Acute sinusitis is a sinus infection for which the symptoms can last for 7 to 10 days or more. Before it causes a serious problem, it’s best to get urgent medical care in NYC. Sometimes, the symptoms go away after some days without any treatment by simply following home care remedies or consuming OTC medicines. However, the counter medication may cause some side effects. Hence, it’s advisable not to take any medicine without consulting your healthcare provider.
This article describes what are the symptoms of acute sinusitis, its causes, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms:
- Stuffy nose.
- Blocked or congested nose.
- Loss of smell.
- Bad breath.
- Pain in ears.
- High fever.
- Toothache.
- Tiredness.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste.
- Cloudy drainage from the nose.
If you suspect you have any of the above-listed symptoms, you can consult a reliable healthcare provider in an urgent care clinic in New York.
Acute Sinusitis Causes –
Usually, acute sinusitis occurs after a cold. The connecting hollow areas beneath your nose, cheekbones, and forehead are called sinuses, which are very important for breathing. These sinuses allow the air that enters your nose to reach your lungs. Tissue lines these sinuses, which secrete mucus to keep the nose wet.
In addition, mucus acts as a natural defensive mechanism, trapping and getting rid of any bacteria or viruses that might be brought into your nose by incoming air and improving respiratory health in the process.
When bacteria and viruses hide out in your sinuses, their tissues get inflamed, and the result is sinusitis. Your sinuses secrete extra mucus as a defensive tactic. Normal conditions allow mucus to properly wash out invaders.
Nevertheless, this mucus is stuck when the sinus tissues swell. Your nose feels congested or stuffy as a result of your sinuses becoming clogged and filling with fluid. As the pressure inside the sinuses rises due to this obstruction, it frequently results in facial tenderness and might trigger the onset of a sinus headache.
Acute Sinusitis Risk Factors –
Some people are at higher risk of developing this condition. These people are –
- Those who have allergies.
- Those who spend their maximum time in infection-prone areas such as daycares or preschools.
- Those with structural problems in their nose, such as polyps or deviated septum.
If you have these risk factors and experience any symptoms of this condition, it’s best to visit an urgent care clinic and get the required treatment. If you don’t pay attention to the signs and leave them unattended, the infection may spread into your brain, spinal cord, eyes, etc.
Acute Sinusitis Diagnosis –
The primary method of diagnosing acute sinusitis is to discuss your symptoms with medical professionals. They’ll ask how long your symptoms have lasted and if they’re becoming worse. Following that, your ears, nose, and throat will be thoroughly examined by medical professionals, who will check for any signs of swelling or unusual drainage.
This thorough evaluation helps determine whether acute sinusitis is present and how severe it is so medical specialists can create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and their results. Accurate diagnosis is essential to timely and focused treatment of sinusitis.
Acute Sinusitis Treatment –
In cases where bacterial infections are identified as the cause of acute sinusitis, medical professionals may recommend antibiotics as part of the treatment regimen. However, before administering antibiotics, they frequently take a cautious “wait-and-see” approach. Antibiotics are usually required if the symptoms of acute sinusitis last for ten days or more and increase the possibility of a bacterial infection.
By using antibiotics sparingly and only when necessary, this strategy reduces the overuse of antibiotics and the hazards that come with it, including the development of antibiotic resistance. In order to deliver efficient and individualized care, healthcare professionals offering urgent medical care make well-informed decisions based on the unique circumstances of each patient’s condition.
Acute Sinusitis Prevention
- Maintaining clear sinuses requires proactive measures to avoid sinus problems.
- It’s important to abstain from smoking and secondhand smoke, and if you currently smoke, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional for help quitting.
- Avoiding allergens such as mold, pollen, dust, and animal dander is also advised because these substances can cause allergic reactions that result in congestion of the nasal passages.
- Allergy sufferers should speak with medical professionals about prescriptions that can help reduce allergic symptoms.
- In addition, keeping sinuses in ideal condition is facilitated by practicing proper hygiene, eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water.
When To See A Healthcare Provider ?
It’s best to visit a nearby healthcare provider offering treatment for acute sinusitis if-
- You think that you are experiencing symptoms for more than 10 days.
- You observe that the symptoms get better earlier but become worse later.
- You suffer from a severe headache.
- You have tried some home remedies but still failed to feel better.
If you live in New York City and need urgent medical care in NYC for acute sinusitis, you can visit the Walk-In Clinic. It’s a renowned clinic known for delivering quality treatment for a wide range of illnesses at competitive pricing.