When you feel your nasal passages blocking and it’s taking longer than usual to recover, you might have a sinus infection. The blog will help you understand the causes, types, symptoms and duration of this infection. For same-day treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. We’re open seven days a week and operate on a walk-in basis, allowing you to visit when it's most convenient for you!
Different Types of Sinus Infections
When the tissues in the sinuses become swollen or inflamed, you may be dealing with sinusitis, or a sinus infection. It is a consequence of an infection from a virus, an inflammatory reaction due to bacteria or fungus.
There are three types of sinusitis infections present:
●Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis is when the symptoms are present for 4 weeks or less. It is mainly caused by bacteria cultivating in the sinuses.
●Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is when the symptoms and swelling of the sinuses take more than 3 months to cure. It may be caused by fungal growth or bacteria.
●Subacute Sinusitis: Subacute sinusitis is confirmed when swelling and symptoms persist for 3 months.
The Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
In the situation of adults suffering from acute sinusitis, they often follow a cold that does not get better or get worse after 7 to 10 days.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Pressure-like pain, pain behind the eyes, toothache, or tenderness of the face
- Nasal stuffiness and discharge
- Sore throat and postnasal drip
- Bad breath or loss of smell
- Cough, often worse at night
- Fatigue and general feeling of being ill
On the other hand, chronic sinusitis is confirmed in children when the following symptoms are seen:
- Constant nasal discharge, whether with or without a cough, has been present for more than 10 days and is not improving.
- Respiratory illness or cold that has been improving and then begins to get worse
- High fever and a darkened nasal discharge secretion lasts a minimum of 3 days.
What Causes of Sinus Infection?
When sinus openings become blocked after excessive mucus builds up, bacteria, and other germs can grow more easily. Some causes of sinusitis are as follows:
1. Cilia Fails to Properly Move Mucus Out: Cilia or small hairs in the sinuses fail to properly move mucus out, which can be due to some medical conditions.
2. Respiratory Infections: Colds and allergies from things may develop too much mucus or block the opening of the sinuses.
3. Nasal Bone Spur, Nasal Polyps, or Deviated Nasal Septum: Other issues, like nasal bone spur, nasal polyps, or a deviated nasal septum, may block the opening of the sinuses.
Get Sinus Infection Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
Having discussed all the necessary information regarding the types, causes, and symptoms of sinusitis, you must know which category of sinusitis your infection falls under. It's best to seek immediate treatment if the symptoms last longer than the required duration or get worse. Even after taking the right medication, the symptoms are likely to persist. Get same-day sinus infection diagnosis and treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. We can provide a full medical evaluation and plan treatment so you recover quickly. Just walk-in today!
