How Do You Know if a Sinus Infection Is Serious?

How Do You Know if a Sinus Infection Is Serious?

Having a stuffy nose can ruin one’s plans for the day. It’s even worse when these symptoms seem to linger. If that’s the case, the sufferer may be dealing with a sinus infection. While sinus infections are common and may not have any lasting effects, it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms because they could be a sign that the infection is more serious. People in northern New Jersey can look to the board-certified allergy and immunology specialists at Bergen Medical Associates to help determine the best course of action.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Sinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection, is characterized by swelling or inflammation in the tissue that lines the sinuses. The sinuses are air spaces within the bones around your nose. Their purpose is to create mucus to moisten the inside of your nose and help protect against dirt, dust, and pollutants. The sinuses are an important and effective part of the immune system, so their blockage due to infection can have repercussions.

Sinus infections are mainly caused by viruses but can be the result of bacteria. The infection will inflame one or more of your sinuses and cause fluid to build up. This allows germs to grow and will result in congestion, as well as some of the following symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Pressure or pain in the face
• Headache
• Coughing
• Post-nasal drip (mucus draining down the throat)
• Bad breath

A person may be at risk of sinus infection if they have recently had a cold or experienced seasonal allergies. Those who smoke or take medications that may weaken the immune system are also at increased risk. If a patient has structural issues with their nose or sinuses, they will be more likely to experience these infections.

What Are the Types of Sinus Infections?

Sinus infections come in different types. Acute sinus infections are shorter and usually only last up to a month. They may start as a cold and then become a bacterial infection. Subacute infections can last anywhere from four to 12 weeks. Recurrent sinus infections can happen several times throughout the year.

Others may experience sinus infections that last for months or years. This chronic sinusitis may be brought on by allergies, diseases, or nasal problems.

Similar Conditions

Most sinus infections either come about as part of allergies or the common cold, so sometimes it can be difficult to tell if someone actually has a sinus infection.

It is also possible for someone to get a sinus infection from small fungi that they have inhaled. This is called fungal sinusitis, and it comes in two categories. Non-invasive fungal sinus infections have similar symptoms to the aforementioned infections, affecting only the nose and sinuses. Invasive fungal sinusitis, however, can spread to the eyes, brain, and other areas of the body. This is a rare condition, but it can be fatal, so make sure to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Trouble thinking straight
• Numbness in the face
• Vision loss
• Changes in skin color
• Any other symptoms more severe than those of a standard sinus infection

When Should You Seek Medical Help for Sinus Infection?

While many who suffer from sinusitis can go about their lives until it clears up, patients should consider the severity of their symptoms before simply waiting for the infection to go away. A doctor should be seen if a patient is feeling intense headaches or facial pain or if they have a fever that lasts longer than a few days. It is also wise to make an appointment if the symptoms have not improved after 10 days. Also, you should see a doctor if symptoms have improved and then worsened, or if you’ve had several sinus infections within the year.

How Are Sinus Infections Treated?

Most sinus infections will not require antibiotics and will typically clear themselves up. Healthcare professionals will suggest using a nasal decongestant or a saline spray or placing a warm compress on the nose and forehead to help relieve pressure. Doctors may have the patient wait a few days to see if the infection clears up on its own, but if not, antibiotics may be prescribed to help relieve acute sinusitis.

Antibiotics are only useful for bacterial infections, however, so basic over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers may be recommended for viral infections. Decongestants, allergy medications, and steroids are other options doctors may consider. An over-the-counter device called a bioelectronic sinus device is another way to help reduce inflammation and congestion.

Reach Out to Our Team

Sinus infections can be mild or debilitating. It can be difficult to know whether a patient is having cold symptoms or a more serious sinus infection, which is why they should turn to the expert specialists at Bergen Medical Associates in northern New Jersey. We have been recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee on Quality Assurance, and we offer many medical specialties to help patients with whatever ails them.

Our staff includes board-certified physicians like Dr. Margaret Co, allergist and immunologist, and we work closely with each patient to help them get the best treatment possible. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment at one of our locations, contact us today.