A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or swollen due to infection. This condition can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life.
Knowing when to seek urgent care for a sinus infection can help you recover faster and avoid complications.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infections are often spurred by viral or bacterial infections. Normally, the sinuses are filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow, leading to infection.
Sinusitis can be acute, lasting up to four weeks, or chronic, lasting more than 12 weeks.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a sinus infection:
- Viral Infections: Most sinus infections are caused by common viruses like those responsible for colds.
- Bacterial Infections: Although less common, a bacterial infection can sometimes develop, often following a prolonged viral illness.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause inflammation and blockages in the sinuses, increasing the risk of infection.
- Nasal Polyps or Deviated Septum: Structural abnormalities in the nasal passages can lead to sinus blockages and increase the likelihood of infection. In some cases, medical professionals may recommend surgery to correct these issues and prevent future sinus infections.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Facial Pain or Pressure: You may feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead.
- Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose due to a blocked nasal passage is common with sinus infections.
- Thick, Discolored Mucus: Yellow or green mucus is a telltale sign of bacterial sinus infections.
- Headache: Sinus pressure often causes headaches, particularly in the forehead or behind the eyes.
- Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat may result in coughing or soreness.
- Fever: Though not always present, a fever may indicate that the infection is bacterial rather than viral.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sinus Infection?
While many sinus infections clear up on their own, certain signs indicate you should visit urgent care:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days without improvement, it may be time to seek medical attention.
- Severe Pain or Swelling: Intense facial pain or swelling around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks warrants urgent evaluation.
- High Fever: A fever above 101°F may indicate a bacterial infection that is easily treatable with antibiotics.
- Vision Changes or Double Vision: If you experience blurred vision or difficulty seeing, seek medical help immediately.
- Recurring Sinus Infections: Some individuals suffer from frequent sinus infections. This recurrence may require a more thorough evaluation to determine the cause and an appropriate course of treatment.
FirstCall Medical Center regularly assesses and treats sinus infections for our patients.
Our healthcare providers will evaluate your symptoms and may perform a physical exam to assess the severity of your infection. Depending on the cause, you may receive antibiotics for a bacterial infection, decongestants, or nasal sprays to alleviate symptoms. Our practitioners can also recommend OTC or prescription medications to manage pain, congestion, and discomfort.
For chronic or severe sinus infections, the FirstCall Medical Center team can refer you to a specialist for further treatment or diagnostic testing.
If your sinus infection symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by signs like a high fever or vision changes, urgent care is the best course of action. At First Call Medical Center, you will receive prompt, effective treatment to alleviate your symptoms and speed up recovery. No pressure. Literally.
