Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the space around your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. Your sinuses are air filled passages located just below your eyes and behind your upper back teeth. A bacterial infection in the sinuses causes the area to become irritated, increases mucus formation and thickness, and causes pain. You can feel the pain in your face, nose, and forehead.
Causes & Symptoms
Unlike the common cold, which may have similar symptoms, a sinus infection requires treatment with antibiotics along with other medications to relieve symptoms. This prevents the spread of the local infection to surrounding tissues, and relieves the pain and the inflammation in the sinus area.
How We Can Help
It is important to visit the doctors at the Men’s Vitality Center to promptly treat your sinus infection and prevent it from becoming more serious. While most sinus infections are considered acute or short-term, some sinusitis cases are chronic and last for 12 or more weeks. Chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat, but once the underlying cause is identified your doctor can form a treatment plan that is often successful at relieving your symptoms and pain. You can make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe or Glendale with one of our internists. Our doctors look forward to meeting you!
Common Questions About Sinus Infection
You should be assessed for a sinus infection if you are experiencing facial pain in the sinus area, fever, nasal congestion or discharge for more than 10 days. Some acute sinus infections are caused by a virus associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. Others can occur due to bacterial infections and can easily be treated with an antibiotic.
Sinus infections that go untreated can worsen causing more discomfort and risks becoming a chronic sinusitis condition. If the infection is caused by bacteria, it can spread to other parts of the body causing serious damage. Untreated sinus infections lead to conditions such as meningitis, a brain abscess or infection of the bone. For these reasons and your comfort, it is important to seek medical help for a sinus infection early.
Chronic sinusitis can last for 3 or more months, but it is possible to make a full recovery. If sinus irritation symptoms last for more than 12 weeks, it is likely due to an underlying factor. Allergies, inflammation issues, anatomical issues, polyps and other conditions can cause ongoing irritation of the sinuses. Once identified, the doctor will advise a treatment plan to correct or successfully manage the condition. When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?
What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?
Can you cure chronic sinusitis?
