Acute Sinusitis Treatment

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Although there can be significant overlap in the symptoms of a viral head cold and sinusitis, some distinct symptoms are more specific to sinusitis infections. These symptoms can include ear pressure, sore throat, post-nasal drip, cough, nasal congestion, headache, and, occasionally, fever.

Typically, patients with sinus infections tend to experience the most pressure or pain just above the eyes (frontal sinuses), in or around the nose (ethmoidal sinuses), or just below the eyes (maxillary sinuses). Some patients report that this pressure worsens when bending over. Others report that they experience discomfort in their upper teeth.

What are the Treatment Options for Sinusitis?

Using a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase, Nasocort, or Nasonex can help a great deal with the inflammation in the sinuses. These sprays will often reduce the feeling of pressure and pain. When using steroid nasal spray to treat sinus infection symptoms, administer 1-2 sprays in each nostril 1-2 times daily.

Sinus infections can also cause a great deal of mucus buildup in the sinus cavities. Using a salt nasal spray up to 5 times a day can help loosen this mucus.

There are three indications for using antibiotics in the treatment of sinusitis.

Symptoms lasting more than seven days
Severe symptoms at any point
Significant increase in the intensity of symptoms around day 3 or 4

When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Sinusitis?

Sinusitis and its associated symptoms are some of the most common conditions we treat at Pinnacle Urgent Care. Should you have severe pain or pressure, or your symptoms last more than seven days, please come in for a consultation. If you also have a fever, you should see a doctor to rule out other possible causes or infections.