How to Clear a Sinus Infection
Recognize the basic symptoms., Consider how long you have had symptoms., Check for a fever., Look for dark yellow or green mucus., Know when to see a doctor.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Recognize the basic symptoms.
Sinusitis generally presents itself with the same basic symptoms.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis often worsen after 5-7 days.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be milder, but are more long-lasting.Headache Pressure or tenderness around the eyes Nasal congestion Runny nose Sore throat and post-nasal drip (the sensation of “dripping” or running mucus at the back of your throat)Fatigue Cough Bad breath Fever -
Step 2: Consider how long you have had symptoms.
Sinusitis can be acute (lasting less than four weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than twelve weeks).Having symptoms for a long time does not necessarily mean your sinusitis is more severe or dangerous.
Acute sinusitis can be caused by many things, but viral infection is the most common cause (90-98% of cases).You may get acute sinusitis after having a cold.
Acute sinusitis due to a viral infection will usually improve within 7-14 days.
Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis.
You may also be more susceptible to chronic sinusitis if you have asthma, nasal polyps, or if you smoke. , Allergic sinusitis usually is not associated with a fever.
Sinusitis caused by an infection, such as the common cold, may present with a fever.
A high fever (over 102F) is often a sign of bacterial sinus infection.
If you have a fever above 102F, consult with your doctor. , Dark yellow or green mucus with a bad smell or taste may be a sign of bacterial sinus infection.
If you think you have a bacterial sinus infection, consult with your doctor.
S Physicians will often wait for further observation before prescribing an antibiotic.
Many cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotic treatment.
Doctors try to avoid prescribing antibiotics unless truly necessary, because too much antibiotic use can increase your risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.Antibiotics will only help to treat bacterial sinusitis.
They will not help other types of sinus infection.
Only 2-10% of acute sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection., In addition to high fever and dark yellow or green mucus, there are other symptoms that signal you should see a doctor.
A doctor will evaluate you and determine whether a bacterial infection is likely and whether antibiotics are needed.
If you have any of the following symptoms, consult with your physician to determine what treatment she recommends:
Symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days Symptoms such as headache that do not respond to over-the-counter medicationsProductive cough with dark yellow, green, or bloody mucus Shortness of breath, heaviness of your chest, or chest pain Stiff neck or severe neck pain Ear pain Vision changes, redness, or swelling around the eyes Development of an allergic reaction to any medication.
Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face, and/or shortness of breath Worsening of asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma If you have been suffering from chronic sinusitis, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
S/he can help you treat long-term sinusitis.
S/he may also refer you to an allergist or otolaryngologist (Ear-Nose-Throat doctor) to help determine the possible causes. -
Step 3: Check for a fever.
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Step 4: Look for dark yellow or green mucus.
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Step 5: Know when to see a doctor.
Detailed Guide
Sinusitis generally presents itself with the same basic symptoms.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis often worsen after 5-7 days.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be milder, but are more long-lasting.Headache Pressure or tenderness around the eyes Nasal congestion Runny nose Sore throat and post-nasal drip (the sensation of “dripping” or running mucus at the back of your throat)Fatigue Cough Bad breath Fever
Sinusitis can be acute (lasting less than four weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than twelve weeks).Having symptoms for a long time does not necessarily mean your sinusitis is more severe or dangerous.
Acute sinusitis can be caused by many things, but viral infection is the most common cause (90-98% of cases).You may get acute sinusitis after having a cold.
Acute sinusitis due to a viral infection will usually improve within 7-14 days.
Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis.
You may also be more susceptible to chronic sinusitis if you have asthma, nasal polyps, or if you smoke. , Allergic sinusitis usually is not associated with a fever.
Sinusitis caused by an infection, such as the common cold, may present with a fever.
A high fever (over 102F) is often a sign of bacterial sinus infection.
If you have a fever above 102F, consult with your doctor. , Dark yellow or green mucus with a bad smell or taste may be a sign of bacterial sinus infection.
If you think you have a bacterial sinus infection, consult with your doctor.
S Physicians will often wait for further observation before prescribing an antibiotic.
Many cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotic treatment.
Doctors try to avoid prescribing antibiotics unless truly necessary, because too much antibiotic use can increase your risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.Antibiotics will only help to treat bacterial sinusitis.
They will not help other types of sinus infection.
Only 2-10% of acute sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection., In addition to high fever and dark yellow or green mucus, there are other symptoms that signal you should see a doctor.
A doctor will evaluate you and determine whether a bacterial infection is likely and whether antibiotics are needed.
If you have any of the following symptoms, consult with your physician to determine what treatment she recommends:
Symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days Symptoms such as headache that do not respond to over-the-counter medicationsProductive cough with dark yellow, green, or bloody mucus Shortness of breath, heaviness of your chest, or chest pain Stiff neck or severe neck pain Ear pain Vision changes, redness, or swelling around the eyes Development of an allergic reaction to any medication.
Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face, and/or shortness of breath Worsening of asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma If you have been suffering from chronic sinusitis, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
S/he can help you treat long-term sinusitis.
S/he may also refer you to an allergist or otolaryngologist (Ear-Nose-Throat doctor) to help determine the possible causes.
About the Author
Shirley Allen
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow crafts tutorials.
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