If You Have Sinus Swelling in the Face, SmartDocMD Can Help
Sinus infections can cause immense discomfort and at their worst, keep you home from work. No matter the severity of a sinus infection, Californians now have the option to receive treatments for sinus infections from the comfort of their homes. SmartDocMD provides convenient, personalized care online. If leaving your home with sinus swelling in the face makes you uncomfortable, opt for better, safer, and more effective treatment from SmartDocMD.
Telemedicine and Its Many Benefits
This day in age, patients’ care options should not be limited to visiting a brick-and-mortar doctor’s office. Urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, and walk-in clinics were built and required before the internet.
SmartDocMD recognizes that many health care problems must be seen and treated by a doctor in person. Basic health care problems, however, can be treated more effectively online. Telemedicine allows for strict clinical guidelines to be required by doctors when treating patients. Up to 50% of traditional medical care does not follow clinical guidelines. SmartDocMD wishes to change this, making medicine safer and more effective.
Online medical care has successfully replicated the patient-doctor experience. Unfortunately, this often means the negative aspects of doctor’s visits, such as the long waiting periods and hefty costs. SmartDocMD believes there is a better way.
What is SmartDocMD?
We are excited to be a part of the future of medicine. Our goal is to offer convenient, quality health care for basic problems without hassle and cost of a doctor’s office. With our proprietary software, we are able to harness the power of the internet to make medical care faster, more accurate, and less time intensive for everyone.
SmartDocMD also wants to be part of the solution in connecting all communities to reliable healthcare. For every patient that is treated through our platform, we will make a donation to a free clinic or charitable organization. We simply aim to provide convenient health care to those who need it, when they need it.
The SmartDocMD Story
SmartDocMD started as an idea between one patient and one doctor: offer convenient, quality health care for basic problems without the waiting room. Telemedicine exists, but it rarely addresses the problem of health care cost and time commitment. Too often does it seem to “replace” doctor’s office visits, and not improve the patient experience.
SmartDocMD only accepts doctors who pass our rigorous application process. They must have passed all portions of the United States Medical Licensing exams, as well as possess a valid prescribing DEA license. They are among the best doctors in their field and are highly recommended by their peers. By hiring the best, SmartDocMD helps follow its commitment to provide accurate, stellar health care.
What SmartDocMD Treats
SmartDocMD treats non-emergency medical conditions that can be safely assessed without an in-office visit. We treat adults 18 years and older with sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, cough, urinary tract infection (UTI), eye infection, pink eye, conjunctivitis, eye allergies, and yeast infection.
The symptoms of a common cold, such as eye puffiness, can seem like a viral infection. It takes a doctor’s assessment to determine if it is a bacterial sinus infection that can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms such as chronic postnasal drip may reveal that a sinus infection is chronic, in which case steroid nasal spray may be prescribed. Even if you think you may know the cause of your common cold or sinus infection symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor. Use SmartDocMD for guidance on treating these health problems.
Types of Sinusitis
There are multiple types of sinusitis that people frequently suffer from. Some are acute, while others are chronic. Some are viral, while others are caused by bacteria. Patients have varying symptoms depending on which type they have, but some symptoms, like sinus congestion, are often seen with each type.
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by a sinus infection that persists for long periods of time. It can be caused by allergies, smoking, or the structure of a person’s nasal cavities. Acute sinusitis is characterized by a sinus infection that lasts for shorter periods of time. This type of sinus infection is either viral or bacterial.
The sinus cavities in which patients feel symptoms also vary. Many people do not know that there are multiple air-filled sinus cavities in the face.
The maxillary sinuses are the largest sinus cavity in the face and are held in place by the cheekbones. The ethmoid sinuses are located between your eyes. The location of these sinuses is what causes swelling around the eye area. The sphenoid sinuses are within the bones behind your nose. Finally, the frontal sinus is located in the low-center of your forehead.
When to See a Doctor for a Sinus Infection
Viral sinus infections can go away on their own with time. Symptoms can be managed by following doctor’s guidelines for at-home treatment, such as with saline nasal sprays, neti pots, and humidifiers.
If your sinus infection persists or symptoms get worse, you are recommended to see a doctor. Certain progressive symptoms may cause concern, such as blood in the mucus. While blood is always troubling, it is not uncommon with bad sinus infections. Blood vessels in the nasal passages can be disturbed by frequent nose blowing, which many may do when congested. Contact SmartDocMD to find out the best way to remedy this issue.
How to Treat Sinusitis Symptoms
When you have a sinus infection, it is most likely caused by one of two things: a virus or bacteria. The distinction is important as it affects your course of treatment. A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection cannot.
If your doctor believes that your sinusitis is bacterial, they will provide antibiotics such as amoxicillin. It is important for clinical guidelines to be followed when it comes to prescribing antibiotics. If an antibiotic is taken and not needed, this may cause the patient to build resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
A viral infection, unfortunately, cannot be treated with antibiotics. SmartDocMD can suggest natural and over-the-counter medications to soothe symptoms, but ultimately, only time will get rid of viral sinusitis. As the CDC urges, you are not advised to use antibiotics unless a doctor feels it is necessary.
One way to naturally clear the sinuses is to do an at-home facial steaming by putting your face over hot water. Breathe in deeply, but do not burn yourself! You may also use a neti pot with warm water to irrigate the sinuses. Using warm or cool mist humidifiers will provide similar, more long-term exposure to moisture that soothes sinus infection symptoms.
Tea bags are actually an excellent way to treat puffy eyes. Herbal teas are best for puffiness and work best when placed over the eye for 15-20 minutes. First, boil the tea bags as normal and squeeze out the excess liquid. Allow them to cool until warm, or place in the freezer for 10-20 minutes. Place over eyes and relax!
Bad breath is a common sinusitis symptom and can be relieved by staying hydrated and maintaining good oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth and using mouthwash will help relieve the smell, your bad breath likely won’t go away until your sinus infection has cleared up.
When recovering from sinusitis, it is important to get plenty of rest. The sinus cavities around the eyes may cause your eyes to be puffy, and lack of sleep will not be beneficial in preventing this. Remember to stay properly hydrated as well. Your body works overtime to recover from illness, and staying hydrated helps it to function as it should.
Embrace the Future of Medicine with SmartDocMD
The future of telemedicine is promising. With doctors such as those at SmartDocMD, health care can be improved. Clinical guidelines can be followed with each and every patient and case, and prescriptions can be prescribed only when needed.
Be a part of the change in medicine. Help underserved communities have reliable access to quality healthcare. Use SmartDocMD for treatment of you basic health problems.