How long does a sinus infection last

You may need to seek an allergy specialist for allergic immunotherapy shots or similar treatments. Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis. Nasal sprays, saline sprays, and pain relief are all effective treatments for acute sinusitis. Most children will fully recover from a sinus infection without antibiotics.

Antibiotics are used for severe cases of sinusitis or in children who have other complications because of sinusitis. 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. Acute sinusitis usually goes away within one to two weeks with proper care and medication.

Chronic sinusitis is more severe and may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause of the constant infections. Chronic sinusitis can last for three or more months. Good hygiene, keeping your sinuses moist and clear, and treating symptoms immediately can help shorten the course of the infection.

Many treatments and procedures exist for both acute and chronic cases. Even if you experience multiple acute episodes or chronic sinusitis, seeing a doctor or specialist can greatly improve your outlook after these infections. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs.

You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Can apple cider vinegar be used for colds?

We explain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and what the science says about it treating the common cold. What does research say about whether you should exercise with a cold? Learn what you should and shouldn't do, and how you can help yourself recover…. When you have a cold, you may have a hard time sleeping well due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose.

Some medications may help you sleep better…. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system. Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. You can also have headaches, tooth pain, coughing from the post nasal drip, fever, fatigue, a bad smell in your nose or a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath.

Sinus Infection Sinus infection is a major health problem. On this page. Overview Sinus infection known as sinusitis is a major health problem. Find expert care. Find an Allergist. Sinus infection symptoms A bad cold is often mistaken for a sinus infection.

Sinus infection diagnosis If you think you have a sinus infection, see your allergist for proper diagnosis. What is sinusitis? The sinuses are air-filled cavities.

They are located: Within the bony structure of the cheeks Behind the forehead and eyebrows On either side of the bridge of the nose Behind the nose directly in front of the brain An infection of the sinus cavity close to the brain can be life threatening, if not treated.

The most common of these defects are: Deformity of the bony partition between the two nasal passages Nasal polyps benign nasal growths that contain mucus A narrowing of the sinus openings People with these defects often suffer from chronic sinus infections. Symptoms Common symptoms of sinus infection include: Postnasal drip Discolored nasal discharge greenish in color Nasal stuffiness or congestion Tenderness of the face particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose Frontal headaches Pain in the teeth Coughing Fever Fatigue Bad breath Sinus infection sinusitis is often confused with rhinitis , a medical term used to describe the symptoms that accompany nasal inflammation and irritation.

How is sinus infection diagnosed? Your allergist will look for: Redness Swelling of the nasal tissues Tenderness of the face Discolored greenish nasal discharge Bad Breath If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Treatment Antibiotics Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections.

Nasal decongestant sprays Topical nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for no more than three to four days. Antihistamines Antihistamines block inflammation caused by an allergic reaction so they can help to fight symptoms of allergies that can lead to swollen nasal and sinus passages.

Nasal decongestants and antihistamines Over-the-counter combination drugs should be used with caution. Topical nasal corticosteroids These prescription nasal sprays prevent and reverse inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinus openings, addressing the biggest problem associated with sinus infection. Surgery If drug therapies have failed, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.

Is the definition of sinusitis the same as sinus infection? How long do sinus infections last? How do you get rid of a sinus infection? What causes sinus infections? What are the symptoms of a sinus infection? Submit site search Need An Allergist? What Does An Allergist Treat?

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While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention. If you are experiencing chronic sinusitis with a single infection lasting three months at a time, there may be other factors to consider.

Environmental factors such as smoking or allergies are common causes of developing chronic sinusitis. The best course of action for a sinus infection is the wait-and-see approach with the addition of over-the-counter nasal sprays and oral decongestants.

If your symptoms do not improve after 10 days, you should make an appointment with your ear, nose and throat doctor, as you may require antibiotics. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water. Wash your hands. Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.

Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat. Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day until your nose feels more comfortable.