How to approach sinus issues with an ENT near me without jumping to surgery?

[FrankGM]

I need to find an ENT near me for recurring sinus issues, but I'm worried about being pushed toward surgery right away. I'd prefer to exhaust all other options first. What was your experience like in terms of the steps taken before surgery was discussed, and did you feel your doctor was patient with trying different treatments?

[Oliver_W]

In my experience doctors start with conservative measures for chronic sinus issues. They usually recommend nasal saline irrigation and intranasal steroids. If there is an allergy component they treat that too. A round of antibiotics might be used if there is an active infection. They give you time to see improvement and only discuss surgery if there has been a solid trial of medications and lifestyle changes. The plan is built with milestones rather than a quick decision.

[Jacob_M]

Ask if they will perform nasal endoscopy during the visit or order imaging if symptoms persist. Seeing inside your nasal passages helps tell inflammation from structural problems. A good ENT will explain what they expect to find and why and involve you in the plan rather than pushing surgery early.

[OliviaDT]

If they say surgery is the next step right away push back. Ask for the specific problem anatomy and the expected outcomes. Ask about risks and whether non surgical options have been tried. Request a written plan with non surgical options first and a clear timeline to reevaluate.

[MilaKM]

Important questions to ask include experience with a surgical procedure called functional endoscopic sinus surgery and the success rates. Ask about post op care and antibiotic use. Find out if they coordinate with allergy and immunology teams. Ask about revision rates and about devices such as sinus rinses and nasal steroids. Make sure they tailor to your symptoms and concerns.

[AbigailQR]

When you search look for best ENT near me 2025 or top ENT near me 2025 and read patient stories about bedside manner and long term management rather than flashy procedures. You want a partner who treats you as a person not a case.