Sinus Infection

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, comes from inflammation and the buildup of fluid inside the cavities inside your face — your sinuses. You can develop sinusitis after getting a cold, experiencing seasonal allergies, or being exposed to first or secondhand smoke. 

Multiple germs can also cause sinus infections, some of which are viruses and others are bacteria. The type of sinus infection you have determines the treatment that will be most effective. 

The team at Heacock Urgent Care provides a diagnostic evaluation to determine your type of sinus infection and its severity. It’s important to seek an initial evaluation if your sinus infection doesn’t improve as the infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your brain. 

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Sinus infection symptoms are consistent and predictable — no matter which type of infection you have. It can be easy to mistake a cold for a sinus infection, but the two illnesses are not exact matches. Colds come from viruses, while most sinus infections are bacterial. 

Some of the most prevalent sinus infection symptoms are:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Postnasal drip
• Bad breath
• Pressure in your face
• Headache

Some mild sinus infections may go away on their own in just a few days. You should visit Heacock Urgent Care if your symptoms last longer than 10 days, get worse again after improving, or are severe. 

How are sinus infections treated?

Most sinus infections improve on their own, but the team at Heacock Urgent Care might prescribe antibiotics in some cases. Antibiotics only work for treating bacterial infections and will not improve viral illnesses. The team may decide to watchfully wait and see if antibiotics are the best choice for you. 

Other care for a sinus infection involves managing the infection at home. Several over-the-counter medications, including decongestants and saline sprays, can lessen your sinus pressure. Inhaling steam from a humidifier or shower can also alleviate some of the worst symptoms of a sinus infection. 

You should continue to wash your hands regularly and avoid people who have upper respiratory infections to help you avoid getting sick with a sinus infection in the future. 

Call Heacock Urgent Care, schedule an appointment online, or walk in for sinus infection care today.