Sinusitis is swelling of the sinus lining that traps mucus and causes facial pressure, congestion and thick discharge. Most cases are viral and improve within 10 days. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville prescribes antibiotics only when symptoms suggest a bacterial infection.
Our providers can review your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and discuss appropriate care options based on your individual needs.
Book a visit if congestion, facial pressure or discharge lasts more than 10 days without improvement, or symptoms worsen after initially getting better.
A video visit may be suitable for mild sinus symptoms. Your provider can review your symptoms and recommend appropriate home care or further evaluation.
Seek emergency care for swelling or redness around the eye, double vision or a severe headache with a stiff neck. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication.
Likely Viral
Symptoms lasting fewer than 10 days that are gradually improving are often caused by a virus. Rest, fluids and saline nasal rinses may help relieve congestion while your body recovers. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
Possibly Bacterial
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement, worsening after initially getting better, or severe symptoms such as a high fever with significant facial pain may suggest a bacterial infection. Your provider will assess whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Step 1: Examination of Your Nose, Ears and Throat
We assess your symptoms and examine your nose, ears and throat when appropriate to look for signs of sinus inflammation or other causes of your discomfort.
Step 2: Review of Your Symptoms
We discuss when your symptoms began, how long they’ve lasted and whether they have improved or worsened. This helps us assess whether a bacterial infection may be present.
Steps 3: Symptom Relief and Medication
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend saline rinses, nasal sprays and other supportive care. Antibiotics are prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected and treatment is appropriate.
Step 4: Follow-Up Guidance
We explain how to manage symptoms at home, when you should start feeling better and which warning signs mean you need another evaluation.
Most sinus infections can be evaluated through your symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging is rarely needed for uncomplicated sinusitis but may be considered if a complication or another condition is suspected.
Only when a bacterial infection is likely and antibiotics are appropriate. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement or worsening after initially getting better can suggest a bacterial infection. Most sinus infections are viral. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville evaluates your symptoms and recommends antibiotics only when indicated.
A video visit may be suitable for many uncomplicated sinus symptoms. Your provider can review your symptoms and discuss treatment options, including prescriptions when appropriate. An in-person visit may be recommended if you have ear pain, a high fever or symptoms that require a physical examination. Telemedicine availability depends on clinic services.
Sinus inflammation itself is not contagious, but the respiratory virus that often causes it can spread to other people. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact while you're sick. Urgentology Care can provide a work note when appropriate.
Saline nasal rinses, fluids, rest and warm steam from a shower may help relieve sinus symptoms. If you use a nasal rinse, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water. Seek an evaluation if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, worsen after getting better or include a high fever.
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