Congestion is a common illness symptom. In many cases, congestion can cause discomfort but will resolve on its own with time. However, for certain individuals, congestion can lead to a bacterial infection in the sinuses called a sinus infection. Learn the symptoms of sinus infections so that you can get ahead and seek treatment early. Visit AFC Urgent Care Lakewood for same-day sinus infection diagnosis and treatment. Available on a walk-in basis for patients living in Lakewood, Belmar & Green Mountain, CO.
Common Causes of Congestion
Feeling stuffy is a common symptom of many different illnesses. Although congestion is usually mild, it can be caused by a variety of factors which can make it difficult to diagnose at home. Congestion occurs when your body creates too much mucus in response to an irritant. This can occur due to the presence of viruses or bacteria. Usually, congestion is accompanied by other illness symptoms including a sore throat, cough, sneezing or fatigue.
Congestion can also be caused by environmental irritants. Swelling around the nose and throat can trap mucus in your sinuses, creating congestion. Much like how your body uses mucus to flush out viruses and bacteria, mucus is also used to flush out irritants like dust and smoke before they can reach your lungs. If too much mucus becomes trapped in your sinuses, there is a risk that you will develop a bacterial infection called a sinus infection.
How to Tell If You Have a Sinus Infection
Sinus infections occur due to mucus building up and becoming trapped in your sinuses. The excess mucus is a breeding ground for bacteria to create an infection. Sinus infections often begin with a mild illness, such as a cold. However, if too much mucus gets trapped in your sinuses, it can quickly become more severe and turn into a sinus infection.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Congestion
- Loss of smell
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Facial pain/pressure
- Sore throat
- Post-nasal drip
Walk-In Illness Symptom Diagnosis Near Genesee, CO
Sinus infections require medical care for treatment. If you’re experiencing mild congestion, it is important to keep an eye on your symptoms. If your symptoms continue to worsen over time, you may be developing a sinus infection.
Sinus infections can be difficult to diagnose at home. Your medical provider will evaluate your illness symptoms to determine whether you could be suffering from a sinus infection. Based on your symptoms, your medical provider may perform diagnostic testing to look for the presence of any bacteria. Based on the results, your medical provider will review the available treatment options.
Get Sinus Infection Diagnosis & Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Lakewood
If you’re suffering from congestion, it is important that you closely monitor your symptoms to ensure that you’re not developing a sinus infection. At AFC Urgent Care Lakewood, our clinic offers walk-in illness diagnosis and treatment for patients in Lakewood, Genesee & Morrison, CO. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you, or pre-register your visit online.
Our clinic is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory which allows our medical staff to perform rapid diagnostic testing at the time of your visit. We never require you to schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic. We accept most medical insurance plans, and offer affordable care for self-paying patients. Walk in today. For additional information, contact the clinic directly by calling (303) 988-3600.
