Inflammation or swelling of the sinus lining is known as sinusitis. Located between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead, sinuses are hollow spaces within your bones. Mucus is produced by them, which keeps your nose moist. By doing so, dust, allergens, and pollutants are protected from entering the home. Air fills healthy sinuses. Infections can occur when these passages become blocked and filled with fluid.

There are many types of sinus infections including acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and recurrent sinusitis which will display symptoms for different periods of time. Generally, cold-like symptoms and facial pain will be the most obvious signs of a sinus infection. The only way to confirm a sinus infection is to seek a professional diagnosis.

Infections of the sinuses occur when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). Germs can grow in this fluid buildup. Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, but in some cases, bacteria can be to blame. Various risk factors increase your likelihood of developing a sinus infection such as seasonal allergies, a previous cold, smoking, structural problems with sinuses, and a weak immune system or medication weakening the immune system.

The symptoms of acute sinusitis are generally mild and short-term. Many people do not require treatment. People usually get better on their own after seven to ten days. In the absence of treatment, you will likely experience symptoms and discomfort for a longer period. Antibiotics are the only treatment for infections caused by bacteria. Most sinusitis cases are caused by viruses or other causes that cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Consult your doctor if you experience any painful symptoms. See a health care provider if your sinuses do not feel better after 10 days, if they have worsened, or if they initially improved and then worsened five to six days later. If your symptoms persist after four weeks, you may have subacute or chronic sinusitis. If you develop other symptoms, such as severe eye swelling, or are not sure what to do, contact your provider.

You may be prescribed decongestants and saline nasal washes by your doctor if you have a simple sinus infection. Over-the-counter decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days, though, because they can worsen congestion.

It is rare for acute sinusitis to cause complications. The chances of you recovering on your own are good. Very rarely, an infection may spread to other parts of your nervous system, such as your brain, eyes, or spinal cord. Infections of the sinuses may lead to meningitis, and infection of the brain, eyes, or nearby bones when left untreated. It is rare that a sinus infection develops into anything too serious, but the best course of action is always to seek diagnosis and treatment to avoid the risk of complications, however unlikely. Diagnosis and treatment can also afford patients the opportunity for fast relief of symptoms and discomfort.

A bacterial infection is not reliably diagnosed by symptoms such as bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever, or headache. It is possible for them to occur with viral infections as well. Infections cannot be diagnosed based solely on symptoms or an exam, even by your doctor.

In most cases, your doctor determines the source of your infection based on the duration of your symptoms. After five to seven days, a viral sinus infection usually starts to improve. After seven days, a bacterial sinus infection may actually worsen, persisting for seven to 10 days or longer. Patients experiencing a bacterial or viral sinus infection can seek out an accurate diagnosis and swift relief of symptoms at Kingwood Urgent Care. We serve patients from Kingwood TX, Huffman TX, Atascocita TX, Humble TX, Porter TX, New Caney TX, Houston TX, Crosby TX, Dayton TX, Mont Belvieu TX, and Spring TX.