A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses—the spaces inside the nose and head—become blocked and can’t drain mucus. This results in a stuffy nose, facial pressure, headaches, postnasal drip and fever. Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection usually lasts about a week and will go away on its own. But if symptoms last over 12 weeks with no relief, it’s considered chronic.
Causes of Sinusitis
Common causes of sinus infections are:
- Allergies
- The common cold or other respiratory illnesses like COVID
- Asthma
- Bacterial infections
Acute or Chronic?
There are two forms of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Although they have very similar symptoms, the most significant difference between them is the duration of the condition.
If a sinus infection lasts less than four weeks and then goes away on its own, it’s acute sinusitis. Usually, no medical aid is needed for acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed if symptoms last 12 weeks or more, even with medical treatment.
When To See a Doctor
Acute sinusitis is manageable at home, but if you’ve been suffering from a sinus infection for over 10 days, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. They can run diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause, and from there use a nasal corticosteroid spray to reduce inflammation in the sinuses, prescribe antibiotics in the event of a bacterial infection, or treat allergies or asthma if that’s the root cause. Our team at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy is here to help you with your treatment.
If your symptoms indicate you have a severe infection, see a health care provider right away. This includes high fever, bad headaches, confusion, swelling around the face and eyes or a stiff neck.