Tips On…Sinus Infections

Difference From "A Cold"

A common cold is due to a virus. A cold will usually clear up in seven to 10 days and does not require antibiotics. A sinus infection is often due to bacteria and may last several weeks if not treated with antibiotics. While many of the symptoms are the same, sinus infections may cause higher fever and more pain in the face than the common cold.

Preventive Measures

• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
• Treat colds and allergies promptly
• Wash hands often
• Ask family members who are ill to use tissues when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of them frequently.
• Avoid forceful nose blowing, which may carry infection into sinuses.

Treatment
See your primary care physician for treatment options.

Consider Notifying your Physician If:

• You develop trouble breathing
• Symptoms are worse after four days of treatment
• You have a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit or it lasts more than three days
• You have a severe headache that does not improve with over-the-counter pain or cold medicines
• You have blurred or double vision
• Your cough lasts more than seven days
• You have shaking chills.