Sinus Infection Treatment in Ridgefield, CT

Caught a cold? You know the drill. You can expect a few days of misery in the form of coughing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose, and possibly a sore throat and headache. Your cold symptoms will probably clear up within a week or so, but if your nasal issues persist, you may have developed a more serious sinus infection (sinusitis). If so, you can receive prompt and effective treatment at PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

On your own, it can be difficult to know whether your cold has progressed to a full-blown sinus infection, but the team at PhysicianOne Urgent Care can help. In fact, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to help you feel better. While antibiotic treatment will do nothing to improve a cold, it may be necessary to address a sinus infection.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Your sinuses, or nasal passages, are hollow cavities in your skull located on either side of your nose, between your eyes, and in the lower center part of your forehead. When you are sick with a cold, the tissues inside your sinuses can become inflamed. In addition to making you feel “stuffed up,” the resulting swelling can trap mucus within your sinuses, where it creates a breeding ground for germs.

To determine whether you have a sinus infection that requires treatment, a provider at PhysicianOne Urgent Care will evaluate:

• The nature of your symptoms – In addition to common cold symptoms, a hallmark sign of sinusitis is facial pain or pressure.
• The duration of your symptoms – Cold symptoms generally resolve much faster than sinus infection symptoms.

If your symptoms initially seemed to improve, but then suddenly worsened, be sure to tell us. This pattern suggests that what began as a cold may have evolved into a bacterial sinus infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Also, to ease your sinus pressure, it may be helpful to use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant or saline spray. A pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide relief from sinus pain as well.

As a general rule of thumb, if your cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, you should visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Ridgefield, where our team can determine whether your illness has developed into a bacterial sinus infection and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better. To learn more, contact our urgent care center today.