Specialist care when sinus symptoms can’t wait
Severe sinus pain, facial pressure, and congestion can make it hard to work, sleep, or think clearly. When symptoms escalate, don’t improve with over-the-counter care, or are accompanied by fever or swelling, it’s time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Dr. Gregory Levitin, a board-certified otolaryngologist with more than two decades of clinical experience, offers same day urgent care in New York City for adults and children with acute sinus problems. His combination of advanced diagnostic tools, specialist skill, and efficient treatment helps patients feel better quickly while protecting long-term sinus health.
Why choose an ENT for urgent sinus pain
Urgent care centers treat sinus complaints daily, but complex or severe cases benefit from an ENT’s training and equipment. With Dr. Levitin you get:
- Accurate diagnosis at the first visit, using nasal endoscopy when needed to view the sinuses directly
- Immediate treatment capability, including targeted medications and gentle in-office procedures
- Rapid recognition of red flags, such as swelling around the eyes or severe headache, with quick escalation when needed
- Hospital coordination for imaging or surgical care if required
When to seek same day sinus evaluation
Schedule an urgent appointment if you have:
- Severe facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes or forehead
- Fever with thick, discolored nasal discharge
- Blockage on one or both sides that doesn’t improve with saline or decongestants
- Swelling or redness around an eye, double vision, or severe headache
- Tooth pain along the upper jaw worsened by leaning forward
- Sinus symptoms that worsened after a recent cold
- Recurrent acute sinus infections
- High fever and nasal symptoms in a child
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have vision changes, severe swelling, stiff neck, confusion, or high fever with headache.
Common causes of sinus pain and pressure
Dr. Levitin evaluates for:
- Acute viral rhinosinusitis — Often post-cold swelling that blocks sinus drainage
- Acute bacterial sinusitis — Infection that develops when swelling prevents drainage
- Allergic rhinitis — Allergy-driven inflammation that narrows sinus openings
- Deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy — Structural issues causing poor airflow
- Odontogenic sinusitis — Sinus infection from an upper tooth problem
- Barosinusitis — Pressure changes from flying or diving
What to expect during your urgent ENT visit
Your visit is designed to find the cause and start relief immediately.
- History — Timeline, pattern, and severity of symptoms, dental history, allergies, and prior sinus issues
- Examination — Visual inspection of the nose, throat, and ears, with gentle sinus palpation
- Nasal endoscopy — When needed, to see swelling, drainage, or structural problems
- Testing — Cultures when recurrent or resistant infection is suspected
- Immediate treatment — Medications, topical therapies, or in-office procedures
- Follow-up plan — Written instructions with warning signs and recovery steps
Treatment options for fast relief
Dr. Levitin tailors care to your diagnosis:
- Topical nasal therapies — Saline rinses, short-term decongestants, nasal steroids
- Targeted antibiotics — Only for confirmed or likely bacterial sinusitis
- Pain and symptom control — Anti-inflammatory medication, warm compresses, hydration guidance
- Allergy management — Antihistamines, steroid sprays, and trigger avoidance
- Dental coordination — For infections originating from teeth
- Office-based procedures — Gentle suctioning, swelling reduction, or medication application
- Advanced solutions — For recurrent or structural problems, planned after urgent symptoms resolve
Special situations
Recurrent acute sinusitis
Multiple painful episodes per year warrant evaluation for anatomical issues, allergies, or immune concerns.
Barosinusitis after travel or diving
Pressure-related sinus pain responds well to targeted decongestion and preventive planning.
Pediatric sinus care
Children often have overlapping allergy, adenoid, or infection problems. Dr. Levitin uses gentle exams and age-appropriate treatments.
Medically complex patients
For those with diabetes, immune suppression, pregnancy, or blood thinners, treatments are adapted for safety.
Home care and prevention tips
:
- Rinse with saline once or twice daily
- Use a humidifier in dry seasons
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid smoke and strong irritants
- Manage allergies promptly
- Treat dental issues early
- Follow prescribed treatments completely
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my sinus infection is viral or bacterial?
Viral cases often improve in 7–10 days. Persistent or worsening symptoms may be bacterial. An ENT exam clarifies the cause.
Do I always need antibiotics?
No — many cases are inflammatory and resolve without them.
Can sinus pain be dangerous?
Yes, if infection spreads near the eye or brain. Warning signs include vision changes, swelling, or confusion.
How soon will I feel better?
Many improve within 24–48 hours once swelling is reduced and drainage restored.
Do you treat adults and children?
Yes, care is tailored for each patient.
Preparing for your visit
Bring your medication and allergy list, symptom timeline, and any relevant past imaging or dental records. If you have swelling or high fever, alert the office so you can be prioritized.
Relief today, prevention for tomorrow
Acute sinus pain and pressure can be miserable — but with Dr. Gregory Levitin, relief is close at hand. His specialist expertise, advanced tools, and patient-focused approach mean you get fast, accurate diagnosis, immediate treatment, and strategies to prevent the next episode.
Same day appointments available — contact us today for urgent sinus care in NYC and breathe easier tomorrow.
