Untreated Sinus Infection Risks
Sinus infections often start to improve on their own after about 10 days. If your symptoms last longer without improving or if they worsen, a doctor may need to treat the underlying cause of the infection.
If a sinus infection affects a sinus cavity close to the brain, it can spread to the brain if left untreated. Though rare, an infection can also pass into the eye socket and cause vision changes or blindness. These types of infections are more common in kids.
While uncommon, a serious fungal sinus infection left untreated may pass into the bones.
Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms, or if the following symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back:
Because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options, its important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if youre looking for a doctor.
If you believe you have chronic or recurring sinusitis, consider asking for a referral to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. You may need imaging and other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
An ENT specialist can take a culture of nose drainage to better understand the cause of an infection. The ENT specialist can also examine the sinuses more closely and look for any problem in the structure of the nasal passages that could lead to chronic sinus problems.
Can You See An Online Doctor For Sinus Infection / Sinusitis
If you think that you have sinusitis, we are here for you. We offer an online urgent care for nonemergency illnesses such as sinus infection, a cold, pink eye, urinary tract infection and even vaginal yeast infections. You may be wondering if you can see an online doctor for this type of infection and the answer is yes. Doctors are treating sinus infections each and every day via online doctor visits. The days of having to drive to an urgent care and spend time waiting around for the doctor to see you are over.
Sinus infections typically bring about sinus pain and other common symptoms such as nasal clicking sounds, pain in the teeth or jaw, discolored nasal discharge, tenderness of the face, frontal headaches, coughing and fever. If you have had a runny nose or nasal discharge for more than 7 days, you probably do not have a cold, you more than likely have a sinus infection. Sinus infections should be treated in order to get relief of the symptoms. A doctor can determine the cause of the sinus infection and offer treatment.
If you have these sorts of symptoms we would be happy to treat you with an online doctor visit. Our visits are quick and only cost $30 with or without insurance. We believe that healthcare should be available to everyone.
Best Antibiotic For Sinus Infection
Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics and is considered as one of the best antibiotics for sinus infection. Read the following article which provides information on some other effective antibiotics that help lower the symptoms of sinusitis. The information will help you select the best oneâ¦
Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics and is considered as one of the best antibiotics for sinus infection. Read the following article which provides information on some other effective antibiotics that help lower the symptoms of sinusitis. The information will help you select the best one
A hollow air filled cavity in the skull is known as sinus. Human beings have four pairs of sinus cavities which are located in the forehead, behind cheeks, between the eyes and deep behind the ethmoids. Sinuses get infected when a pathogenic organism such as virus, bacteria or a fungus thrives within a sinus and causes intermittent blockage of the sinus. Inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages, headache, nasal blockage, fever and facial pain are some of the important symptoms of sinus infection. Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics for sinusitis.
Antibiotics for Sinus Infections
Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin kills bacteria by destroying the cell walls of the bacteria. If you are allergic to amoxicillin, physicians might prescribe Penicillin or Macrolides.
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How Long Does A Sinus Infection Last After Treatment
Youre also likely to feel more tired and achy, and maybe even experience a low-grade fever. Most people improve within a week, but symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. Coughs can linger for a week after that. Treating a sinus infection boils down to whether its viral or bacterial. Colds, for example, are viral.
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Flush your dogs sinuses A saline flush when performed correctly and under your veterinarians instruction can help break up and flush out mucus, allowing your dog to breathe easier.
Increase air moisture and humidity Run a humidifier or place a vaporizer in the area your dog spends most of their time. You can also bring your dog into the bathroom when you take a hot shower.
Keep your dogs nose clean Gently wipe your dogs nose with a warm, damp washcloth to remove discharge and ensure they can breathe clearly.
Remove mucus from inside your dogs nose Use a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe to gently suck out excess mucus from your dogs nose.
Encourage your dog to eat and drink Offer canned food with a strong odor to tempt your pooch into eating, and consider adding a water fountain for a fresh water supply.
Give your dog an antihistamine Antihistamines, like Benadryl and Zyrtec, can help alleviate your dogs runny nose. Plain diphenhydramine without nasal decongestants can be used, at a dose of 1 mg per pound, with no more than 75 mg total. For a Zyrtec dose, consult our comprehensive guide.
Always consult your vet before administering over-the-counter medications to your dog.
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Head Straight To The Pharmacy For Sinus Treatment
With SmartDocMD, the only trip you will have to take is to the pharmacy if needed. We utilize U.S. board-certified doctors to determine your ailment and the best course of treatment. The air filled passages in your nose can become irritated for a variety of reasons. Sinus infections can range from irritating to incredibly painful. This is why we address a variety of sinusitis symptoms, ranging from nasal polyps caused by virus bacteria to full inflammation of the sinuses.
What Would You Say To Someone Who Is Considering Using Online Care But Hasnt Yet
Just try it, once. I am sure you will use it again! The list of what they can help with is long, and its a fraction of the cost of a doctors visit or even retail care. Plus, they even do a follow-up to see how you are feeling.
Helping busy super-moms like Nicole is one of the reasons I love providing care online. Any chance I can get to help a mom who spends so much of her time caring for others is always rewarding.
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When To Call Your Doctor
If youâve been sick for 10 days or more with no improvement, or you got slightly better and then got sicker, itâs probably a bacterial infection. Again, youâll need to see your doctor to find out.
If itâs a bacterial sinus infection, you may need antibiotics. You may also get better without medicine, but antibiotics can help things move faster.
Other symptoms of sinusitis include congestion that makes it hard to breathe through your nose, and tenderness around your nose and eyes. If you cough up colored mucus or feel mucus drain down the back of your throat, you could have sinusitis.
You may also think you have a toothache when itâs really a sinus infection. Your upper back teeth are very close to your sinuses, so tooth pain is a very common symptom of a sinus infection. If youâre not sure, check with your doctor or dentist.
If you have any of the above symptoms, and over-the-counter treatments donât help, make a doctorâs appointment soon.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these severe symptoms, which could be signs of a serious infection:
How Long Does Sinusitis Last
There are a few types of sinusitis, and doctors can classify them by how long they last. These classifications can include:
Acute sinus infections with a four-week duration or less
Subacute infections that last for roughly four to 12 weeks
Chronic conditions that fall over 12 weeks
Recurrent infections that recur many times throughout the year
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Causes & Risk Factors
Any health situation that blocks off the vital drainage channels of your sinuses can cause a sinus infection including:
- Respiratory infections like the common cold
- Hay fever or exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dry air and pollutants
- Obstructions in the nasal or sinus cavities including nasal polyps, deviated septum, or nasal bone spur
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Infections resulting from dental problems
- Physical injury to the sinuses
- Bacteria, viruses, and fungi
The five most common bacteria that can cause sinus infections are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Risk factors for sinus infections include:
- Being in the hospital, especially if the reason you are in the hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a tube inserted into your nose
What Can I Expect
- Our online assessment will help determine if you are a good candidate for treatment
- You may be prescribed an antibiotic and/or other medications
- Sometimes, based on your symptoms, it may be recommended that antibiotics be used in a delayed fashion, if needed.
- Just answer a few questions to get started with your online visit
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When To Worry About Your Lingering Sinus Infection
Philip Scolaro, MD
Sinus infections have a way of making time stand still in a bad way. When youre constantly congested, battling headaches, and feeling sinus pressure, even a short duration of sickness can feel like its never going to end.
What if it doesnt? If your lingering sinus infection becomes chronic, it may be time for more aggressive treatment.
Heres what you need to know about sinus infections and when its time to take the next step in treatment.
How Do Antibiotics Work
Our bodys defence system usually copes with harmful bacteria bydestroying them, and therefore protects us from getting infections. However,sometimes the infection is too great and antibiotics are needed.
Antibiotics work by either killing the bacteria or by preventing the bacteria fromgrowing and reproducing . After stopping growth and reproduction, the bodys immune systemthen destroys and removes the bacteria.
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Diagnosing & Treating A Sinus Infection Online
Sinus infections are one of the most commonly treated conditions by TelaCare physicians. Sinus infections are often mistaken for the common cold, but they are different conditions. While the two conditions are similar, the most likely symptoms for a sinus infection might include:
- Thick, yellow, foul-smelling discharge from your nose
- Pressure or pain around the eyes or cheeks
- Cold like symptoms that won’t go away or get worse
Many people think antibiotics are the number one treatment for sinus infections, but this is usually not the case. According to guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 90 to 98 percent of sinus infections aren’t caused by bacteria, meaning antibiotics will not work. Antibiotics are typically used to treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria. If your case of sinusitis is viral, antibiotics will be ineffective. In fact, antibiotics can be harmful to you if used inappropriately. Doctors can help determine if you have sinusitis, the type of sinusitis, if treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, your treatment plan may include:
- Home treatment options to help promote nasal drainage and ease symptoms i.e. salt water rinses
- A recommendation of over the counter medications including:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories i.e. Ibuprofen
Diagnosing And Treating A Sinus Infection Online
Sinus infections are one of the most commonly treated conditions by Amwell physicians. Sinus infections are often mistaken for the common cold, but they are different conditions. While the two conditions are similar, the most likely symptoms for a sinus infection might include:
- Thick, yellow, foul-smelling discharge from your nose
- Pressure or pain around the eyes or cheeks
- Cold like symptoms that won’t go away or get worse
Many people think antibiotics are the number one treatment for sinus infections, but this is usually not the case. According to guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 90 to 98 percent of sinus infections aren’t caused by bacteria, meaning antibiotics will not work. Antibiotics are typically used to treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria. If your case of sinusitis is viral, antibiotics will be ineffective. In fact, antibiotics can be harmful to you if used inappropriately. Doctors can help determine if you have sinusitis, the type of sinusitis, if treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, your treatment plan may include:
- Home treatment options to help promote nasal drainage and ease symptoms i.e. salt water rinses
- A recommendation of over the counter medications including:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories i.e. Ibuprofen
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Other Uses For This Medicine
Ceftriaxone injection is also sometimes used to treat sinus infections, endocarditis , chancroid , Lyme disease , relapsing fever , shigella , typhoid fever , salmonella , and Whipples disease . Ceftriaxone injection is also sometimes used to prevent infection in certain penicillin-allergic patients who have a heart condition and are having a dental or upper respiratory tract procedure, patients who have fever and are at high risk for infection because they have very few white blood cells, close contacts of someone who is sick with meningitis, and in people who have been sexually assaulted or who have been bitten by humans or animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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Your Sinus Infection Natural Treatment
Obviously, you shouldnt use ALL of these remedies TOGETHER. Just choose a few of them, the most available to you, and youre set.
A few combinations you can try are:
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When To Use And Avoid Antibiotics And Other Treatments To Try
A sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics when it is caused by bacteria. Sinus infections that have other causes, such as allergies or viruses, won’t benefit from antibiotics.
Most sinus infections don’t need antibiotics and will start to get better without treatment. Healthcare providers typically only prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections that don’t clear up on their own.
This article looks at what types of sinus infections can be treated with antibiotics. It also discusses over-the-counter treatments and home remedies.
Key Points To Remember
- Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis usually goes away on its own.
- Sinusitis is usually caused by a , so antibiotics wont help. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better.
- Antibiotics do work if sinusitis is caused by . But you may not need to take them. Most people get better even if they dont take antibiotics.
- Taking antibiotics too often or when you dont need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. This is called .
- Antibiotics have side effects. The most common ones include upset stomach, diarrhea, and belly pain. Antibiotics can also lead to vaginal yeast infections.
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Rare Cases Can Turn Serious
Antibiotics also can help ward off rare but potentially dangerous complications that arise when a sinus infection spreads to the eyes or brain, Dr. Sindwani says.
Complications around the eyes are the more common of the two. These complications can cause redness, swelling around the eyes and reduced vision, and even lead to blindness in a severe form known as cavernous sinus thrombosis. Serious cases are immediately treated with IV antibiotics. Patients are usually admitted to the hospital for a CT scan to see if fluid needs to be drained, Dr. Sindwani says.
Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of ones head can spread into the brain. This can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or brain abscess, Dr. Sindwani says.
Before antibiotics, people would die from sinusitis, he says. But he emphasizes that such complications are unlikely. In most cases, the bacterial infection goes away, especially if you dont have underlying medical problems.
Its important to monitor your symptoms if you suspect a sinus infection. If the condition lingers or worsens, call your doctor.
Side Effects Of Antibiotics
Each antibiotic medication has its own side effects. Generally, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort may be experienced by some people. Others may have an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itchiness or breathlessness. If you have persistent or worsening side effects or suspect you are allergic to antibiotics then tell your doctor. It is also worth noting that antibiotics are not specific they will also destroy the good bacteria that normally live in the body such as those in your intestine.
If you have an infection, your doctor will carefully consider your case and balance the benefits and risks of treatment before prescribing antibiotics.
Reviewed by: Dr Junaid Patel Date: 26 September 2019Next review: 25 September 2021All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on The Medical Register at the GMC website.
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