A cold can make you miserable, with symptoms like runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing, etc. How do you know that what you think may be a cold might be something else, like a sinus infection? This summary, based on an article from The Cleveland Clinic, may help discern the difference.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus infections occur when the sinus lining becomes inflamed, preventing the sinuses from draining. These infections can be caused either by viruses or bacteria. There is no test available to determine cause of a sinus infection, so the provider’s diagnosis will be based on observations such as these:
- How long have you had symptoms? Colds usually peak after 3-5 days, with improvement after that. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose, or sinus pressure that lasts more than 10 days, suspect a sinus infection.
- Do you have sinus pressure? If you have persistent facial pain or tenderness, suspect a sinus infection.
- What color is your nasal discharge? If you have clear mucous, it’s probably from a cold. If it’s yellow or greenish-colored, suspect a sinus infection.
- Do you have continuing bad breath during this time frame? If yes, suspect a sinus infection.
Treatment Is Based on Observations
If the provider feels the problem is bacterial-based, a course of antibiotics can be prescribed to help shorten the duration of the infection. It the cause is believed to be viral-based, antibiotics won’t help you feel better any faster, and can do more harm than good by creating antibiotic resistance. In either instance, rest, hydration, and nasal irrigation can help ease sinus infection symptoms.
Our Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha, Bennington, West Omaha, Rockbrook, Crossroads & Bellevue, NE
Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:
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Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.
