How can you tell the difference between a sinus infection and sinusitis?

However, if your symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and/or return on a regular basis, you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Keep in mind that there are no symptoms that distinguish chronic sinusitis from a sinus infection.

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How do you confirm sinus infection?

Diagnosis
  1. Nasal endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to visually inspect the inside of your sinuses.
  2. Imaging studies. A CT scan shows details of your sinuses and nasal area. ...
  3. Nasal and sinus samples. ...
  4. Allergy testing.

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When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?

See a doctor if you have: Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain. Symptoms that get worse after improving. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.

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Is it sinusitis or sinus infection?

Essentially yes, the definition of sinusitis is the same as sinus infection. “Itis” means inflammation or swelling often due to infection, and “sinus” is the location of the swelling on your face. Sinuses are normally air-filled pockets in the bone of the face.

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How does a doctor tell if you have sinusitis?

Tests for Sinusitis

Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, and then they'll look inside your nose. They may start out with an otoscope, an instrument that helps doctors examine the ear and nose. Signs of swelling, congestion, and infection may be obvious, and you may learn right away that it's sinusitis.

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Differences between allergies, colds and sinus infections

25 related questions found

How can I test for a sinus infection at home?

Self-Assessment Quiz Sinus Infections
  1. Is your sense of smell reduced or gone? ...
  2. Do you have facial pressure/pain? ...
  3. Do you have headache pain? ...
  4. Do you have congestion or a stuffy nose? ...
  5. Do you have thick, yellow-green nasal discharge? ...
  6. Do you have a low fever (99° F – 100° F)? ...
  7. Do you have bad breath?

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What are the symptoms of a severe sinus infection?

Other signs and symptoms include:
  • Ear pressure.
  • Headache.
  • Aching in your teeth.
  • Altered sense of smell.
  • Cough.
  • Bad breath.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.

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What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

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.

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How long does it take for a sinus infection to go away without antibiotics?

Antibiotics and sinus infections

This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

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How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?

Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.

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Can sinus infection go away on its own?

Acute sinusitis is a short-term sinus infection (sinusitis). Acute sinusitis symptoms may last a week to 10 days and often go away without medical treatment. Home care and over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants help ease acute sinusitis symptoms.

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Do you need antibiotics for sinus infection?

Typically, antibiotics are needed when: Sinus infection symptoms last over a week. Symptoms worsen after starting to get better. Sinusitis symptoms are severe (high fever, skin infection or rash, extreme pain or tenderness around the eyes or nose)

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How long is too long for a sinus infection?

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.

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Is it easy to tell if you have a sinus infection?

Head Pain

Pain is a common sign of a sinus infection. Often, you'll experience pain, pressure, or a throbbing sensation on your forehead, in your neck, between your eyes, in your teeth, and upper jaw if you have a sinus infection.

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What kills infection naturally?

12 All Natural Antibiotics
  • Oregano/Oil of Oregano. We think of oregano as something to add to your favorite Italian dish, however, many go on without realizing how beneficial oregano is to your health! ...
  • Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Echinacea. ...
  • Cabbage.

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How do I know if I need antibiotics?

As discussed, if your symptoms are caused by a virus (like a cold or flu virus), you won't need antibiotics. But if you have a sore throat due to bacteria — for instance, strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis — you will need antibiotics.

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What can make a sinus infection worse?

Here are five of the most common things people do when they have a sinus infection that make it worse.
  • You're Using Nasal Spray Too Much. ...
  • Your Air Is Too Dry. ...
  • You're Not Staying Hydrated. ...
  • You're Not Getting Enough Sleep. ...
  • You're Irritating Your Sinuses. ...
  • Visit Your Local Sinusitis Experts.

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Is it best to let a sinus infection run its course?

Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics. Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do: Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus.

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Why is it so hard to get rid of a sinus infection?

The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn “biofilms,” making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them. An overlap of additional factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and deviated septum, further complicate the picture of chronic sinusitis.

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What are the 4 types of sinusitis?

They are the frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, and sphenoid sinuses (not shown in illustration). If the opening from a sinus cavity becomes plugged, the flow of mucus is blocked and pressure builds up, causing pain and inflammation.

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What medicine should I take for a sinus infection?

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.

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