Being sick can put a hold on your daily routine. Being able to pinpoint what is leading to your symptoms is the most effective way to ensure a swift recovery. If you’re suffering from a fever, it can be difficult to narrow down potential underlying causes. However, a common cause of fevers during the fall and winter is sinus infections. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when the sinus cavities become clogged which leads to the development of a bacterial infection within the sinuses. If you’re suffering from a fever, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help. Our team of dedicated medical providers is available 7 days a week from 8am-8pm to provide patients near Stoneham, MA with rapid same-day illness care. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you!
Common Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
Sinus infections can sometimes go undetected in the early stages. This is because sinus infections usually occur as the result of congestion caused by another condition. Seasonal allergies and viral infections such as colds or the flu are common precursor conditions to sinus infections because they often cause severe congestion. Congestion that is left untreated can develop into an infection within the sinuses.
If you’re congested, it is important to take action quickly to avoid a sinus infection. Sinus infections can cause severe symptoms such as a fever. Common symptoms of a sinus infection to look out for include:
- Thick nasal discharge
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Facial pressure
- Fever
- Body aches
- Headaches
Sinus Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is typically diagnosed through a combination of physically examining your existing symptoms as well as diagnostic testing. During the evaluation, your healthcare provider will ask about symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, fever, and postnasal drip. They may perform a physical exam, which includes checking the nasal passages for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. If your medical provider thinks you could have a sinus infection, they may perform a nasal or sinus culture to identify if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Treatment for a sinus infection depends on its cause and severity. Most sinus infections resolve on their own within 7–10 days. At home care steps to help get rid of a sinus infection include rest, staying hydrated, using over-the-counter decongestants and saline nasal sprays to relieve symptoms. Steam inhalation or a humidifier can also help loosen mucus and reduce congestion.
If a bacterial sinus infection is suspected - especially if symptoms persist beyond 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or are severe - doctors may prescribe antibiotics.
Walk Into AFC Stoneham for Same-Day Sinus Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing a fever along with other illness symptoms such as severe congestion, you may have a sinus infection. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we offer same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment for the whole family on a walk-in basis. Our clinic maintains short wait times, making it convenient to walk in for rapid care when you need it most. Our clinic is equipped with a lab on-site for diagnostic testing at the time of your visit. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for our care. Walk into the clinic today!
