Show
Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash You know the symptoms: nasal congestion, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. Ugh. It’s probably another sinus infection. But is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria — and does it really matter? It does matter. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infections differently. Here is what you need to know about both kinds of infection and how to treat them. Viral or bacterial? Most sinus infections are viral, and most are caused by the virus that causes the common cold. How can you tell, based on symptoms, whether your infection is viral or bacterial? Normally, you can't. Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection. They can be present with viral infections, too. 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. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. 4 steps you can take Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive care:
If your symptoms aren’t improving after one week, then it may be time to see your doctor. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, you’ll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. Note: Antibiotics won’t help a viral infection, and taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good. You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat. So it’s important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. What to do for chronic sinusitis If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and a decreased sense of smell lasting 12 weeks or longer) you should see your doctor. Your doctor will exam you and take a history. That will help to identify potential causes, including allergies and chronic post nasal drip. Sometimes, the doctor may swab your nose to collect mucus. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. But don’t look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens. A more in depth explanation of SinusitisAcute sinusitis (acute rhinosinusitis) causes the cavities around your nasal passages (sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. With acute sinusitis, it might be difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face might feel swollen, and you might have throbbing facial pain or a headache. Acute sinusitis is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days. In most cases, home remedies are all that's needed to treat acute sinusitis. However, persistent sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications. Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment is called chronic sinusitis. Symptoms
symptoms often include:
Other signs and symptoms can include:
When to see a doctorMost people with acute sinusitis don't need to see a doctor. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following:
Risk factorsYou may be at increased risk of getting sinusitis if you have:
ComplicationsAcute sinusitis complications are uncommon. If they occur, they might include:
PreventionTake these steps to help reduce your risk of getting acute sinusitis:
Check out www.bluefiresupplements.com to learn about natural ways to deal with the pain, stiffness, and pain from arthritis, as well as ways to promote cellular function and health. What happens if a sinus infection goes untreated?What Happens if Sinusitis Isn't Treated? You'll have pain and discomfort until it starts to clear up. In rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to meningitis, a brain abscess, or an infection of the bone.
How long does it take for an untreated sinus infection to go away?About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics?Most people with acute sinusitis get better without antibiotics.. Inhale warm water vapor. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the moist air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. ... . Apply warm compresses. ... . Drink plenty of fluids. ... . Use a saline nasal spray. ... . Use a neti pot.. What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:. Rest. This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery.. Drink fluids. Continue to drink plenty of fluids.. Use a warm compress. ... . Moisten your sinus cavities. ... . Rinse your nasal passages.. |