Sinusitis

Sinusitis is usually a severe and long-term inflammation of the sinuses that are in the face near the eyes and nose.


What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually a severe and long-term inflammation of the sinuses that are in the face near the eyes and nose. This medical issue can begin with a cold, influenza, or other respiratory conditions. The condition can occur suddenly, making it an acute form of sinusitis or a chronic problem that lasts for several weeks or longer.

There are several uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with sinusitis, including:

  • Severe headaches
  • Sinus congestion
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Coughing
  • Teeth pain
  • Malaise
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Facial pain

Coping with Acute Sinusitis

If you have a cold or other respiratory illness, then the infection can spread into your sinuses, leading to acute sinusitis. It is important to visit an urgent care center to determine if you have viral or bacterial sinusitis. Viral sinusitis isn’t treatable with antibiotics, but this medication is recommended for bacterial sinusitis.

However, there are treatments that you can use at home for this painful condition, including:

  • Pain relievers
  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Warm Compresses
  • Nasal sprays
  • Breathing steam
  • Numbing ointments for the teeth
  • Sleeping with the head elevated
  • Nasal irrigation
  • Drinking fluids
  • Facial massages
  • Cough suppressants

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

If you have sinusitis for 12 weeks or longer, then it is the chronic form of the condition, requiring specialized treatment. With acute sinusitis, your body will eventually heal from the condition with the proper treatment. It is possible that you have a deep bacterial infection that requires oral antibiotics and additional nasal rinsing to eliminate the pathogens. With an examination and medical images, a physician can also determine if you have nasal polyps, an abnormal sinus cavity structure, or a deviated nasal septum that contributes to having a long-term infection in the sinuses. For this type of sinusitis, you will need additional sinus rinsing or a repair of the sinuses or nose.

Are There Possible Complications from Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a debilitating condition that can alter an individual’s life due to severe headaches, pressure, and inability to sleep.

There are also possible complications from chronic sinusitis that include:

  • Infections in the bones of the face or neck
  • Abscesses of the brain
  • Meningitis that is often life-threatening
  • A blood clot in the sinus cavity
  • Eye infections or infections in the tissues around the eyes
  • Ear infections with chronic pain

It is essential to seek medical attention for sinusitis when the condition lingers to avoid having more serious health problems.

Come into WellCare

If you are experiencing chronic or acute sinusitis then come into WellCare Urgent Care center in Grand Rapids to get the proper treatment. This condition could lead to more severe health problems, so be proactive by getting a diagnosis from a physician today. Schedule an immediate appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard offices.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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