Key Takeaways
- Sinus infections often start as a cold or virus, then develop into a longer lasting infection.
- Two signs that point to a sinus infection are facial pressure and symptoms that last longer than a week.
- Since most sinus infections are viral and not bacterial, antibiotics don’t help very much. Rest, drinking fluids, and using steam to relieve clogged nasal passages can be helpful.
Whether you want virtual urgent care on demand, an urgent care location, or a primary care provider, we are here for you. Easily schedule appointments or find walk-in care when and where needed.
Having any sort of cold or virus that causes a stuffed or runny nose for several days is tough. But having one that lasts longer – and comes with facial pressure – is even tougher.
Sinus infections are a challenge to deal with. If you know the early signs of a sinus infection as it starts to come on, it can make it just a little easier to treat.
We asked Parker Remelt, PA-C, a lead physician assistant who works at our Rochester Regional Health urgent care locations, to explain what symptoms of a sinus infection look like, what puts someone at higher risk of a sinus infection, and how to prevent them.
Sinus infection symptoms
A sinus infection usually starts as a cold then gradually develops into a longer lasting viral infection.
Early signs of sinus infections are like a cold, including:
- body aches
- cough
- headache
- post-nasal drip
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
The gradual change from a head cold to a sinus infection starts with two important signs: symptoms that last more than one week and facial pressure.
“Facial pressure might feel like your sinuses near your eyes and upper nasal passages are swollen and pushing out, almost to the point where it feels like throbbing,” Remelt said.
Risk factors for sinus infections
There are some factors that raise the likelihood of a person getting a sinus infection.
These might include:
- weakened immune system
- having seasonal allergies
- smoking
- structural issues in sinuses (nasal polyps)
“People who have allergies already have their airways inflamed or swollen because of things that trigger allergies,” Remelt said. “
Getting rid of a sinus infection
Unfortunately, most sinus infections are viral, so getting rid of the infection is a matter of time. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, not viral infections, so they would not be helpful for a sinus infection.
However, you can manage your symptoms well at home and make it a little easier.
Drink plenty of water. This will keep your body able to fight the infection and help to thin out the mucus in your body.
Use steam. Steam helps to loosen up thick mucus in your nasal passages and reduces swelling in your sinuses. Take a hot shower or stand over a pot of boiling water to find some relief.
Rest your body. The impact of rest cannot be stated enough. The longer you can rest, the better chance your body has to recover from any illness.
Get Care Now
Whether you want virtual urgent care on demand, an urgent care location, or a primary care provider, we are here for you. Easily schedule appointments or find walk-in care when and where needed.
Related Articles
