Do I Need to See a Doctor for a Sinus Infection?

NY SINUS CENTER STAFF OCT 28, 2014 8:49 AM

 When is it a cold—or a sinus infection?

If you’ve never had a sinus infection, they can come as quite the unpleasant surprise. But are sinus infections — also known as sinusitis — something to tackle with home care for a sinus infection with a little TLC, or is it best to seek a doctor’s care?

First, a quick rundown of common sinusitis symptoms:

• Nasal congestion
• Coughing or sneezing
• Discolored nasal discharge (often thick and yellow)
• Post-nasal drip
• Headache or facial pain
• Fever

Many of these symptoms are similar to cold symptoms. Common colds can progress into sinus infections, so if you have a cold that lingers for more than 10 days, you might have sinusitis.

Home Care for a Sinus Infection or Doctor’s Visit?

If you have any doubts about your health or home care for a sinus infection, it won’t hurt to check in with a doctor like Dr. Rogers Centers — even for something that might seem small.

With that in mind, here are some cases when it’s advised to talk with a doc:

• You have a fever (fevers aren’t present with every sinus infection)
• Your symptoms are severe
• You have facial pain
• Your upper teeth hurt
• You have a headache that won’t go away with common pain relievers
• You have a fever of 101°F or higher
• You know you have a sinus infection, and antibiotics haven’t helped after three to five days

If you find out you have sinusitis, a doctor might recommend treatments like these:

• Decongestants
• Nasal spray or drops
• Antibiotics
• Pain relievers

Think you might have a sinus infection? Our expert team of NYC sinus doctors can offer personalized advice, so just give us a call if we can help.

 

Similar Posts:

• What Medicine Works for Sinus Headaches?
• 3 Ways to Treat a Sinus Headache
• Does Cold Medicine Work on Sinus Infections?

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