Sinus infections are possible year-round, with heightened frequency in the fall and winter months. An infection can develop when fluid is trapped in your sinuses, air pockets located behind your eyes and along your nose, and often follow a cold or mild to moderate allergic reaction. With upper respiratory symptoms more prevalent in the colder months, patients may be more at risk this fall and winter. If you begin to experience symptoms of a sinus infection, visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville & Boulder for walk-in diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Sinus Infections
Your physician will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, including how long you have been experiencing them, how frequently you have sinus infections and what lead up to the infection. This will help your physician determine the type of sinus infections you may be suffering from, determining the most effective treatment strategy.
Acute sinusitis occurs after a patient has healed from a respiratory illness, experiencing longer periods of chest and/or nasal congestion. Acute sinus infections last less than four weeks and occur once or twice per year.
Chronic sinusitis lasts at least twelve weeks and can affect patients of all ages. If your symptoms last over 10 days without breaking or you have more than four sinus infections each year, you should visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville to learn if you may have chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of a sinus infection
Sinus infections may vary from mild to severe, which affects the symptoms associated with them. Symptoms may include:
- Facial pressure or pain, heaviness
- Stuffed and/or runny nose
- Headache
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Lost of smell and/or taste
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
Treating a Sinus Infection
Your physician will treat your sinusitis based on its severity and frequency. If your infection has progressed, that will change the treatment strategy. The cause of the infection will also change how it is treated. If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat it. If your sinus infection is weaker or caused by a buildup of fluids, your doctor may recommend a nasal spray, ibuprofen, over-the-counter decongestants and the use of devices including vaporizers and humidifiers, which will be able to reduce swelling or pain in the face.
Sinus Infection Diagnosis & Treatment in Louisville, Boulder & Superior, CO
If you have recently recovered from a respiratory illness and are still experiencing congestion or pressure in your face, visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville & Boulder today! We will be able to diagnose and develop the most effective treatment for your sinus infection. Our center is open seven days a week, with walk-in visits always welcomed and most major insurance carriers accepted. Low-cost treatment is available for self-paying patients. For more information about our center, please call 720-961-9700.
