If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your sinus region, you could have a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. A majority of sinus infections are relatively harmless, but sometimes, medical treatment is required to avoid complications.
If you think you need sinus infection treatment in Maryland or Washington, DC, call Fast Track Urgent Care or stop by one of our clinics in Silver Spring and Kensington to receive the care you need—no appointment required!
10540 Connecticut Ave
Kensington, MD 20895
-or-
13428 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Fast Track Urgent Care offers quality, convenient, compassionate medical care seven days a week to residents of Maryland and Washington, DC. Walk-ins are welcome for sinus infection treatment, and we strive to provide timely, innovative care for patients of all ages.
800-417-1164
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around your nasal passages, known as sinuses, become inflamed. This causes the sinuses to drain slowly, leading to mucus buildup and irritation.
There are two primary types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis lasts four weeks or less. The infection usually occurs as part of a cold or another respiratory disease. Chronic sinus infections either continue for 12 weeks straight or recur back to back.
Sinus infections caused by viruses usually dissipate in seven to 10 days. Bacterial infections are less common and usually last longer than 10 days. Fungal infections can also cause sinusitis in rare cases. Other conditions such as allergies, tooth infections, and nasal polyps can worsen the pain and swelling of sinusitis.
Signs You Have a Sinus Infection
Many of the same symptoms occur whether you have acute or chronic sinusitis. These include:
- Nasal congestion
- Yellow or green-colored mucus from the nose or throat
- Coughing
- Sore throat and hoarse voice
- Tenderness and feeling pressure around the eyes
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Pain in the upper jaw, ears, and teeth
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
When to Seek Treatment for a Sinus Infection
Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, which can’t be treated with antibiotics. Fortunately, viral sinus infections typically dissipate within seven to 10 days. If your congestion, nasal discharge, facial pain, and other symptoms last longer than this or keep recurring, you probably have a bacterial infection, and antibiotics can help.
If you go on antibiotics for a viral infection, your symptoms will go untouched, and the medicine will be less effective if you contract a bacterial infection in the future. For this reason, most doctors suggest waiting at least a week before visiting an urgent care center for sinus infection treatment. By then, you can be reasonably sure you have a bacterial sinus infection that antibiotics can treat. In the meantime, rest, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort.
If you experience eye swelling, decreased vision, or a high fever along with other symptoms of a sinus infection, visit an urgent care clinic immediately. These are symptoms of rare complications that can occur if sinusitis spreads to the brain or eyes.
Choose Fast Track Urgent Care for Sinus Infection Treatment in Maryland
When you visit Fast Track Urgent Care for sinus infection treatment in Maryland and DC, you benefit from exceptional care, low-cost services, and prompt medical attention. We are highly qualified to diagnose and treat sinus infections, so visit us today for the care you need!
For answers to any remaining questions, you have before you come in, feel free to contact us at 800-417-1164.
