How do you tell if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial?

If your sinus infection lasts for about a week, it's usually due to a virus. Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, can persist for some time. They usually last for 10 days or longer. While viral infections usually start to get better after a few days, bacterial infections tend to get worse over time.

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Can bacterial sinus infection treated without antibiotics?

Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

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How do I know if I need antibiotic for sinus infection?

You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
  • You have symptoms of a bacterial infection and you have not gotten better after 10 days, even with home treatment.
  • Your symptoms are severe, or you have other problems, such as pus forming in your sinus cavities.
  • You have had sinusitis for 12 weeks or longer (chronic sinusitis).

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Can a viral sinus infection become bacterial?

In some cases a viral sinus infection can develop into a bacterial sinus infections. This occurs when bacteria multiplies in fluid-filled sinus pockets. Bacterial sinus infections may also resolve on their own but may require antibiotics to fight off the bacteria.

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What's the difference between a bacterial and a viral sinus infection?

A viral sinus infection is much more common than a bacterial one. With viral sinusitis, a virus infects the lining of your facial and nasal cavities. It is typically caused by a viral upper respiratory infection. A bacterial sinus infection is caused by bacteria infecting the lining of your facial and nasal cavities.

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Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Infections

32 related questions found

What are the symptoms of a viral sinus infection?

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:
  • Runny nose.
  • Stuffy nose.
  • Facial pain or pressure.
  • Headache.
  • Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
  • Sore throat.
  • Cough.
  • Bad breath.

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What does bacterial sinusitis feel like?

Many symptoms are the same, including headache or facial pain, runny nose and nasal congestion. Unlike a cold, a sinus infection symptoms may be caused by bacterial infections. It often requires treatment with antibiotics (drugs that kill the germs causing the infection).

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What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?

Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
  • Nasal inflammation.
  • Thick, discolored discharge from the nose (runny nose)
  • Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
  • Blocked or stuffy (congested) nose causing difficulty breathing through your nose.

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Should I stay home with a bacterial sinus infection?

Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. “Either way, it's best to stay home,” Wigmore says. Viral sinus infections are often contagious. If you have had symptoms longer than one week, or if you have severe facial pain, teeth/jaw pain, or fever, you may have a bacterial infection and should consult your doctor.

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What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:
  1. Rest. This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery.
  2. Drink fluids. Continue to drink plenty of fluids.
  3. Use a warm compress. ...
  4. Moisten your sinus cavities. ...
  5. Rinse your nasal passages.

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What is the best medication for a viral sinus infection?

There's no treatment for viral sinus infections, but you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. In the rare instance that an antibiotic is needed to treat a sinus infection, amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate is recommended.

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Can you have clear snot with a sinus infection?

It's possible to have perfectly clear mucus and a terrible sinus infection; conversely, you can have yellow or green colored snot, but be in fine health. It's also a common misconception that you can reliably differentiate between a viral and bacterial infection based on the color of the mucus.

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How long does a sinus infection last without antibiotics?

The authors, however, also suggest that doctors discuss “watchful waiting” with patients and explain that most sinus infections clear up on their own in one to two weeks, and it's a safe option to hold off on antibiotics.

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What happens if a bacterial sinus infection goes untreated?

Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis. Meningitis gives rise to the following signs and symptoms: Sudden, high-grade fever. Neck stiffness.

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What happens if you leave a sinus infection untreated?

Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies.

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How long are you contagious with a sinus infection?

A sinus infection caused by a viral infection lasts about seven to 10 days, meaning you'll be contagious with the virus for up to two weeks. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, or if they subside after a week then return again a few days later, you likely have a bacterial sinus infection that cannot be spread.

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What is the most common bacteria for sinus infections?

The most common bacteria isolated from pediatric and adult patients with community-acquired acute purulent sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

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How contagious is a bacterial sinus infection?

Are bacterial sinus infections contagious? No. Since they form inside the nose and not through an outside infection, bacterial sinus infections are not contagious. The underlying disease that caused a sinus infection—like a cold or flu—can be contagious, though.

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Does a sinus infection just have to run its course?

“If your sinus pressure is isolated, you might have a bacterial infection,” she said. “That's when you really should go see a doctor. With a virus, you just have to let it run its course.”

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What is a natural antibiotic for a sinus infection?

Echinacea is an herb that can help your body fight off viruses and bacteria. Professional herbalists will often recommend this herb for natural treatment of sinus infections.

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How do you test for a sinus infection?

You'll get a spray that numbs your nose. The doctor will then insert a thin flexible device called an endoscope inside your nose. The instrument has a tiny lens at one end, which shows a detailed look at your sinuses. Sometimes, you may need to get a CT scan to look for more serious inflammation deep in your sinuses.

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How do I know if I need antibiotics?

Testing. A lab test is the only ironclad way to determine if you truly need an antibiotic. A physician can collect a sample of bodily gunk (whatever you can cough up or blow out of your nose) or take a throat swab. In general, a culture, in which bacteria are grown in the lab and tested, can take a day or two.

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Am I contagious if I have a sinus infection?

Are sinus infections contagious? “Because many times sinus infections are caused by viruses, they can be contagious like other infections, such as colds,” Melinda said. “If you have a sinus infection, it's important to use good hygiene skills.

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Does sinus infection cause phlegm?

Having a deep, phlegmy cough is common in people with sinus infections. You might also be coughing up mucus, which is known as a “productive” cough.

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How ill do you feel with sinusitis?

Symptoms of sinusitis include: pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead. a blocked nose. a reduced sense of smell.

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