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Our resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr. Zoe Williams, shares her expert insights.
Today, she assists a reader who has been diagnosed with sinusitis and is having difficulty obtaining treatment.
Dr. Zoe Williams helps Sun readers with their health concerns
This week, Dr. Zoe Williams advises a reader diagnosed with sinusitisCredit: Getty
Q) I have been diagnosed with sinusitis and have an appointment at the ENT department at the hospital, but it keeps getting canceled.
Is there anything I can do to help in the meantime?
A) Chronic sinusitis can impact your physical, mental, and social well-being, so it's good that you have a referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for evaluation, even though it's frustrating when appointments are canceled.
One recommendation is to establish a daily nasal hygiene routine, which is a key component of non-surgical management for sinusitis.
Consider using a saline nasal spray (such as Sterimar) or a nasal irrigation system (for example, NeilMed sinus rinse).
You can find these products at your local pharmacy.
This practice is beneficial for anyone experiencing nasal symptoms. Keep it next to your toothbrush and make it a habit to spray or irrigate each time you brush your teeth.
However, ensure that you use the provided formula sachets and avoid tap water.
This should be in addition to any steroid sprays or drops that may have been recommended.
Some individuals find that drops are more effective than sprays, and it may take several weeks of consistent use for them to become fully effective, so be persistent.
Nasal irrigation can help the steroid medication penetrate the nasal lining more effectively.
TIP: There is a bug that causes sickness and diarrhea, which spreads easily. Hand sanitizers are not effective against it.
The most effective method to prevent its spread is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and to clean kitchen surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner.
- What should I do if my ENT appointment keeps getting canceled?
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While waiting for your appointment, establish a daily nasal hygiene routine using saline nasal sprays or irrigation systems to alleviate symptoms.
- How long does it take for nasal drops to become effective?
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Nasal drops may take several weeks of consistent use to show full effectiveness, so it is important to be patient and stick with the routine.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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