If you are suffering from symptoms such as head congestion, a headache, and a stuffy, runny nose, you may have a sinus infection. What is a sinus infection, how is it different from a cold and how do you treat it?
What Is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, more accurately referred to as sinusitis, is a condition that can stem from the common cold, although they are not the same.
Your sinuses are pockets in your head that are normally filled with air when you are healthy. However, if the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, as can happen with a cold or allergies, the sinuses may become blocked and fill with fluid, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and infections.
What Causes Sinus Infections and Congestion?
Sinus infections are caused by bacteria in the sinuses that result from sinus blockage. That blockage can come from everything from a cold or allergy to smoking to a medicine reaction. Once you have sinusitis, you may wish to seek medical treatment.
How Do We Treat Sinus Infections?
There are two main types of sinus infections. Acute sinusitis is characterized by facial pressure (“sinus headache”), stuffy, runny nose, loss of smell and cough or chest congestion. You may also experience fever, fatigue, halitosis, and dental pain. Your nose may produce a thick green or yellow discharge. This type of sinusitis usually subsides in 2-4 weeks.
In chronic sinusitis, you may have facial fullness/congestion, blocked nasal passages, pus coming from the nasal cavity, fever, and other sinusitis symptoms for 12 weeks or more. If necessary, we can prescribe antibiotics which should quickly relieve symptoms. We can also recommend decongestants and instruct you in their use, as well as try to identify your personal sinusitis triggers to avoid.
BeWell Immediate Care for Sinus Infections and Congestion Near Whittier, CA
While acute sinusitis can often resolve on its own, it is important to treat any bacterial infection with antibiotics so the condition does not worsen or return too quickly. We can diagnose and offer treatment recommendations for your sinus infection right at the clinic. Come in at your convenience. A standard appointment is only $50, or $40 for a virtual consult, and you can be in and out in as little as 30 minutes. Schedule a consultation or visit us now at 12533 Washington Blvd, Suite B in Whittier, CA.