Sinus infections, medically referred to as sinusitis, can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, facial pressure, and nasal congestion. But can a sinus infection also lead to a persistent cough? The short answer is yes– coughing can indeed occur during a sinus infection. Understanding why sinus infections trigger coughing and how to manage these symptoms can help you find relief faster.
For same-day sinus infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and appointments are not required. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance or book telemedicine, simply pre-register below!
Sinus Infection Basics
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become inflamed, typically due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. This inflammation can lead to a variety of distressing symptoms. The sinuses are connected to the throat through small passages, and when these passages are blocked by mucus, it can trigger a range of symptoms, including a cough. Alongside a cough, sinus infections generally present several other symptoms. These may include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and occasionally fevers. Although the experience of these symptoms can vary from person to person, they all stem from the inflammation of the sinus cavities. This can make daily activities uncomfortable and interfere with overall well-being.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause a Cough?
The inflammation caused by a sinus infection leads to an overproduction of mucus, which can cause congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses. The body tries to get rid of excess mucus by triggering a cough. A major factor contributing to this cough is post-nasal drip, which happens when mucus drips down the back of the throat. This flow can irritate the throat and activate the cough reflex, making the discomfort more pronounced during a sinus infection.
A cough associated with a sinus infection often tends to be more noticeable at night or upon waking. This is typically linked to the body's position while lying down, which can cause mucus to move back toward the throat, leading to irritation. In cases where the cough is dry, the irritation is often due to mucus in the throat. Conversely, a productive cough, which brings up mucus, may indicate an excess buildup that the body is trying to expel.
When to Visit Urgent Care
While some sinus infections can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications such as decongestants or antihistamines, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. If your cough lingers for more than a week, or if you experience symptoms like a high fever, significant facial pain, or discolored mucus in your cough, it is crucial to seek medical care. These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection that might require prescription medication or further diagnostic evaluation.
Get Walk-In Sinus Infection Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
Understanding the connection between sinus infections and coughing is the first step to getting better. Even though a cough is a common symptom, monitoring its duration and intensity is key to determining whether further medical attention is necessary. If symptoms continue to get worse or do not show improvement with home remedies, come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale for a same-day diagnosis and treatment. Taking timely action alleviates discomfort and promotes a quicker recovery. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 850 S Monaco Pkwy, Suite 10 in Denver, CO. We’re open seven days a week and appointments are never required to be seen by a board-certified medical provider.
Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sinus infection treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 935-1000.
