Sinus Infection Treatment Specialist in Tigard, OR

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This condition is typically characterized by symptoms that affect the nasal passages and sinuses.

The most common symptom is a runny nose, like that experienced during a cold or flu, often accompanied by postnasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of the throat.

The nature of nasal discharge can help distinguish between a common cold and a sinus infection. While nasal mucus is usually watery or clear during a cold, sinus infection mucus often has a yellow or green appearance. The discoloration of the mucus is not caused by the bacteria itself but rather by the immune system’s response, which increases white blood cell production to combat the invading pathogens.

Other symptoms of a sinus infection include nasal congestion, which makes breathing difficult and affects the senses of smell and taste. Pain, tenderness, or pressure around the face can also occur due to the spread of the sinuses across nasal areas. Mucus accumulation can press on nerves, leading to discomfort.

Additionally, dizziness and headaches can result from congestion or inflammation in the sinuses. Congestion also impairs the sense of smell, which in turn can make food taste bland.

Treatment for sinus infections depends on whether the cause is viral or bacterial. Bacterial sinusitis may require antibiotics to target and kill the bacteria. However, antibiotics are not effective for viral sinusitis, so supportive treatments are recommended in these cases. Over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and nasal sprays can alleviate symptoms.

Urgent care is a highly effective option for managing severe cases of sinus infections that do not improve with initial homecare measures. Urgent care centers, such as Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, offer prompt medical attention, including physical examinations and prescribing medications when necessary.

These centers are particularly useful for immediate care outside regular healthcare provider hours or when symptoms worsen suddenly. High fever, severe facial pain, or signs of complications are instances when it is advisable to visit an urgent care center.

The duration of a sinus infection varies based on its type and whether an individual receives treatment. Acute sinusitis, often resulting from a cold or other respiratory infection, lasts less than four weeks. Subacute sinusitis lasts 4-12 weeks.

Recurrent acute sinusitis involves several episodes of inflammation, each lasting about seven days.

Chronic sinusitis is characterized by frequent recurrences or symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. The management and treatment of sinus infections are influenced by their duration and frequency.

Determining if you have a sinus infection can be challenging due to symptom similarities with the common cold. Symptoms of a sinus infection include a runny nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, sore throat, cough, thick yellow or green mucus, and post-nasal drip.

Bad breath is also a common symptom when such symptoms persist longer than expected for a common cold.

A medical assessment is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Visiting an urgent care clinic is recommended, as they can determine whether a person has a sinus infection based on various clinical criteria. This may involve blood tests to establish the nature of the infection.

If diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection, antibiotics will be prescribed, while viral infections will be managed with supportive home treatments.

Sinus infections can be painful and disruptive. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek medical attention is essential for effective management and relief. Sinus infection treatment is available at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. For more information, Contact us today for more information about our services or book an appointment online. We also take walk-ins for your utmost convenience. We also accept walk-ins. We serve patients from Tigard OR, Tualatin OR, Beaverton OR, Lake Oswego OR, and surrounding areas.