinusitis. If nasal polyps or a deviated septum contribute to your sinus problems, these may be surgically addressed first. Many patients will see their sinus symptoms clear following surgical intervention.

There are three major forms of sinus surgery: endoscopic sinus surgery, stealth sinus surgery, and balloon sinus surgery. In these procedures, Dr. Allegra or Dr. Ummat use non-invasive techniques to widen the sinus cavity to promote healthy and regular draining. 

WAYS TO PREVENT SINUSITIS

Whether you have a condition that makes you susceptible to sinusitis, there are many ways to prevent subacute sinusitis and all other forms of sinusitis in Kirkland. The main ways to prevent sinusitis and the formation of chronic sinus problems include:

• Thorough handwashing and hygiene practices
• Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet
• Avoid allergens and pollutants as much as possible
• Manage and treat medical conditions
• Don’t or quit smoking
• Visit the doctor when you have concerns
• Consult with a sinus specialist

Depending upon your geographic location and the type of sinusitis you experience, there may be other methods to prevent sinusitis. Dr. Allegra and Dr. Ummat can provide guidance on how to prevent chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections. 

THE BEST SUBACUTE SINUS TREATMENT IN BELLEVUE AND KIRKLAND

Northwest Face Medical has provided thousands of sinus treatments and sinus surgery to the Bellevue and Kirkland areas. Our facility is located in Kirkland minutes away from downtown Bellevue and Kirkland. 

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is one of the leading local experts in sinus surgery and somnoplasty surgery. He has practiced since 1983 and performed over 8,000 sinus surgeries. Dr. Sunil Ummat is an accomplished Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor with over 15 years of experience. Known for his non-invasive techniques, Dr. Ummat has performed upwards of 6,000 sinus procedures. 

To schedule a consultation at Northwest Face Medical, call us at 425-522-0555. You can also contact us online via the contact form, chat, or email.