Are you dealing with nasal congestion that won’t go away? It’s important to determine what's causing your symptoms in order to get the relief you need. Nasal congestion is a symptom of many common ailments, including a common cold, seasonal allergies and sinusitis. Sinusitis is commonly referred to as a sinus infection, which can leave you with lasting nasal congestion if left untreated. This blog will explore various causes and symptoms of nasal congestions and explain when to seek medical treatment.
For same-day sinus infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Thornton. Our licensed, board-certified medical providers can examine your condition and make the best recommendations for symptom relief. Simply walk-in or reserve your spot online!
Nasal Congestion Causes and Symptoms
Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passages have become swollen and inflamed. This can be caused by anything that irritates the inside of your nose. Nasal congestion can be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, making it difficult to diagnose the cause on your own. Infections, like the flu and sinusitis, often cause stuffy and runny noses. The first step in effectively treating your nasal congestion is to determine its underlying cause. You can visit a licensed medical provider at an urgent care center for an accurate and quick diagnosis.
Sinus infection / nasal congestion symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pressure in the head/sinuses
- Runny and/or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
When to Seek Medical Treatment
As mentioned, the symptoms shared between the common cold, sinusitis, and seasonal allergies are very similar. The best way to understand what’s causing your persistent nasal congestion is to visit a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. If your cold lasts longer than a week, there’s a good chance it has developed into a bacterial sinus infection that requires treatment. In some cases, sinus infection can pass on their own with enough rest and hydration. However, sinus infections caused by bacteria are more likely to linger and even cause chronic symptoms if left untreated. This means it’s always a good idea to seek medical treatment if your nasal congestion won’t go away, or worsens overtime. Once your provider plans treatment, your sinus infection symptoms can subside within a few days.
How Are Sinus Infections Treated?
If your healthcare provider determines your sinuses have been infected, there are treatment options depending on the cause and severity of infection. Bacterial sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics. Urgent care centers, like AFC Thornton, can prescribe antibiotics at your convenience to clear the infection within a few days. However, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. In this case, decongestants, over-the-counter medications, and supportive care can help clear the infection and alleviate your nasal congestion. Whatever is causing your nasal congestion, rest assured a medical provider can help plan the right treatment for your individual case.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Thornton For Nasal Congestion Treatment Near Northglenn, CO
AFC Urgent Care Thornton is a full-service urgent care provider. With a team of experienced medical providers available seven days a week, managing and alleviating your nasal congestion can be simple! The clinic operates on a walk-in basis, meaning you can stop by when it’s convenient for you. We are located in Northglenn, CO– servicing all patients in Northglenn, Eastlake and surrounding communities.
If you have any questions about nasal congestion, or other urgent care services we provide, please contact our team directly at (720) 751-2910.