MIDWEST ENT UPDATE 9/29/2020

As we approach fall and winter, we wish to update you on your ear nose and throat health. We recommend that you have your humidifiers inspected and cleaned. If you don't have one, this may be a good time to purchase. When heaters go on, so should humidifiers. In addition, nasal saline sprays and netty pots often times aid in healthy noses and throats. It is becoming increasingly well known how important good nasal breathing is for our overall health. I am sending a link to a recent story aired on CBS News, featuring James Nestor, author of the recent book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art". It is very insightful and I hope you enjoy it.

We continue to take very strict COVID precautions. We have had no cases as a result anyone coming to our office or having surgery with us at Northwestern Hospital.
Flu season is rapidly approaching and strongly encourage the flu vaccine.
We are very pleased with our results of the Inspire(inspiresleep.com)procedure for sleep apnea. This has proven to be an excellent outpatient procedure for those who are not getting good results with CPAP.
As always, we offer a full range of services for your hearing health. We provide the most current technology for testing your hearing and providing the most appropriate hearing aids for each individual.
Please feel free to call the office(312-988-7777) for further information on all of the above or to set up an appointment. You may also send individual emails through our patient portal.

Wishing you all good health and safety,

Gordon J. Siegel, M.D.,FACS
Assistant Clinical Professor
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery             
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Faqs About Sinusitis

SinusitisEveryone, at one time or another, has suffered with sinusitis. However, many people don’t know exactly what sinusitis is or how best to treat it; a lot of misinformation exists. Our doctors want to clear up these misunderstandings. For example, sinusitis, while often caused by the common cold, is not a cold. A cold, which is a viral infection, presents with a number of symptoms, of which sinusitis may be one.
 
Another common misconception is that sinusitis is always caused by a bacterial infection, therefore, the patient should take antibiotics immediately. However, that is not always the case.
 
In fact, many cases of sinusitis – even cases caused by bacterial infections -- don’t need to be treated with antibiotics at all. That’s why it’s important to know what is causing your sinusitis so you can properly treat it. An ENT specialist can help you determine what you are dealing with and how best to treat it.
 
In order to help better understand sinusitis, here are a few commonly asked questions and answers.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition that causes the cavities around your nasal passages (sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen. When this happens, it becomes more difficult for drainage to occur. This causes congestion, blockage, and tenderness.

What causes sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold. However, other conditions, such as allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, can cause sinusitis flare ups.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: thick, yellow or green discharge; difficulty breathing through the nose; congestion; pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead; and coughing.

How long does a typical bout of sinusitis last?

Generally, sinusitis doesn’t last more than a few days to a week or two. However, sinusitis that lasts more than eight weeks or keeps coming back is referred to as chronic sinusitis and may need more aggressive treatment. Severe cases left untreated can lead to more serious complications.

What are my treatment options?

Treatment will depend on the individual case, but most of the time most cases can be treated with over the counter/home remedies. More severe bacterial infections might require antibiotics.
 
If you are seeking the services of an experienced ENT doctor, consider contacting our office for an appointment.
 
If you have irritating allergies, you already know they can affect your life. They can keep you from doing the things you like, and worst of all, they may not be just seasonal. But now there’s help just a phone call away from your ENT specialists. Call today and get some relief from your allergies!

Our Location

3 East Huron Chicago, IL, 60660, US

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed