Sinus Infection

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, develops when the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed. Swelling can block normal mucus drainage, causing fluid and pressure to build inside the sinuses.

Most acute sinus infections follow a cold or another viral upper respiratory infection. Some develop because bacteria multiply in trapped mucus. Allergies, nasal polyps, and structural abnormalities inside the nose may increase your risk of repeated sinus problems.

What symptoms can sinusitis cause?

Common sinus infection symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Thick nasal discharge
• Intense facial pain and pressure
• Headaches
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Reduced sense of smell
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Bad breath

You may feel pressure around your cheeks, forehead, nose, and/or eyes. Bending forward typically makes the discomfort more noticeable.

How do I know whether my sinus infection is viral or bacterial?

Symptoms alone don’t always reveal the cause. Viral sinusitis usually improves gradually without antibiotics. A bacterial infection becomes more likely when symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, become severe, or start improving before suddenly getting worse again.

Colored mucus doesn’t necessarily mean that bacteria have caused the infection. Your NP Healthcare Group provider considers your symptoms, their duration, and how they’ve changed before recommending treatment.

How is a sinus infection diagnosed through telehealth?

A virtual appointment works well for many uncomplicated sinus infections. Your provider asks about your congestion, discharge, facial discomfort, fever, allergies, and recent illnesses. They may also ask you to identify where you feel pain or pressure.

The NP Healthcare Group team provides care through secure video appointments. Same-day availability helps you access expert advice promptly, including when you’re traveling within a state where the practice provides care.

How are sinus infections treated?

Sinus infection treatment depends on the likely cause and severity. Your provider may recommend:

• Saline nasal sprays or rinses
• Increased fluid intake
• Warm compresses
• Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
• Pain-relieving medication
• Allergy treatment
• Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is likely

Using antibiotics only when clinically appropriate reduces unnecessary side effects and helps prevent antibiotic resistance.

Seek urgent in-person care for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, confusion, a stiff neck, or an unusually severe headache. Persistent or frequently recurring symptoms may require an examination, imaging, or assessment by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Call NP Healthcare Group or book a virtual appointment online today for a timely assessment and personalized treatment.