As the temperature starts to drop, you are likely to get a stuffy nose. If your condition isn’t getting better, you may have sinus infections, also known as sinusitis. It occurs when mucus accumulates and allows germs to grow, causing your sinuses to get inflamed and irritated. It may affect your day-to-day life, hence why it’s important to learn more about it through this guide.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a common condition involving the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to trapped fluid. It is commonly caused by a virus, bacteria, and fungus. You can also get it through allergies, asthma, and air pollutant inhalation.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, sinus infections come in two types: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis can keep going up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis can last more than 12 weeks or even multiple months or years. Here are some of its symptoms that you should watch out for:
- A reduced sense of smell and taste
- Bad breath
- Congestion
- Cough
- Tenderness and pressure around the eyes
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough during the day
- Grumpiness
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Facial pain or pressure, particularly in the upper jaw, ear, and teeth
- Post-nasal drip (Mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Sore throat
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
- Toothache
What Are the Causes of Sinusitis?
Sinus infections can stem from many factors, including asthma, allergies, bacterial infections, and a cold. It can also be caused by a virus or a bacteria. Viral infections get better in ten days, while those that do not improve after ten days are likely bacterial infections. You may also be at more risk of developing sinusitis if you have any of the following:
- A previous respiratory tract infection, like a cold
- A weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication
- A deviated septum
- Nasal polyps, which are small growths in the nasal passage
- Seasonal allergies
- Sensitivity to substances, such as animal hair, dust, and pollen
What Is the Proper Treatment?
To determine if you really have sinusitis, your doctor will ask you about the symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will then prescribe you with the best treatment for you. For instance, you might be recommended with watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.
Watchful waiting, as the name suggests, refers to watching and waiting for two to three days to see if you need antibiotics. You have to get plenty of rest, take pain relievers, and consume extra fluids to boost your immune system and give it time to fight off the infection.
Delayed prescribing, on the other hand, means you may be given an antibiotic prescription but you are asked to wait two to three days to see if you are still sick before filling it.
Conclusion
While sinusitis is common, taking care of your health should be your top priority. Prevent or treat sinusitis by remembering the important information in this guide. You can also opt for adult care or pediatric care from a reputable medical facility like ours. This way, you can receive the healthcare you need and get better in no time.
Agile Urgent Care can provide you with adult care, pediatric care, telemedicine, or physical therapy. We also offer state-of-the-art yet affordable care for illnesses or injuries that require urgent medical attention. We treat patients from all walks of life in New Jersey. Contact us for any inquiries.
