Congestion & sinus infection evaluation
Are you stuffed up? Do you have a runny nose? Maybe you have a fever with pain and pressure around your face? You may have a sinus infection and congestion. We'll cover common symptoms, treatment and prevention methods.
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Have questions about getting a congestion and sinus infection evaluation? Here are the basics.
¿Qué es una infección por sinusitis?
When the air-filled cavities (sinuses) around your cheeks, eyes, forehead and nose become inflamed or swell, you may have a sinus infection (sinusitis).
Normally, when your sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily, which cleans out dirt and bacteria. But when sinuses are congested or blocked with mucus, it creates an environment that allows bacteria, fungi or viruses to multiply quickly and develop into sinusitis.
What are the symptoms of sinus infections and congestion?
- Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Tos, which may be accompanied by mucus
- Drenaje posnasal descolorido
- Fatiga with aching muscles
- Fiebre of at least 100.4 °F [38 °C]
- Dolores de cabeza
- Pérdida del olfato
- Congestión nasal grave
- Pain or pressure in the bridge of your cheeks, eyes, forehead or nose
- Secreción nasal espesa de un color verde o amarillento
- Tooth pain and aching gums
Getting help
MinuteClinic providers are trained to assess your sinusitis, create a treatment plan to reduce discomfort and promote recovery (with over-the-counter and/or prescription medications) and give you tips to prevent another infection.
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- Cuando sea momento de su cita, un proveedor lo llamará por su nombre.
- Su proveedor hará un examen exhaustivo basado en el motivo de su consulta, los síntomas que tenga y sus antecedentes de salud. Los cargos dependerán del examen y los servicios prestados durante la visita.
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Sinus infection and congestion causes, symptoms and treatment
You may be more at risk to get sinus infections and congestion if you have one more or the following:
- Allergic rhinitis (a swelling of the lining inside the nose brought on by the body's reaction to an allergen)
- A bacterial infection
- El resfriado común
- A deviated septum (a change in the nasal passage shape that creates a constriction)
- Nasal polyps (small growths on the lining inside the nose)
Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection but not for sinus congestion or a viral sinus infection. If you have allergies, taking an antihistamine may be recommended. El tratamiento casero puede incluir los siguientes remedios:
- Lots of rest helps your body recover and use its energy to fight the infection. Hacer reposo en casa evite que propague los gérmenes a otras personas.
- Some patients prefer a nasal saline spray over a neti pot for reducing inflammation and thinning mucus. With neti pots, some patients experience side effects like ear infections and other issues.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids. Staying well hydrated helps loosen the sinus mucus and clear congestion. Choose fluids like herbal teas, hot water with ginger, honey and lemon, plain water and vegetable broth.
- Acetaminophen can help bring down a fever.
- A warm compress on the face can help ease pain and relieve pressure from blocked sinuses.
- Warm humid air can help loosen mucus and reduce congestion. Use a room vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan filled with warm water.
You may continue to experience pain and discomfort until the symptoms end, or in rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to more severe or chronic conditions.
Sinus infection and congestion prevention
No hay una forma que garantice la prevención de la sinusitis, pero seguir estas recomendaciones puede ayudar:
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Keep away from known allergens.
- Wash your hands frequently (especially during cold and flu season) and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
1What Is Sinusitis? via WebMD. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)
2Treatments and home remedies for a sinus infection via Medical News Today. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)
3Infección de senos nasales via ACAAI. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)