What Causes Sinus Infections
Your sinuses are the inner canals within your skull that connect your nose and other cavities of your head to each other. The purpose of your sinuses is to produce mucus which traps debris and viruses before they can reach your lungs and cause an infection or irritation. The sinuses increase airflow and help drain mucus into your nose and away from your lungs. This mucus also helps moisten the air that you breathe in to protect your lungs from drying out.
Sinus infections are caused due to swelling in your sinuses. This usually occurs due to a viral infection that sneaks through your sinus pathway and reaches your lungs. However, it can also be caused by bacteria or other irritants such as allergies. Infections that cause swelling and access mucus production via symptoms like congestion can block your sinus pathways. This can cause a buildup of pressure and block the airflow, resulting in an infection of the sinus pathways. Although sinus infections are sometimes caused by contagious illnesses, you cannot spread a sinus infection to others because sinus infections are not contagious.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Facial pain
- Loss of smell
- Headaches
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Congestion
Sinus Infection Treatment Near Waltham, MA
The course of treatment for a sinus infection can vary slightly depending on the cause of the infection. Generally, at-home treatment is sufficient to manage symptoms until your body can fight off the infection on its own. However, if the infection is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may need to be prescribed which is why it is a good idea to seek medical attention to confirm the cause of your infection.
Taking steps to prevent a sinus infection isn’t always possible because oftentimes they follow another illness. Practicing good hygiene with regular hand washing and disinfecting surfaces can help you prevent illnesses that can lead to the development of a sinus infection. Seeking early medical treatment for illnesses can also help prevent severe congestion from occurring, which may lessen your chances of a sinus infection developing.
At-home care tips for a sinus infection:
- Sinus rinses
- Over-the-counter decongestants
- Steam exposure (from a hot shower)
- Warm compresses
- Rest
- Stay hydrated
Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham For Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment Near Waltham, MA
Sinus infections can cause discomfort that lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, seeking medical care early for minor illnesses that cause congestion can help you avoid getting a sinus infection in the first place. If you are suffering from sinus infection symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Waltham can help. Our medical providers are board-certified and able to perform diagnostic testing to understand the cause of your illness and provide effective treatment. Simply walk into our clinic, or make an appointment online.
If you’re suffering from illness symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to provide comprehensive medical care without the long wait times or high costs associated with the emergency room. We never require an appointment to receive illness care at our walk-in clinic, just visit when it’s convenient for you. We are open 7 days a week with extended business hours so that you can get the care that you need, exactly when you need it. Visit our clinic today. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly.
