Sinus infections are rarely serious, but you may need to seek medical attention if symptoms become uncomfortable or continue for more than a few days. Patients often visit an urgent care facility when they're dealing with this type of illness. People who get sinus infections frequently know when one is developing, but if you're unfamiliar with the condition, the following guide can help you understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Should You Know About Sinus Infections? 

Causes

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when germs grow in a person's sinus cavities. These hollow pockets in the skull are connected to the nasal passages. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but fluid buildup accompanied by a virus or bacteria can lead to infection and swelling. 

Allergies, colds, and nasal polyps are risk factors that make it more likely for an individual to experience this condition. Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. However, chronic sinusitis is defined by recurring infections or symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks at a time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. You may feel facial pain or tenderness around the eyes, nose, forehead, and upper jaw. 

Sinusitis often leads to nasal discharge that’s green, yellow, or cloudy. Mucus sometimes drips down the throat, which can also cause coughing and a hoarse voice. Fever is a less frequent symptom.

Treatment

This condition can often be treated at home using a decongestant, nasal spray, or warm compress placed on the nose and forehead. Over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers and cough medicine, may be effective, but talk to a medical professional before administering them to children.

Visit an urgent care facility if symptoms last for more than 10 days—particularly if you have a fever, severe facial pain, or excessive nasal discharge. If you've been taking medication for three days and your symptoms haven't improved, schedule a doctor's visit. Your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic if other treatments have failed.

If you need to visit an urgent care unit for a sinus infection or other nonemergency condition, turn to Robertsdale Urgent Care. The facility is owned by Amy Younce, MSN, RN, CRNP, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC; she is a Robertsdale, AL, native with long-standing ties to the community. This health care provider serves clients throughout Baldwin County and is also one of the few local centers that accept Medicaid. This personable practice treats patients as people instead of numbers, and they always try to follow up with patients the next day. Call (251) 947-3591 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information.