Sinusitis, which is the medical term for a sinus infection, is a very common condition that can affect just about anyone. In many cases, sinusitis is a relatively minor ailment that disappears on its own after a week or so. However, sinusitis can sometimes become much more serious and require urgent medical care.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines your sinuses. This condition can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. When sinusitis is caused by a virus, such as the common cold, it will typically abate within 10 days. However, when sinusitis is caused by bacteria, it will usually require a course of antibiotics.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Sinusitis?
People suffering from sinusitis typically experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Blocked, stuffy nose
- Green or yellow mucus from the nose or the back of the throat
- Pain and tenderness around the eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead that worsens when bending over
- Headaches
- Ear pressure
- Pain in the teeth
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Fever
If these symptoms remain for longer than a week, you should visit a doctor.
Chronic Sinusitis
Most cases of sinusitis are acute sinusitis, which rarely lasts longer than two to four weeks. However, for many people with allergies or immune system problems, the symptoms of sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer. At that point, the condition is called chronic sinusitis and may require additional treatments, such as nasal corticosteroids, saline nasal irrigation, or allergy medications.
When Is Sinusitis Serious?
In some rare cases, a sinus infection can spread from the sinuses to the eyes or brain. When the infection spreads to the eyes, it can cause swelling, redness, and vision problems. It can also cause a condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the cavernous sinuses. Cavernous sinus thrombosis can cause blindness and life-threatening complications.
If an infection reaches the sphenoid sinuses, it can potentially spread to the brain. That can lead to meningitis or a brain abscess, both of which are life-threatening conditions. So, in the rare occurrence that sinusitis begins to spread, it’s imperative to receive medical attention as quickly as possible.
You should seek medical care right away if you experience any of the symptoms that could indicate a serious infection:
- A persistent or high fever
- Redness or swelling around your eyes
- Double vision or any other vision changes
- Confusion
- Neck stiffness
The Bottom Line
Most of the time, sinusitis is nothing you need to be too worried about. There’s a good chance that a week of resting and staying hydrated will chase away the infection. However, if the symptoms remain for longer than a week or seem to be getting worse, you shouldn’t hesitate to see a qualified ENT doctor. In Miami and the surrounding cities, you can always turn to the experienced team of ENT doctors at South Florida ENT Associates.
