Sinus Infections Specialist
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Alpha Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine & Internal Medicine located in Fayetteville, GA
Sinus infections can be painful and inconvenient. Fortunately, patients have access to care from a board-certified internal medicine physician at Alpha Internal Medicine. Patients living in Fayetteville, Georgia and the surrounding areas should visit Dr. Betsy Horton for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection, call the office or schedule an appointment online with the experienced medical team.
Sinus Infections Q & A
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is a temporary condition that develops when the sinuses become infected with bacteria. This typically occurs when the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, which allows bacteria to grow unchecked. Doctors may also refer to a sinus infection as “sinusitis.”
In many cases, sinus infections develop after the patient has had a head cold. In this case, the virus causes the nasal passages to swell, which blocks the flow of mucus and leads to bacterial overgrowth. Nasal polyps and allergies can also cause enough swelling to lead to a sinus infection.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
Some of the most common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Fever
- Post-nasal drip
- Congestion
- Blockage in the nose
- Headache in the forehead
- Pressure or pain around the eyes and forehead
- Thick, yellow discharge from the nose
Some people may also develop a cough when they have a sinus infection. In some cases, sinus infection symptoms may be mild, but they can also be painful, cause drowsiness and disrupt your scheduled activities.
What treatments are available?
The doctors at WesTex Urgent Care may prescribe antibiotics to some patients with sinus infections, especially if the symptoms have continued for many days. Dr. Horton may also prescribe decongestants to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Recovery from a sinus infection may take a few days. In addition to taking prescribed medications, patients may also be able to alleviate symptoms with steam, hot showers, and nasal saline.
If a patient gets sinus infections frequently, further investigation and treatment may be necessary. For example, if sinus infections occur because of nasal polyps, the patient may need to have the polyp removed. Likewise, if the patient suffers recurrent sinus infections because of allergies, treating the allergies may reduce the number and severity of the patient’s infections.
When should patients seek treatment for a sinus infection?
Sinus infections will sometimes go away on their own. However, if you are experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection for more than a week, or if the your symptoms are particularly severe, you should come to Alpha Internal Medicine for treatment.
