Sinus Pressure
Urgent Care for Sinus Pain and Pressure
Sinus pressure and sinusitis are common problems with several possible causes. Sinus pain can be uncomfortable and disrupt your life, especially when it persists. Whatever the cause, the experienced providers at CareWell Urgent Care are here to help relieve your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Sinus Pressure
Often, mild sinusitis does not necessarily need medical treatment. You should see an urgent care provider for the following:
- You have an ongoing fever.
- Your sinus symptoms have lasted more than a week.
- Your symptoms improved and then worsened.
- You have a history of chronic sinus infections.
These symptoms may indicate that you have a sinus infection.
How Do I Know If I Have a Sinus Infection?
In addition to sinus pressure, a sinus infection can result in certain symptoms, including:
- Pressure, tenderness, or pain around the eyes or nose that may become worse when lying down or bending over.
- Blowing thick, yellow or greenish mucus from your nose. In the case of postnasal drip, this may also run down your throat.
- Nasal congestion, which may make it difficult to breathe through your nose.
You may also experience other symptoms with sinusitis:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Cough.
What Is Sinusitis?
Often due to a cold or allergies, sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the spaces within and near the nose. These areas can become swollen and congested with mucus, resulting in pressure, sinus pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes, the inflamed sinuses can become invaded by bacteria, resulting in a bacterial infection.
Sinus Pressure Relief in Urgent Care
When you visit CareWell Urgent Care for sinus pressure, an experienced provider will discuss your symptoms and any relevant medical history and perform a physical exam. Providers can typically diagnose a sinus infection based on an exam and an evaluation of your symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with a sinus infection, your provider may order an antibiotic to treat your infection. It is important to take the full course of your antibiotic, even if you are feeling better sooner. You may also be prescribed other medications to treat your symptoms, including medication for sinus pain and fever, decongestants, antihistamines (for allergies), cough medicine, or a steroid nasal spray.
You can try certain things at home to relieve sinus pressure while you recover from sinusitis:
- Saline nasal spray can help to moisturize your sinuses and promote drainage of congestion.
- Drinking plenty of liquids promotes hydration, may reduce congestion, and helps your body heal.
- Rest strengthens your immune system and re-energizes your body as you heal.
- Taking a hot shower or breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water may relieve your sinus pressure.
- Some people experience sinus relief after using a Neti pot or a similar device. If you try this, you should use sterilized equipment and clean bottled water to prevent infection.
If your sinus symptoms continue to persist or get worse, make sure to follow up with an urgent care provider.
How Long Can a Sinus Infection Last?
Sinusitis that lasts beyond a week or 10 days may have become a sinus infection. A sinus infection can clear up on its own, but it may linger for several weeks for some people and become chronic sinusitis.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic for a sinus infection, let your provider know if your symptoms do not begin to improve. Complications of a sinus infection are rare but could include infection of the bones, skin, or eye sockets near the affected sinuses.
Is a Sinus Infection Contagious?
Though a bacterial sinus infection isn’t contagious, the viral illness (common cold, flu, or COVID-19) that may have led to your sinus infection could still spread to others. You should wash your hands carefully, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid infecting others.
CareWell Urgent Care: Sinus Pressure Relief Near You
CareWell can help you navigate your sinus symptoms and set you on a course to clear sinuses. For convenient, exceptional care for sinus pain and many other symptoms and illnesses, visit one of our locations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
