Sinus Infections in Tampa: Know When to See an ENT

The weather in Tampa can be very strange. One day it's sunny and breezy, the next it's muggy and full of pollen. For a lot of people around here, that combo spells one thing: sinus infections. And if you’ve had more than your fair share, you’re probably wondering—how long is too long to deal with this?

The truth is, sinus infections can sneak up on you. At first, it feels like a stuffy nose or a cold that just won’t quit. Then suddenly you’re waking up with face pain, pressure behind your eyes, and a headache that laughs at ibuprofen.

At Tampa Bay Breathe Free, we help people throughout Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg get to the root of their chronic sinus symptoms. If you’re unsure whether it’s just a bad cold or time to call an ENT, here’s what you need to know.

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What Does a Sinus Infection Feel Like?

Sinus infections happen when the sinus passages in your face get blocked and can’t drain properly. That buildup of mucus creates a perfect storm for inflammation, infection, and pressure.

Common signs you’ve got a sinus infection (aka sinusitis) include:

• Stuffy or blocked nose
• Thick, discolored mucus (yellow or green)
• Pain or pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
• Bad breath
• A feeling of fullness or ringing in your ears
• A headache that seems worse when you bend over

You might also feel tired, foggy, or even slightly dizzy—especially if your sinuses have been acting up for a while.

Can You Treat It at Home?

Yes—sometimes. A lot of sinus infections start off viral, and in those cases, your body just needs a little help clearing things out.

Some over-the-counter remedies that can ease symptoms include:

• Saline nasal rinses or sprays
• Decongestants (but not for more than 3 days in a row)
• Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone
• Warm compresses on your face
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Rest (yes, your body still needs that)

If it’s a mild infection, these remedies may be enough to get you back on your feet in a week or so.

If your symptoms improve within 7–10 days, great. But if they last longer, or keep coming back, it may be time to visit a sinus specialist in Tampa.

When Should You See an ENT?

Here’s the rule of thumb: If your sinus infection doesn’t start to improve after 10 days, or it goes away and keeps coming back, it’s time to get an ENT involved.

You should book an appointment with Tampa Bay Breathe Free if:

• You’ve had more than 3 sinus infections in one year
• Your symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement
• You’ve been through multiple rounds of antibiotics with no lasting relief
• You’re relying on decongestants constantly just to function
• You feel like you never really breathe clearly
• Your “allergies” turn into sinus infections every season

At that point, this isn’t just a cold or a bad allergy season. It’s a pattern—and patterns usually have an underlying cause.

We can help figure out what’s really going on. Sometimes it’s swelling in your sinus lining. Sometimes it’s nasal polyps or structural issues like a deviated septum. Sometimes it’s just years of inflammation that’s built up over time.

Whatever the case, we have real, lasting options—including in-office treatments like balloon sinuplasty that don’t require surgery or weeks off work.

Let Us Help You Breathe Better Every Day

In Tampa, between the pollen, the heat, and the seasonal whiplash, sinus issues are frustratingly common—but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as part of daily life.

If you’re tired of the cycle and want to know what’s actually causing your symptoms, Tampa Bay Breathe Free is here to help. We’ll take a closer look, listen to what you’ve tried, and work with you to build a plan that actually makes sense.

Book an appointment today and let’s get to the bottom of your sinus issues—for good.

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