Sinus infections are a very common condition, with more than 3 million cases being formally diagnosed in the US each year. Sinus infections are usually resolved within days to weeks. Chronic sinusitis is the worst type of sinus infection that is usually caused by an infection or growth. These types of sinus infections may last for up to 8 weeks at a time in the worst cases.
Symptoms
Sinus infections usually make themselves known through multiple symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are either bacterial or viral, and the differences are difficult for sufferers to figure out. The two types differ in the following ways:
Sinus Infections – Bacterial: A bacterial infection is an infection that enters the body through the spread of bacteria. Bacteria spread by touch, bodily fluid transfer (such as coughing or sneezing) or air transfer. These infections will generally last for at least ten days and may actually get worse after the initial week of onset of the infection.
Sinus Infections – Viral: A viral infection is an infection that enters the body through a virus. Viral infections are spread the same way as bacterial infections. The difference is that the viral infection will start to improve after 5 to 7 days of the initial onset of the symptoms.
There is no definitive way for a doctor to determine if you have a bacterial or viral sinus infection based on symptoms alone. The way that the type of infection that you have is determined will generally be how long the infection lasts. If it’s a shorter duration, it was likely a viral infection, and if it was a longer duration, as in a couple of weeks or longer, it was likely a bacterial infection.
The symptoms of both bacterial and viral infections will be similar, including the symptoms bad breath, yellow/green mucus, fever, and headaches are not even reliable signs of what type of infection you have, as both bacterial and viral infections share many of the same symptoms.
Treatment
Generally, treatment includes over-the-counter decongestants, which help clear up the problem. Nasal sprays are also sometimes beneficial. In the worst cases of acute or chronic sinus infections, sometimes antibiotics may be needed to clear up the infection.
Scheduling an appointment with Commonwealth ENT is the first step in diagnosing the cause of and treating your sinus infection. Contact us today and take the first step in feeling great! For an appointment, contact us at our Richmond office at (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office at(804) 378-7443.