Timely Treatment for Sinus Infections
Do you feel like your cold symptoms are lingering longer than usual and you have pain and pressure in your face and your head hurts? It’s possible that you could be dealing with a sinus infection rather than a common cold.
At the first sign of a sinus infection, take action! At Exemplar Care, we understand that you want to get better fast – let us help you determine whether or not you have a sinus infection and recommend the proper treatment so you can start feeling better.
What is a Sinus Infection?
Also know as rhinosinusitis, occur when the sinuses become inflamed and infected due to fluid in the sinuses becoming trapped and allowing germs to grow. The sinuses are located behind the forehead, nose, cheeks, and eyes. Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria viruses, fungi, or allergens. Infections most commonly occur after you’ve had a cold or flare up of allergy symptoms and often persists after other respiratory symptoms are gone.
Acute sinusitis typically lasts for a shorter period of time, usually 1 – 4 weeks. They are caused by bacterial infection following a cold or other respiratory illness and medications are generally effective in stopping the infection.
Chronic sinus infections, on the other hand, can be more severe. They can last for more than 12 weeks or can refer to a recurrence of infections. These can be caused by allergies, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities in the sinus and you should speak to your primary care provider to determine the best course of treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Sinus Infections?
A sinus infection can include a range of these symptoms:
- Pain or pressure in the face, especially around the eyes and forehead
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose (post nasal drip)
- Cough
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever
- Tooth pain
- Sore throat
If you have any of these symptoms after having a cold or seasonal allergies, visit Exemplar Care to have our caring medical team evaluate your condition.
Treating Sinus Infections
If it is determined that your infection is caused by bacteria, you may be prescribed antibiotics. These will be prescribed based upon your age and any other allergies that you may have. Your provider will discuss the appropriate treatment with you.
In addition to medication, there are some things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms of a sinus infection. These include:
- Using a humidifier or taking a hot shower to help loosen mucus.
- Drinking plenty of fluids to help thin mucus. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they may dehydrate you.
- Using a saline nasal spray to hep flush out mucus and relieve congestion.
- Applying warm compresses to the face to help relieve pain and pressure.
- Get some rest. Your body heals faster when you get some sleep. Keeping your head elevated will help you sleep more easily.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection, don’t suffer in silence. Visit Exemplar Care to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan for your needs. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing complications and getting relief from your symptoms.
Take charge of your health and schedule an urgent care appointment today!
Need Info on Another Illness? Learn more about how Exemplar Care can help treat your cold or flu. No matter the illness, we’ve got you covered.
