Sinus Infection Treatment in Manchester, CT
The common cold. It’s called that for a reason. At least twice each year, most adults come down with a telltale runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, and mild fever. Usually, cold symptoms clear up on their own within about 10 days. If yours don’t, you may be dealing with something more serious, such as acute sinusitis. To find out—and receive the treatment you need to feel better—come to PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Manchester, Connecticut.
Also known as a sinus infection, sinusitis occurs when nasal passages become infected. While the common cold cannot directly cause a sinus infection, it can cause your sinus tissues to become inflamed. In addition to making you feel “stuffed up” and miserable, the swelling can trap mucus in your sinus cavities, creating the perfect breeding ground for infectious germs. The result? A full-blown sinus infection.
Do You Need a Sinus Infection Remedy?
When you visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care, you’ll be promptly seen by an experienced provider who can determine if you have a sinus infection that requires treatment. Along with a physical examination, this will involve a thorough assessment of your symptoms. In addition to common cold symptoms, a hallmark sign of sinusitis is facial pain or pressure, which usually doesn’t occur with a cold alone. Also, if your cold symptoms seemed to improve at first but then abruptly worsened, be sure to explain that to your provider. This pattern suggests that you may have had a cold that progressed into a sinus infection.
Sinusitis treatment may include:
- A prescription antibiotic medication (for bacterial sinus infections only; viral sinus infections do not respond to antibiotic treatment)
- An over-the-counter nasal decongestant
- A saline nasal spray
- A pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Additionally, it is important to rest at home for a few days and stay well hydrated. When you need to blow your nose, hold one nostril closed and gently blow the other into a tissue. If you blow too hard, you may develop an earache. To relieve pressure in your sinuses, you may find acupressure, acupuncture, or facial massage helpful as well.
In general, if your cold symptoms persist beyond 10 days or seem to be getting worse instead of better, you should visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Manchester, where you can receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis and, if needed, sinus infection treatment. Come in today!
