Sinusitis Treatment Clinic in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen VA

Sinus infection, otherwise referred to as sinusitis, is an infection found in the lining of the sinuses. An infection can affect the ethmoid sinus, frontal sinus, and maxillary sinus and can cause the following symptoms:

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

• Postnasal drip

• Facial pain

• Facial pressure

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Bad breath

• Cough

Pain in the forehead, between the eyes, and near the upper jaw

There are two types of sinus infections, acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. The type of sinusitis will determine how long your infection lasts.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is short-term and often caused by a viral infection. It can take anywhere from two weeks to four weeks to fully clear an acute sinus infection. Physicians suggest using saline nasal sprays, decongestants, and pain relievers to help resolve your symptoms.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis, caused by bacterial infections and allergens can be treated with oral corticosteroids, nasal corticosteroids, allergy medication, and surgery. Typically chronic sinusitis won’t go away on its own and will require medical treatment. Sinus inflammation that lasts for 3 months or longer can be frustrating and deserves to be treated right away.

Acute sinus infections can’t be treated quickly through hot compresses, drinking plenty of fluids, over-the-counter decongestants, and saline nose drops. Chronic sinusitis might need more aggressive treatments:

Antihistamines

If your chronic sinusitis is being triggered because of allergens, your doctor will recommend you avoid these triggers and take antihistamines. Allergens that can potentially cause inflammation in the sinuses include mold, pet dander, chemicals, smoke, and pollen.

Antifungal Medicine

Antifungal medicine can be used to treat infections of the sinus caused by fungus. Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, or itraconazole are usually prescribed to treat chronic fungal sinusitis.

Antibiotics

If your sinus inflammation is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics. 10 to 14 days of antibiotic treatment can quickly clear a bacterial sinus infection.

Steroids

Oral steroids, nasal steroids, and injected steroids can help reduce inflammation and open up your nasal passageways. This can make it easier to clear your sinuses through medicated nasal irrigation.

If sinusitis doesn’t go away on its own and goes left untreated, it can turn into a much more serious condition. Sinusitis can turn into meningitis, a bone infection, or a brain abscess. Though this is very rare, you should seek the proper treatment to prevent this dangerous development.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms or signs of a sinus infection, please make sure to visit PACS Urgent Care. Our team of specialists can effectively assess, diagnose, and treat your symptoms so that you can get back to a healthier version of yourself as soon as possible. If these symptoms have persisted for weeks or months, this could be a sign your infection is developing and turning into chronic sinusitis. Seeking care will ensure your infection doesn’t turn into a more serious condition. If you have any additional questions about sinus infection treatment at PACS Urgent Care, please visit us. We look forward to your visit to PACS Urgent Care soon! For more information, please contact us or use our online check-in. We have convenient locations in Ruther Glen and Alexandria, VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.