How long is too long for a sinus infection?

How long is too long for a sinus infection?

A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.

What happens if you let a sinus infection go too long?

Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis.

What happens if my sinus infection doesn’t go away?

It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, it’s best to take a trip to your doctor’s office if your symptoms last longer than one week. Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens.

How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

When a Sinus Infection May Be Dangerous

1. Swelling. If you experience swelling around your eyes, this can be a red flag for severe sinusitis.
2. Pain. When there is excessive pain in your eyes, ears, head or throat, you likely have a severe sinus infection.
3. Fever.
4. Feeling Disoriented.
5. A Persistent Infection.

What if sinus infection doesn’t go away after antibiotics?

If your sinus infection just won’t go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if: You’ve completed several courses of antibiotics without success.

What are the stages of a sinus infection?

Types

• Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.
• Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.

Why won’t my sinus pressure go away?

It can be caused by a few conditions. The most common is a viral infection, such as a cold, that does not go away. Bacteria, allergies, or other causes may be responsible. Chronic sinusitis, also called chronic rhinosinusitis, is a particularly persistent type of sinusitis.

Why won’t my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?

Chronic sinusitis emerges more insidiously than acute sinusitis. At times, however, the symptoms start suddenly and may resemble that of the common cold or acute sinusitis that just won’t go away. Chronic sinusitis is most likely if you have two or more of the following symptoms: Nasal congestion or stuffy nose.

How does a sinus infection end?

Acute sinusitis typically goes away on its own in seven to 10 days. If it lasts longer, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Your doctor may also perform an allergy test if they suspect your sinusitis is a result of allergies. Chronic sinusitis is different and treating it requires more time and patience.

Will my sinus infection clear up on its own?

Treatment for sinus infections can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The worst cases may need surgery, while some infections need antibiotics or steroids. Fortunately, most sinus infections are mild and clear up on their own. Most sinus infections clear up on their own after about a week.

How long is my sinus infection going to be contagious?

If a virus is to blame, you may have been contagious days before you got the sinus infection. Most viruses can be spread for just a few days, but sometimes you could pass it on for a week or more.

How long to clear up sinus infection?

Typically, a sinus infection clears up in a few days to a week. When the infection lasts longer though, the sinus infection becomes serious. A sinus infection is classified as chronic once it has lasted for four weeks or longer.

What is the best treatment for a sinus infection?

Antibiotics for Sinus Infection. When sinus infection is caused by bacteria, a complete antibiotic course is recommended for addressing the condition. Some of the effective antibiotics for sinus infection treatment are penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone.