If you have a nasal congestion that continues after a cold or a bout of allergies and you start noticing facial pain or pressure in your sinuses, there is a good chance you have a sinus infection. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can leave you feeling congested, achy, and fatigued. While some infections develop gradually over time, others can seemingly appear out of nowhere. If you’ve ever wondered whether sinus infection symptoms can appear suddenly, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sinusitis.

For same-day sinus infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Farmington. Our team is ready to help diagnose and treat your symptoms so that you can get back to feeling your best. If you’re suffering symptoms, simply walk-in or pre-register your visit online.

Causes and Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

Sinus infections can indeed come on suddenly for some people. While the onset of sinusitis can vary from person to person, several factors can contribute to the sudden appearance of sinus infection symptoms. Inside your skull are spaces in the bones around your eyes, cheeks, and nose called sinus cavities. These hollow, moist spaces are usually free of problems. However, when you have a cold or allergy, the lining of these cavities becomes inflamed. The inflammation leads to swelling– blocking your sinuses' normal drainage pathways into your throat and nose.

With all the exit pathways mostly or entirely blocked, mucus becomes stuck in your sinuses, making you feel stuffiness or pressure that can be uncomfortable. Usually, when the cold or allergies have been treated, the inflammation goes down and the pathways become clear. But there are times when viruses, bacteria, and fungi become involved, which makes your sinuses remain inflamed and infected.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

The most obvious symptom of sinus infection is a stuffy or runny nose that persists even after cold and allergy symptoms have stopped. Some individuals see yellow or green mucus dripping from their noses or going down the back of their throats. The other sign to look out for is pain or pressure in your face, especially near the sinus cavities, such as those around the eyes, cheeks, and nose. The constant stuffy nose and facial pain are caused by inflammation of the sinus lining and swelling caused by infection.

Other symptoms include headaches, coughing that releases mucus, fever, bad breath, and a reduced sense of taste or smell. Although the symptoms listed here are similar to those of colds, flu, the crucial difference to note is that sinus infection only comes after inflammation and blockage of the sinus cavities caused by colds, allergies, or any other similar condition. In addition, the time it takes to recover from a sinus infection depends on whether you have an acute or chronic infection.

How Do You Treat Sinusitis?

Viral sinus infections typically clear up without any medical intervention, with symptoms starting to improve after two days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter medications to alleviate the pressure and pain you're feeling and other symptoms like fever. You can also take hot showers or baths throughout the day. After two days of treating your symptoms at home, you should see improvements. On the other hand, bacterial sinus infections generally require prescribed antibiotics to treat. If you’re experiencing any worsening, persistent, or severe symptoms, don’t wait to consult a healthcare provider. Professionals at urgent care centers are well-equipped to diagnose and treat sinus infections. They can examine your current condition and tailor a personalized treatment plan to ensure you recover properly and quickly. 

Get Walk-In Sinus Infection Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Farmington

Sinus infection symptoms can come on suddenly or gradually depending on the individual affected and the nature of infection. By understanding the factors that contribute to the sudden onset of symptoms and following appropriate management strategies, you can effectively alleviate symptoms, promote recovery, and minimize the impact of sinusitis on your daily life. Are you suffering from sinus infection symptoms? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Farmington for same-day care. We can examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment. Just walk-in! If you have any additional questions about sinus infection treatment, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (505) 326-6000.