Sinus Infection Treatment in Stratford, CT

If you have a cold, your nose is probably stuffy and runny. Usually, these symptoms will clear up within about a week. If your nasal issues linger beyond 10 days, however, you might have a sinus infection, or sinusitis.

A sinus infection occurs when the mucous membranes in your sinuses become inflamed and block the tiny openings that allow mucus to drain. When trapped inside your sinuses, mucus can allow bacteria to breed, creating painful pressure in your head and face. If you’re experiencing symptoms like these, you can receive effective sinus infection treatment on your schedule at PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Stratford, Connecticut.

What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?

Most colds last for a few days and do not require professional medical attention. However, the symptoms of a cold can be very similar to the symptoms of a sinus infection—nasal congestion, headache, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and so on. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, but it is important, because each may require a different treatment approach.

If you think you might have a sinus infection, it’s best to see a doctor who can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, which could be bacteria or a virus. While a bacterial infection will usually respond to antibiotic treatment, a viral infection will not. Plus, unnecessary antibiotic treatment can actually be harmful.

Without appropriate treatment, a persistent sinus infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as an eye or brain infection. That’s another reason why it’s so important to see a doctor who can determine whether you have a cold or sinus infection and recommend appropriate treatment to clear it up and help you feel better.

If you don’t feel better after a few days of trying “the approach mothers suggest” for a cold—resting, drinking lots of fluids, breathing steam, and irrigating your sinuses with a saline spray or a neti pot—come to PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Stratford. The experienced team at our urgent care center can get to the bottom of your illness and, if necessary, provide effective sinus infection treatment.