Each year, many people suffer from a sinus infection. It’s common to not realize you have a sinus infection until a medical professional gives you a proper diagnosis. There are other sicknesses that are commonly confused with a sinus infection. It’s important to realize symptoms of a sinusitis to learn how to spot when you have an infection. Sinusitis is a common but painful illness you will want to have treated as soon as possible. In this post, you will learn what to do when suffering from a sinus infection.
The Definition of a Sinus Infection
You will find that a sinus infection happens when the inside of your nose becomes inflamed. In many cases, inflammation is accompanied by feelings of pain within the nasal cavity. Your sinus cavities are located throughout your face. Many people think that a sinus infection only takes place in the nose which isn’t true. A sinus infection can occur because of a nearby infection that has started in the mouth.
There are two main types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. Someone who has acute sinusitis should only experience symptoms for a short amount of time. In many cases, an acute sinus infection is related to another illness including a cold or allergies. Chronic cases of sinus infection often more intense symptoms. Someone who has chronic sinusitis experiences symptoms for weeks, if not months. Chronic sinus infections are commonly the result of more serious medical conditions taking place.
Most Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
The first symptom of a sinus infection is nasal discharge. You will often feel the urge to expel mucus while suffering from a sinus infection. It’s important to pay attention to the color of your nasal discharge. Seeing green or yellow mucus is a sign you are dealing with a sinus infection. In some cases, discharge can become backed up in the nose which creates congestion.
Another symptom of a sinus infection is experiencing pain that takes place in and around your nose. Pain from a sinus infection can also take place near your mouth and jaw area. In some cases, facial swelling accompanies pain associated with a sinus infection. A sinus infection isn’t limited to feelings of nasal pain. Another common sign that you have a sinus infection is if you have a sore throat. Nasal discharge can find its way into your throat which creates additional discomfort. A sore throat can cause pain and can make speaking difficult, if not impossible.
How to Properly Treat a Sinus Infection
It’s recommended to have your sinus infection treated at an urgent care center. You don’t need to visit an emergency room to treat sinusitis. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that 48% of ER patients were not sick enough to be admitted into the hospital. Patients that do not need emergency treatment should strongly consider treatment at an urgent care center.
You will find that an urgent care center offers treatment for non life threatening conditions including sinus infections. One study finds that 60% of all urgent care facilities have a wait time under 15 minutes which means you receive fast medical care. An urgent care center is a great place to have a doctor diagnose and quickly treat your sinus infection.
In summary, it’s important to know all about sinus infections. Otherwise known as sinusitis, this condition often takes place within the nasal cavities. In some cases, a sinus infection can spread to other parts of the face including the mouth and jaw areas. Symptoms associated with a sinus infection include but aren’t limited to nasal discharge, sore throat, and, congestion. It’s wise to visit an urgent care center to have a sinus infection professionally treated. Many people find an urgent care center to be a convenient place to obtain treatment for a wide variety of medical issues. Research shows that 45.7% of urgent care centers are open on Saturday, making it perfect for people that work during the week. Many people continue to visit an urgent care center to keep sinus infections away.