Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sinus Infection?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, sinus infection affects approximately 31 million people in the United States. Sinus infections also contribute to at least 16 million doctor visits and $1bn expenditure on over-the-counter medications.

You can identify a sinus infection using symptoms such as headache, facial pain, and runny congestion. A sinus infection can lead to meningitis, bone infections, or a brain abscess if left untreated.

Generally, a sinus infection is a non-life-threatening condition. With that in mind, patients can opt for a regular doctor’s office, health center, or urgent care center. An urgent care center is a better alternative because they’re generally available in many locations.

If you’re looking for quick, convenient, and quality care for a sinus infection, consider visiting a nearby urgent care center.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection is a medical condition associated with the inflammation of cavities along the nasal passage. Common causes of sinus infection include bacteria, viruses, or fungi(mold). On the other hand, a cold or allergy can trigger an acute sinus infection.

Acute sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts 3-8 weeks; if the condition lasts more than eight weeks, it’s termed chronic.

Here are the common symptoms of a sinus infection;

Coughing
A frontal headache
Nasal congestion
Fatigue
Bad breath
A greenish nasal discharge
Post-nasal drip
Tenderness below the eye region and at the bridge of the nose
Toothaches

Sinus Infection Treatment an Urgent Care Center

Diagnosis

A physician will diagnose a sinus infection by observing your symptoms and examining the nose, throat, and sinuses. A doctor is interested in crucial symptoms such as bad breath, discolored nasal discharge, redness, and swollen nasal tissues.

If the medication is not working and your symptoms persist for more than 8 weeks, the physician may order additional tests, including;

The physician applies the above tests to understand the cause of the infection. For instance, a mucus culture can help a doctor identify the bacteria responsible for the condition. Consequently, a doctor can recommend a more effective antibiotic therapy to cure the infection.

Treatment

A doctor will recommend the most effective treatment based on the severity and your symptoms.

Here are a few common treatments you can expect;

Nasal Decongestant Spray: This medication shrinks swollen nasal passages, leading to better drainage from the sinuses.
Antihistamine: It fights inflammation caused by an allergic reaction.
Saline Washes: It rinses nasal passages by clearing thick secretions.
Antibiotics: Patients can take antibiotics for 3-28 days. An antibiotic works by fighting the bacteria that cause the infection. Antibiotics should be used with a doctor’s instruction for the best results. It’s advisable to use antibiotics when symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days.
Surgery: It comes as a last resort when other forms of therapy have failed. Surgery fixes anatomical defects contributing to nasal inflammation. A surgeon can help improve the bone-separating nasal passages, remove nasal polyps, and open closed paths.
Topical Nasal Corticosteroids: A nasal spray to reverse inflammation and swelling in sinus openings and passages. It can also shrink and prevent the return of nasal polyps.

Need Fast Relief From Sinusitis? Visit Lifeline Urgent CareToday

A sinus infection brings a sense of discomfort that can ruin your day or plans. The condition highlights the need to find prompt and quality medical attention. More importantly, visiting a suitable health facility like an urgent care center improves outcomes.

At Lifeline Urgent Care, we have board-certified doctors and compassionate staff who’re ready to offer high-quality medical care.

Contact us online or call us at 866-950-5490 to book an appointment.

Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sinus Infection?