Sinus Infection Treatment
Sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) are uncomfortable, painful, and unfortunately, quite common. The condition often occurs after a cold, and causes pain and pressure in the head and face. If you are suffering from a sinus infection and need quick relief, visit MEDIQ Urgent Care.
What is a sinus infection?
There are two types of sinus infections, acute and chronic. Acute sinus infections occur suddenly, while chronic sinus infections are long-term (lasting for 12 weeks or more). Sinus infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. The viruses that cause sinus infections are the same ones that cause the common cold.
Viral sinus infections occur when the lining of the sinus cavities become inflamed due to a viral infection, such as a cold. The swelling from this inflammation can block the normal drainage of fluid from your sinuses to your nose and throat. Those fluids build up over time, which can result in the growth of bacteria or fungi. This leads to more pain and swelling.
Simple nasal allergies can also result in sinus infections due to the fact that they can block the nasal passages, thereby causing fluids to build up as well. The main symptoms of a sinus infection include pain and pressure in the head and face, along with a runny or stuffy nose. You may also experience a postnasal discharge. Other common symptoms include headaches, bad breath, a mucus-producing cough, fever, reduced sense of smell or taste, and a pain in the teeth.
Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection and they do not go away after two days of self treatment, consider a visit to MEDIQ Urgent Care. Our friendly medical team can perform a physical exam to diagnose your symptoms as a sinus infection. In some cases, you may just be experiencing a bad cold or allergies.
If your symptoms have lasted more than seven days, medication may be prescribed to help reduce the pain and pressure resulting from poor sinus drainage. If you have a chronic sinus infection, you may need surgery in order to remove infected, damaged or swollen tissue. In some cases, bone may need to be removed to create a wider opening for mucus to drain from the sinuses.
If you think that you have a sinus infection and have been experiencing symptoms for more than a few days, visit MEDIQ Urgent Care in Archdale, Greensboro or Winston-Salem. Just walk in, or check in online below to save time.
