What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is an inflammation of your sinuses. Your sinuses are the air-filled structures located:
- In your forehead and behind your eyebrows
- In the bony structure of your cheeks
- Behind and on either side of your nose
Also called sinusitis, a sinus infection causes mucus to build up in your nose, making it difficult to breathe. You might get a headache or experience throbbing pain in your face.
A sinus infection isn’t the same as a common cold, though the symptoms are often similar. Sometimes a bacterial infection will develop following a cold, leading to a sinus infection. In other cases, a virus may cause a sinus infection.
You may be able to treat a sinus infection at home, but you need medical care if your symptoms persist.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
You may experience one or more of these symptoms with a sinus infection:
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Greenish nasal mucus
- Stuffy nose
- Congestion
- Fever
- Pain in your teeth
- Coughing
- Bad breath
- Tenderness of the face, particularly under your eyes or at the bridge of your nose
You might also experience pressure in your ear or feel extremely tired.
Why am I getting a sinus infection?
Asthma and allergies can increase your risk for chronic sinus infections. For example, an allergic reaction to dust mites, mold, or pet dander can cause inflammation and swelling in your nose and sinus as your body attempts to flush out the allergens.
How is a sinus infection diagnosed?
Your provider at West Sacramento Urgent Care assesses your symptoms. They may take a mucus culture at the lab that’s conveniently available onsite.
How is a sinus infection treated?
Your provider typically recommends over-the-counter or prescription medication to alleviate your symptoms, such as:
- Antihistamines: to control inflammation
- Nasal decongestants: to shrink inflamed passages in your nose and sinuses
- Prescription nasal sprays: to prevent or stop inflammation and swelling
If your symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days and include colored nasal discharge, your provider may prescribe a course of antibiotics. You take medicine for 3-28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic.
If you’ve struggled to treat a clogged, stuffy nose and headache at home, it’s time to get the care you need from West Sacramento Urgent Care. Call or book a consultation online today.
