Feeling congested is a common illness symptom. While congestion can be caused by a variety of mild conditions, like allergies and mild colds, did you know that severe congestion can lead to a sinus infection? Sinus infections occur when bacteria grows deep in your nasal passages as a result of severe congestion. They require medical diagnosis and treatment to get rid of, and without proper care, symptoms can last weeks on end. This article will review how a sinus infection forms, and ways you can help reduce your changes of developing a sinus infection if you’re feeling congested.
If you’re in need of rapid care for severe congestion or sinus infection symptoms, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen is here to help. Our urgent care clinic in North Bergen, New Jersey, offers walk-in care 7 days a week with short wait times for common conditions like sinus infections. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient, or schedule your visit in advance using the button below.
What Causes Sinus Infections to Form?
Sinus infections are known as secondary infections. They occur when the sinus passages deep within your nose become completely clogged. This stagnant mucus is a breeding ground for bacteria, and bacteria growth within your sinuses is a sinus infection. Sinus infections can stem from any condition that causes nasal congestion, but common culprits include colds, seasonal allergies, and the flu. Genetics such as a deviated septum can also play a role in how likely someone is to develop a sinus infection, and can even lead to chronic sinus infections. Similarly, children often develop sinus infections because of their small nasal passages and difficulty getting rid of excess nasal mucus on their own.
Tips for Preventing Sinus Infections from Forming
If you notice that you’re starting to get sick and are experiencing congestion, it is important that you do not ignore your symptoms. When left untreated, congestion can worsen over time and eventually lead to a sinus infection forming. Consider these tips for clearing out nasal congestion to prevent a sinus infection from forming.
Sinus Rinses
There are many different kinds of sinus rinses available over-the-counter. Sinus rinses use sterile water to push mucus out from deep inside of your sinus passages, and often help clear up congestion that blowing your nose isn’t able to address alone.
OTC Decongestants
If you’re struggling with persistent sinus congestion, there are many medications available over the counter that specifically address congestion and help reduce mucus production. It is important that you try to curb your congestion before it becomes severe for maximum effectiveness.
Use a Humidifier in the Bedroom
Dry, stagnant air can irritate the sinus passages and cause inflammation, which traps mucus inside of your sinuses. Using a humidifier in your bedroom will help loosen up mucus deep inside of your sinuses, and reduce inflammation so that you can get rid of the mucus more effectively.
Treatment Options for Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sometimes, sinus infections are not preventable. It is important to monitor your symptoms if you’re battling a mild illness or any form of congestion. If your symptoms are rapidly worsening, or you’re developing symptoms like facial pressure, headaches, or a fever - you could have a sinus infection.
Treatment for sinus infections typically requires prescription antibiotics to kill the bacteria inside of your sinuses and clear up the infection. With proper treatment, your symptoms should resolve within a week. However, when left untreated sinus infections can linger for weeks, so seeking medical care if you’re experiencing symptoms is vital to treat your infection in the early stages.
Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for Same-Day Care If You’re Experiencing Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus infections are serious conditions that require medical treatment to fully clear up. Without proper care, they can last for weeks on end, and sometimes even become chronic. Early intervention for mild congestion is key to helping prevent a sinus infection from forming, but if you’re worried that you have sinus infection, seeking medical care will ensure you can begin treatment before your symptoms become severe.
At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, our walk-in urgent care clinic makes it simple to receive prompt care for sinus infection symptoms like a fever, sinus pressure or sinus headaches. Our board-certified medical providers are experts in diagnosing and providing the necessary treatment to clear up sinus infections quickly. Our clinic treats patients of all ages. We have affordable rates, and accept most medical insurance plans. Walk into the clinic today for same-day care, or give us a call to learn more about the services we provide at (201) 588-1300.
