Many of you may not think that sinus infections are a big deal. And while it is true that sinus infections are pretty harmless, they can get out of hand when not addressed properly. So much so that it can even lead to more serious health issues. This is why it’s in your best interest to know when you should seek out professional help.
Now, we aren’t saying that you should head straight for the hospital if you have a sinus infection as this just isn’t practical. To help simplify things, we thought it would be useful to put together a short article addressing this issue. If this is something that you’re interested in knowing more about, read on for a brief discussion on when you should seek out urgent care for your sinus infection.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
To ensure that everyone is on the same page, it’s crucial that we explain what a sinus infection is. When you have a sinus infection, one or more of your sinuses becomes inflamed and fluid builds up, which causes congestion and a runny nose. Sinus infections happen when sinus cavities fill with fluid, enabling germs to grow. Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections as well.
If you have a sinus infection you will likely suffer from a slew of different issues. The most common health issues associated with sinus infections include runny nose, stuffy nose, facial pain, headache, sore throat, cough, and bad breath.
How Do You Deal with Sinus Infections?
Some of you may want to try to address the issue yourself. As far as home remedies are concerned, the best way to combat a sinus infection is by getting plenty of rest and eating healthy. Aside from that, staying hydrated and applying a warm compress on your sinuses will also help deal with any complications that may come with your sinus infection. For the best results, be sure to keep your head elevated when resting so that you can keep your nasal passageway clear.
When Do You Need Urgent Care for Sinus Infections?
If getting rest and eating healthy doesn’t do the trick, then you may want to be warier about your situation. This is especially true if you notice your condition getting worse. Here are some signs to watch out for to know whether you should seek out urgent care:
- High Fever: Having a fever while fighting an infection, including a sinus infection, is normal. The elevated temperature is caused by the body’s attempt to burn away the infection. However, having a temperature that is even four degrees higher than expected, or 100.5 F or higher, may indicate that the infection has spread to other parts of the body and you may need prescription medication to control the infection.
- Severe Pain: If you have a sinus infection and experience pain in your sinus cavities, it is time to see a doctor. If you are having severe pain in your eyes, throat, ears, or head, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The infection can spread, making the eye and ear infections worse. The sinus infection can also pass to the membranes surrounding the brain, resulting in meningitis.
- Chronic Sinus Infections: Typically, a sinus infection clears up after one week. However, if the infection lasts for more than a week, it is considered a “chronic” sinus infection.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you manage your sinus infection. If you experience any of the signs we’ve mentioned above, then it would be best to seek out medical help immediately. Be sure to keep everything we discussed in mind to make the most informed decision about your health.
If you do suffer from a bad case of sinus infection, it needs to be addressed immediately. Agile Urgent Care is a full-service, walk-in, medical facility in New Jersey that provides convenient and affordable service, including adult care. Call us today for more information!
