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Sinus Infection

Louisiana Heart and Vascular

Interventional Cardiologists & Internal Medicine located in Covington, LA & Franklinton, LA

If you have nasal congestion or sinus pain, it could be because of a sinus infection. At Louisiana Heart and Vascular in Covington, Louisiana, board-certified nurse practitioners Stephanie Silva and Jennifer Picone, diagnose and treat sinus infections to provide symptom relief. Call the office to learn more, or use the online booking feature today.

 

 

Sinus Infection Q & A

What are sinus infections?

Sinus infections affect your sinuses, causing them to become inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow spaces of air within the bones near your nose. Sinuses produce mucus that drains into your nose. When sinus cavities get infected, unpleasant symptoms (such as pain and nasal congestion) often appear.

 

Sinus infections sometimes go away on their own, but at other times, medical intervention is the best way to get rid of them. See one of our providers if you experience long-lasting or severe sinus pain. 

What are the symptoms of sinus infections?

The common symptoms associated with sinus infections include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Stuffiness
  • Greenish nasal mucus
  • Cold-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Sinus pressure
  • Sinus pain
  • Headaches 

Sinus infections often develop after having a cold that doesn’t go away completely. The symptoms they cause can sometimes feel debilitating, but you don’t have to live with them.

What are the risk factors for sinus infections?

Sinus infections may appear because of viral infections that spread from person to person via water droplets in the air or through shared surfaces. Close contact with an infected person increases your risk of colds, flu, and sinus infections.

People with weakened immune systems are at risk because of a chronic disease, young age, older age, or being born with a compromised immune system.

How does my doctor diagnose sinus infections?

Our primary care doctors diagnose sinus infections after completing a physical exam, paying close attention to your nose, face, and breathing. 

They review your symptoms and medical history, checks your vital signs, and assesses your eyes, ears, heartbeat, breathing, and more. You may also need imaging procedures before he can determine the cause of unpleasant symptoms and develop a treatment plan. 

How are sinus infections treated?

The most common treatments for sinus infections include getting plenty of rest, taking antibiotics, and using decongestants and pain relievers to ease symptoms while you recover. It’s essential you eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, and keep stress levels low. 

You might use heating pads on inflamed areas or try saline nasal sprays or vaporizers for symptom relief. Our providers follow up with you to ensure you’re feeling better and your treatment works effectively.

If you suspect you have a sinus infection, schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment at Louisiana Heart and Vascular by phone or book one online today.