Chronic Sinus Infections If you keep having the same symptoms for over two weeks without getting better, a trip to the ER is the best way to stop the signs, especially if there is already difficulty breathing. It may also be possible that there is an underlying condition you may not have discovered yet.
If you have severe symptoms, such as a high fever or trouble breathing, it is best to visit an emergency room. However, your sinus infection symptoms are less severe. In that case, an urgent care center in Fairfield, CT, is a more appropriate choice, as they provide prompt medical attention for less severe conditions.
If you experience swelling around your eyes, this can be a red flag for severe sinusitis. You may just be having an allergic reaction, or it could be something more concerning like an infection in your eye. Ask your doctor about using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to ease the swelling.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include ear pain, headaches, facial pain and tenderness, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, fever, and fatigue. If these symptoms persist or become intolerable despite treatment, or if they improve only to return, it's time to seek medical assistance.
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.
Serious Sinus Infections
While rare, the infection from a sinus issue can spread to the eyes or brain. If the infection reaches the eyes you can experience redness, swelling around the eyes and reduced vision. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare infection that can lead to blindness.
The classic symptoms and signs of chronic sinusitis are:
Facial pain/pressure/fullness. Runny nose and/or post-nasal drip. Nasal obstruction/congestion/blockage. Impaired sense of smell and taste3,5.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery using a nasal endoscope is the most commonly recommended procedure for people with chronic sinusitis. The surgeon uses the same type of thin endoscope used during the diagnostic exam. This procedure requires no visible incisions, is performed under general anesthesia.
Caldwell Luc surgery: Healthcare providers may do this surgery when approaches that are more traditional haven't resolved your sinus issues. In this surgery, providers make a new opening from your maxillary sinus — the sinus cavity behind your cheek — to your nose so mucus can drain from your sinus cavities.
Sinus infections can last many days. Viral sinus infections are usually the worst 3 to 6 days after they start, and then begin to get better by day 10.
Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention.
Antibiotics only will be needed if the infection is severe, recurrent or persistent.
Acute sinusitis symptoms (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure and decreased sense of smell) last less than four weeks. It's usually caused by viruses like the common cold. Subacute sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last at least 12 weeks. Bacteria are usually the cause.
Breathing in steam can help open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure. The simplest way to do this is to take a hot shower or use a humidifier. You can also boil water, pour it into a bowl and lean over it with your head a few inches above the water's surface.
Any OTC remedies typically used for colds can also help treat sinus infections, as greater than 80 percent of symptoms are caused by viruses. Tylenol or ibuprofen work well for fever, muscle aches, headache and sore throat symptoms. Throat sprays or cough drops can help with post-nasal drip symptoms.
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.
If you have been sick at least 10 days and have not improved or your symptoms worsened after beginning to feel better ("double sickening"), you likely have acute bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms such as high fever and thick, colored nasal discharge may indicate a bacterial infection.
If you have acute sinusitis from a cold or flu, please do try to stay home until you feel better. That way, you won't run the risk of spreading cold and flu germs to others.
If the condition lasts longer than ten days, or there is a worsening of symptoms after five to seven days, the sinusitis is more likely caused by bacteria than a virus.
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.
The four main symptoms of acute sinusitis include runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, congestion, and pain or pressure feeling in the face. Sinusitis (also called a sinus infection) is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Sinusitis is inflammation of any of the four sinus cavities behind the face. Commonly referred to as a sinus infection, if left untreated this condition can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening complication.
Place each of your index and middle fingers on either side of your nose, just between your cheekbones and upper jaw. Try using your thumbs instead of your index fingers for stronger pressure. Gently massage this area using a circular motion. Repeat for around 30 seconds to a minute.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing swelling, which can help ease sinus pressure. Anyone who is allergic to ibuprofen should not take this medication. Additionally, some people who are allergic to aspirin are also allergic to ibuprofen.