The in-between season when spring turns into summer is full of blooming flowers, billowing trees and catching of colds. But if your runny nose and headache seems to be sticking around for longer than usual, you may be experiencing something else—a sinus infection. Show
Understanding what causes a sinus infection and how long they typically last can help you seek treatment in a timely manner. What Is a Sinus Infection? Your sinuses are pockets in the face next to the nose that are typically full of air. When your sinuses become infected, the mucus that lines the sinuses becomes inflamed. This is known as sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection. Common sinus infection symptoms include:
Some patients develop tooth pain, a sore throat, bad breath and a cough. Sinus infections are common. An estimated 31 million Americans experience a sinus infection each year. Is the Color of Your Mucus Important?Many believe that the color of your mucus changes depending on if you are suffering from a bacterial or viral infection. According to Dr. Donald Ford, a family medicine physician in Ohio, this is a myth. “The green-yellow color of mucus that can develop is a byproduct of our own white blood cells, which we use to fight any kind of infection, viral or bacterial, so we can’t tell the cause from the color of the mucus,” he explained. “When mucus is thick and dark it usually suggests some mild dehydration, and you should increase fluid intake and use lots of saline spray to keep the mucus thin.” Two Types of Sinus InfectionsDetermining how long your sinus infection will last is dependent on what type you are experiencing. Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention. If you are experiencing chronic sinusitis with a single infection lasting three months at a time, there may be other factors to consider. Environmental factors such as smoking or allergies are common causes of developing chronic sinusitis. How Are Sinus Infections Treated?The best course of action for a sinus infection is the wait-and-see approach with the addition of over-the-counter nasal sprays and oral decongestants. If your symptoms do not improve after 10 days, you should make an appointment with your ear, nose and throat doctor, as you may require antibiotics. For those suffering from chronic sinusitis with no relief from medication, surgery may be an option. To learn more about treating your sinus infection or to schedule an appointment with your ear, nose and throat expert, contact Eastern Oklahoma ENT today. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on August 17, 2022 Sinusitis is an
inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead. They make mucus, which keeps the inside of your nose moist. That, in turn, helps
protect against dust, allergens, and pollutants. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include: You may hear your doctor use these terms: Lots of people. About 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once each year. It’s more likely if you have: For children, things that can cause sinusitis include: The main things that make sinusitis more likely for adults are infections and smoking. The main signs include: You may also have: It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more
symptoms, or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge. You may have these symptoms for 12 weeks or more: You may also have
headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain. You may feel tired a lot. Lots of things can cause symptoms like these. You'll need to see your
doctor to find out if you have sinusitis. If you have a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend you use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. You shouldn’t use an over-the-counter decongestant for more than 3 days, though, because it can make you more congested. You may want to try another
over-the-counter option - a bioelectric device that emits micro-current waves. The device is placed on the face and emits painless vibrations to help clear sinus congestion. If your doctor gives you antibiotics, you’ll probably take them for 10 to 14 days. The symptoms usually disappear with treatment. Warm, moist air may help if
you have chronic sinusitis. You can use a vaporizer, or you can inhale steam from a pan of warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot. There are some other things you can do yourself to help with chronic sinusitis: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe steroids along with antibiotics. You also need to avoid any triggers linked to your sinusitis. If you have allergies,your doctor may recommend an antihistamine. If a fungus is to blame, you’ll get a prescription for an antifungal medicine. If you have certain immune deficiencies, your doctor may give you immunoglobulin, which helps fight the things your body reacts to. Can I Prevent Sinusitis?There is no sure-fire way to prevent sinusitis. But there are some things that might help.
If your sinus problems keep coming back, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses. 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. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies.
How long can you have an untreated sinus infection?If a bacterial infection sets in, symptoms will generally last longer than 10 days. In severe cases, especially if left untreated, bacterial sinus infections can endure for weeks. However, if the bacterial infection is diagnosed and treated in time, symptoms should start clearing up within a few days.
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.. Will a sinus infection ever go away without antibiotics?Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.
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How long does a sinus infection last without treatment
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