How to Tell If Your Sinus Infection Needs Medical Attention
Sinus infections (sinusitis) are common and usually not serious. Even so, the illness can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities. While the leading culprit is the virus behind the common cold, other sinusitis triggers can include allergies, cigarette smoke, bacteria, and changes in barometric pressure during air travel.
Many sinus infections go away on their own, but some may require professional medical attention to help prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia. Knowing when to seek care can help you get the right treatment right away, so you can recover more quickly. South Tampa Immediate Care provides fast and effective diagnostic and treatment services for sinus infections and other non-emergency health issues. Open daily, our walk-in urgent care center is located in Tampa, Florida, where you can see a Board-certified or Board-eligible physician without an appointment.
Understanding Sinus Infections
Sinusitis occurs when the tissues in the nasal cavities become irritated and inflamed, causing fluid to build up in the air-filled pockets in the facial bones. This can make you feel feverish, achy, and tired. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pressure, headache, and thick nasal discharge.
Most sinus infections are viral and improve in about 10 days. In the meantime, any discomfort can usually be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. However, a bacterial sinus infection may require professional treatment.
Signs Your Sinus Infection Needs Medical Attention
In general, it might be time to visit South Tampa Immediate Care for sinus infection treatment if you experience:
1. Symptoms Lasting More Than Two Weeks
If it has been about 10 days since you developed signs of sinusitis and you still don’t feel any better, you might have a bacterial infection that requires prescription antibiotic treatment. Prolonged symptoms could indicate that you are dealing with something more serious than a run-of-the-mill cold virus. A medical practitioner can find out for sure.
2. A Fever Spike
Sinusitis is often accompanied by a low-grade fever, which is generally not a cause for concern. Instead, a slight elevation in body temperature is usually a positive sign that the immune system is working hard to fight off the infection. However, if your body temperature exceeds 102°F, you should seek prompt medical care. A high fever could signal a more serious bacterial infection.
3. Worsening Symptoms After Initial Improvement
If you start to feel better in a few days but then suddenly feel much worse, you might have developed a secondary bacterial infection on top of your primary sinus infection. This pattern, known as “double worsening,” is a key sign that sinusitis warrants a medical evaluation and treatment.
4. Severe Facial Pain or Swelling
Sinusitis is often mildly uncomfortable. However, severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, or redness over the sinuses may indicate a spreading infection. Rarely, an untreated sinus infection can progress and lead to serious complications, such as an abscess or cellulitis, requiring immediate medical attention.
5. Difficulty Breathing
If you are struggling to breathe through a stuffed-up nose, it would be best to seek medical attention. Severe nasal congestion can sometimes lead to a secondary issue, such as a middle ear infection or sleep apnea. Additionally, persistent stuffiness could be tied to a different problem, such as nasal polyps. These benign growths can block your nose, making it more difficult to breathe.
6. Thick, Discolored, Foul-Smelling Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge is common with sinusitis, but thick, greenish mucus with a strong odor may indicate a more serious infection. This can happen because mucus serves as a trap for viruses, bacteria, and allergens, carrying these foreign invaders (along with spent infection-fighting white blood cells) out of the body. If this symptom persists, you should consult a healthcare provider.
7. Persistent Headache
A typical sinus headache will make your face hurt. You might feel a constant, dull ache behind your eyes or in your forehead, cheekbones, or the bridge of your nose. The pain may worsen when you bend over or move your head suddenly. That said, a severe or persistent headache that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers might require medical attention.
8. Vision Changes or Eye Pain
Sinusitis often causes the sinuses to swell, which can lead to temporary vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or light sensitivity. It can also create pressure and redness around the eyes. Rarely, a sinus infection may progress and spread to the eye socket. Known as orbital cellulitis, this serious eye infection requires immediate medical attention.
When to Visit South Tampa Immediate Care
If you need help with a sinus infection, turn to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL. Our experienced medical team can quickly assess your symptoms, suggest an appropriate treatment plan, and help you find relief from persistent or severe sinusitis. Stop by today and receive the care you need without delay. You can also enter our waiting room remotely and receive a text confirmation and updates on your position in the queue.
