How long is too long for a sinus infection?

It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, it's best to take a trip to your doctor's office if your symptoms last longer than one week. Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens.

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What happens if you let a sinus infection go too long?

If your infection is allowed to linger, it could also result in some potentially serious complications. These types of issues are rare, but they do occur. A sinus infection can spread to the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and reduced vision. In very severe cases, it can even cause blindness.

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What is the longest a sinus infection can last?

An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer. It is ongoing — it may seem like it's improving, and then it comes right back as bad as it was at first. Chronic sinus infections may drag on for months at a time.

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When should I be worried about 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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Why is my sinus infection not going away?

If after 10 days, your symptoms have not improved, see your primary care doctor. You may have an acute sinus infection. If it lasts four weeks, you potentially have a sub-acute sinus infection that needs more aggressive treatment. If symptoms last over 12 weeks, you're likely dealing with a chronic infection.

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What are signs of a sinus infection in both adults and babies? How long does it last?

16 related questions found

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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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 lead to brain infection?

Once there, the infection can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures, altered mental state, and vomiting. So, yes, an sinus infection can (rarely) go to your brain, but here's the thing: It almost never comes out of nowhere, and it always causes symptoms—like an extremely severe headache.

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How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial?

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.

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Why have I had sinusitis for so long?

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.

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Why isn't my sinus infection going away with antibiotics?

If your sinus infection just won't go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if: You've completed several courses of antibiotics without success.

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Should I 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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What are the symptoms of a brain abscess from a sinus infection?

Key points about cerebral abscess

A cerebral abscess is an infection in your brain. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, vomiting, seizures, weakness, trouble moving, and changes in vision.

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What are the stages of a sinus infection?

What are the stages of sinusitis?
  • Acute – this stage lasts 4 weeks or less. Symptoms may resolve with or without medical treatment. ...
  • Subacute – this stage lasts between 4-8 weeks. Symptoms persist despite seeking medical care.
  • Chronic – this stage lasts 8 or more weeks.

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How do you know if you have a brain abscess from sinus infection?

Symptoms of a brain abscess

headache – which is often severe, located in a single section of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers. changes in mental state – such as confusion or irritability. problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body.

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Can a doctor tell if a sinus infection is bacterial?

Even your doctor can't tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam. Instead, your doctor looks at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days.

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How do doctors test for bacterial sinus 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.

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Can a viral sinus infection last 3 weeks?

Determining how long your sinus infection will last is dependent on what type you are experiencing. 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.

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Does a sinus infection make you tired?

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.

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Can a sinus infection affect your bowels?

Infected mucus can spread bacteria or fungus down to the digestive tract. Although people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar gastric conditions are the most vulnerable, anyone with sinusitis may end up facing an upset stomach or diarrhea alongside their other symptoms.

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Can a sinus infection turn into something serious?

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.

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What is the most common complication of sinusitis?

Orbital involvement is the most common complication of sinusitis (accounting for 80% of all complications) because of its close anatomical relationship to the paranasal sinuses.

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Is 7 days of amoxicillin enough for sinus infection?

The typical amoxicillin dosage for a sinus infection is 500 mg every 8 hours, or 875 mg every 12 hours, taken for 5 to 10 days. This may vary based on the severity of your infection. Body weight will determine the dosage for children. You can take amoxicillin with or without food.

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