How long does a sinus infection last?

An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer. It is ongoing — it may seem like it's improving, and then it comes right back as bad as it was at first. Chronic sinus infections may drag on for months at a time.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

What are the stages of sinus infection?

What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?

What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies.

What are signs of a sinus infection in both adults and babies? How long does it last?

How can you tell if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial?

If your sinus infection lasts for about a week, it's usually due to a virus. Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, can persist for some time. They usually last for 10 days or longer. While viral infections usually start to get better after a few days, bacterial infections tend to get worse over time.

Should I stay home with a sinus infection?

Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. “Either way, it's best to stay home,” Wigmore says. Viral sinus infections are often contagious. If you have had symptoms longer than one week, or if you have severe facial pain, teeth/jaw pain, or fever, you may have a bacterial infection and should consult your doctor.

When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?

See a doctor if you have: Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain. Symptoms that get worse after improving. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.

Is A sinus infection Contagious?

No. Since they form inside the nose and not through an outside infection, bacterial sinus infections are not contagious. The underlying disease that caused a sinus infection—like a cold or flu—can be contagious, though.

How do I massage my sinuses to drain?

Using your index and middle fingers, apply pressure near your nose between your cheekbones and jaw. Move your fingers in a circular motion toward your ears. You can use your thumbs instead of your fingers for a deeper massage. This should take 30 seconds to a minute.

What is the drug of choice for sinusitis?

For most patients, we suggest initial empiric treatment with either amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. We treat patients with risk factors for resistance with high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Can you let a sinus infection run its course?

Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

Does a sinus infection just have to run its course?

“If your sinus pressure is isolated, you might have a bacterial infection,” she said. “That's when you really should go see a doctor. With a virus, you just have to let it run its course.”

What kills a sinus infection?

Antibiotics. A bacterial infection is one of the most common causes of long-lasting sinusitis. Antibiotics are the first line of defense against bacterial infection.

Can I cure a sinus infection without antibiotics?

This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

What is sinus infection caused by?

It is often caused by bacterial (germ) infection. Sometimes, viruses and fungi (molds) cause it. People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal sinus infection. Some people with allergies can have “allergic fungal sinus infection.” Acute sinus infection lasts three to eight weeks.

When a sinus infection is serious?

Serious Sinus Infections

While rare, the infection from a sinus issue can spread to the eyes or brain. If the infection reaches the eyes you can experience redness, swelling around the eyes and reduced vision. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare infection that can lead to blindness.

Does sinus infection cause cough?

A cough may also be a symptom of a sinus infection. As mucus drips down into your throat, it can trigger a cough. Coughing up phlegm should be a sign that this condition is more than a common cold.

Can a sinus infection turn into bronchitis?

As many people have discovered through experience, sinusitis can lead to bronchitis, as the two problems share the same germs. The bronchial disease involves inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial passages or airways.

What does a severe sinus infection look like?

Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage) Blocked or stuffy nose (congestion) causing difficulty breathing through your nose. Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over.

Does blowing your nose help?

Blowing the nose regularly prevents mucus building up and running down from the nostrils towards the upper lip, the all-too-familiar runny nose. Later in colds and with sinusitis, nasal mucus can become thick, sticky and harder to clear.

How do you sleep with a sinus infection?

How painful is sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be very painful. It may also give you a feeling of pressure and a blocked nose.

What is the best antibiotic for a sinus infection?

The recommended choices are amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) for 5 to 10 days. Doxycycline is a good alternative for people with penicillin allergy, followed by levofloxacin or moxifloxacin.

What does flonase do for a sinus infection?

Treating a sinus infection means unblocking and draining the sinuses. Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort are the best source for treatment because they help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.