Sinus Infection Treatment Urgent Care on Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
Do you wish to get rid of the symptoms of a sinus infection, which include postnasal drainage, nasal swelling, and heavy nasal discharge? Visit Insight Urgent Care to get trusted and specialized treatment for sinus infections. Contact us today for more information or check-in online. We are conveniently located at 13421 Westheimer Road, Suite D, Houston, TX 77077.
Table of Contents:
What are the main symptoms of sinusitis?
How long does a sinus infection last?
What can trigger sinusitis?
When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?
How do they test for a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses, which are the hollow cavities in the bones around the nose. This inflammation can cause a buildup of mucus, which can lead to a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), headaches, and pain in the face. Sinus infections can have a variety of causes, such as allergies, environmental and airborne particulates, and smoke inhalation. Acute sinus infections usually last for less than four weeks, while chronic sinus infections can last for more than 12 weeks.
Signs and symptoms of sinusitis often include:
• Thick, yellow, or greenish mucus
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drainage
• Blocked or stuffy nose (congestion)
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling
• Pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
• Ear pressure
• Headache
• Aching in the teeth
• Altered sense of smell
• Cough
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Fatigue
• Fever
A sinus infection typically lasts about 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the cause of the infection and the treatments used to ameliorate the condition. Most cases of sinusitis are considered acute as they are short-lasting and come on suddenly.
If you eat a healthy diet and get regular physical exercise, you increase your chances of a quick and healthy recovery.
Sinusitis can be triggered by anything that inflames or irritates the nasal cavity or sinuses, from smoke to pollen to fungus. In many cases, sinusitis is triggered by substances similar to allergens, although this is not always the case. For example, pollen, a common allergic trigger, may irritate the sinuses leading to sinusitis, but acute sinusitis may also be caused by the common cold, which is separate from allergies.
Fortunately, most people with acute sinusitis (sinus infection) do not need to see a doctor in order to recover; only moderate to severe cases necessitate a visit to the doctor, as well as cases characterized by a long duration, including:
• Symptoms that last more than a week
• Symptoms that worsen after seeming to improve
• A persistent fever
• A history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis
• Certain signs and symptoms indicate a serious infection, for which a doctor should be consulted immediately, including:
• Pain, swelling or redness around your eyes
• High fever
• Confusion
• Double vision or other vision changes
• Stiff neck
The first step in diagnosing a sinus infection is discussing your symptoms with a doctor. Then, the doctor may perform a visual exam on your sinuses using an otoscope, a viewing instrument that helps doctors see inside the ear and nose. Signs of swelling, congestion, and infection may be obvious, and you may receive a diagnosis right away for sinusitis.
If the doctor is still unsure after this initial examination, they may order a nasal endoscopy, which is a simple and quick procedure that lets your doctor see inside your sinuses. If they think you may have a fungal infection or bacterial infection, your doctor may also take a swab from inside your sinuses.
For some people, allergies can cause congestion and other symptoms of sinusitis, so an allergy test may be recommended, too.
Some cases of sinusitis are more complex than others and therefore may require more involved testing methods.
If you have a sinus infection, trust the doctors at Insight Urgent Care to help you feel better. Trusted urgent care services are available at Insight Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 13421 Westheimer Road, Suite D, Houston, TX 77077. We serve patients from Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Galena Park TX, Hedwig Village TX, Pasadena TX, Jacinto City TX, Aldine, and surrounding areas!