How long have you had symptoms? Cold symptoms typically peak after three to five days and then improve over the next week. A sinus infection can stick around longer, though. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose or sinus pressure that lasts for more than 10 days, suspect an infection.
Infected sinuses also count as a condition that leads to nasal congestion. Nasal congestion usually doesn't cause anything more serious than discomfort or frustration, but a trip to the doctor's office may help if you suspect your congestion is caused by a bacterial infection.
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.
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems.
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.
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.
The authors, however, also suggest that doctors discuss "watchful waiting" with patients and explain that most sinus infections clear up on their own in one to two weeks, and it's a safe option to hold off on antibiotics.
When you have a sinus infection, your snot typically becomes a thick, green color.
Nasal Irrigation: Using a system such as a Neti pot, a salt and water rinse treatment, flush out your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation has been a proven sinus treatment method which has been used for centuries. Some patients even use a Neti pot daily or weekly to maintain healthy and clear sinuses.
Viral infections are spread the same way as bacterial infections. The difference is that the viral infection will start to improve after 5 to 7 days of the initial onset of the symptoms. There is no one definitive way for a doctor to determine if you have a bacterial or viral sinus infection based on symptoms alone.
You can possibly be contagious for a few days even before or after showing symptoms. Those suffering from a sinus infection should stay cautious around others for at least three days after the last symptoms have subsided.
But a cold virus or allergies can cause the tissue inside the sinuses to swell, causing that “stuffed up” feeling. This is called sinusitis. Sinusitis can cause excess mucous and fluid to become trapped within the sinuses. That mucous can become a breeding ground for germs and when it does, a sinus infection can occur.
Chest Pressure: A sinus infection that blocks your nasal passages can make it more difficult to breathe and make your heart have to work harder and faster. You should avoid any physical activity that causes you to feel chest pressure.
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.
Too Sick to Work: Sinus Infection
An acute sinus infection can cause yellow or green nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, headache, or aching in the upper jaw and teeth. If you feel too sick to work, stay home.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
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.
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.
Yes. If the illness and treatment required is within pharmacists' prescribing limits, you may still receive treatment even if you do not have a doctor. This service is intended to improve access to health care.