Sinus infection symptoms 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).
About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics. When sinusitis symptoms last seven to 10 days or more, it's a good idea to see a doctor to discuss treatment options.
Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks. Subacute sinusitis usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
If a bacterial infection sets in, symptoms will generally last longer than 10 days. In severe cases, especially if left untreated, bacterial sinus infections can endure for weeks.
Untreated sinusitis allows bacteria and other harmful pathogens to enter the bloodstream and travel all throughout the body, leading to the following potentially life-threatening conditions. Meningitis develops when infection targets the brain or spinal fluid. It requires immediate medical attention.
Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections. Antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic. Because the sinuses are deep-seated in the bones, and blood supply is limited, longer treatments may be prescribed for people with longer lasting or severe cases.
Severe symptoms are more indicative of a bacterial cause. These include high fevers (over 39 C or 102 F) accompanied by purulent nasal discharge or facial pain for three to four consecutive days at the beginning of the illness.
If you have a viral sinus infection, you'll typically start to feel better in 5-7 days. Symptoms unique to bacterial sinusitis include: Your condition gets much worse after you seem to be improving. You have a high fever of 100° F (37.8°C) or higher.
Fungal and bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, are not contagious, but these types of infections are uncommon. If you have a sinus infection, it's best to assume that it is viral and take as many precautions as you can, like staying home from work or school.
About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
Even if the infection becomes bacterial, 70% of the time the infection will go away within two weeks without antibiotics. In the event of severe headache, toothache, or face pain or for persisting fevers greater than 102 degrees you should be seen by your health care provider.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection.
Specific tests your provider might order to diagnose sinus infection include: Nasal endoscopy. Nasal swabs. Your provider may use a soft-tipped stick to get a fluid sample from your nose.
Tests that are frequently performed to help us with the diagnosis of a bacterial infection include a complete blood count and cultures of fluid that we are concerned about. This may include a blood culture, urine culture, or spinal culture (which requires a spinal tap).
Causes of bacterial sinusitis
The condition is caused by bacteria that live in the nose, throat and, sometimes, the mouth. Types of bacteria which commonly cause bacterial sinusitis include: Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hemophilus influenzae.
Headache, lasting over 1 week, is the most common presenting symptom, but neurological signs—including altered mental status, seizures, or focal deficits—vomiting, and swelling of the forehead are also common features.
Other disease processes can mimic sinusitis including the common cold, allergies, migraine headache, chronic daily headache, myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint or jaw pain, rhinitis medicamentosa, and even sleep apnea. Therefore an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough history and physical examination.
Red Flag Symptoms. Eye signs, including periorbital swelling or erythema, displaced globe, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia. Severe unilateral headache, bilateral frontal headache, or frontal swelling. Neurological signs or reduced conscious level.
Acute sinus infections
Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly, usually by a virus or bacteria.
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.
Fatigue. Sinusitis can also cause fatigue. You may feel tired as your body tries to fight off the infection. Constant pressure on your sinuses, an irritating cough, and dizziness can also contribute to exhaustion.