Emergency Room for Sinusitis & Sinus Infection Care

The sinuses are empty spaces in the skull located behind the nose and above the eyes. Normally filled with air, they contain a thin layer of mucus. However, these cavities can become infected and filled with mucus, leading to a condition known as sinusitis. When sinuses are clogged, fluid accumulates, creating an environment where bacteria, fungi, and viruses can thrive, causing an infection. The symptoms resemble those of the common cold or flu and can affect both adults and children. The four main types of sinusitis are Acute (lasting 2 to 4 weeks), Subacute (lasting 4 to 12 weeks), Chronic (lasting 12 weeks or more), and Recurrent (occurring several times a year). Sinusitis can be serious, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with underlying chronic medical conditions. Early detection is essential. If you experience emergency sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, or headaches, visit your local Surepoint ER immediately.

Sinusitis is often caused by allergies, viral infections, or structural issues in the nose like enlarged turbinates, a deviated septum, or polyps. These problems can block sinus openings, hindering proper mucus drainage. Common triggers include the cold, flu, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria, and nasal/seasonal allergies. In children, acute sinusitis is commonly associated with the development of specific sinuses like the ethmoid, maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses, growing at different stages in your child’s life. The exact cause varies based on factors such as the type of bacteria or virus, age, overall health, and underlying medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like frequent handwashing, is crucial to prevent sinus infections. Getting a yearly flu vaccination and allergy shots when needed is also a great preventive measure. If you notice your sinusitis symptoms getting worse or not improving, seek immediate medical attention for early intervention, as it can significantly impact your recovery. Your well-being matters to us.

Most people can handle sinusitis at home, and symptoms often improve within a few weeks. However, if you suspect you or your child has sinusitis, don’t hesitate, call your doctor immediately. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience intense sweating, severe chills, or difficulty breathing. This is especially important if you belong to a high-risk group, such as adults or children with allergies (hay fever), nasal polyps or tumors, a deviated nasal septum, or tooth infections. Sinusitis can become serious if not treated properly. When deciding whether to go to the emergency room for sinusitis, consider these factors:

• Your symptoms are severe
• Your sinus infection doesn’t respond to treatment
• You keep getting sinus infections
• You’ve had symptoms for more than 10 days

If you’re dealing with nasal congestion, facial pressure, or experiencing severe sinusitis-like symptoms, go to the ER immediately. Pay attention to your symptoms and seek help without hesitation. Visit a Surepoint Emergency Room near you.

There are many things you can do to reduce your chance of developing sinusitis or to relieve early sinusitis symptoms. One important measure is promoting drainage and keeping nasal passages clear, and a simple way to achieve this is through nasal irrigation. Avoiding the common cold and flu, as well as staying away from those with upper respiratory infections, can also help prevent sinus infections. While sinusitis can be more challenging for individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems, adopting a healthy lifestyle and good hygiene practices can ward off bothersome sinus pain and congestion. To lower your risk of sinusitis, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu is crucial. Childhood vaccines are equally important, preventing infections that may lead to sinusitis. To further reduce your sinusitis risk, incorporate these simple everyday steps:

• Wash Your Hands: Especially during cold weather when viruses can linger on surfaces. Regular handwashing is key.
• Get a Yearly Flu Shot: Preventing the flu can also help prevent sinus infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a well-balanced diet and engage in regular exercise to keep your immune system vigilant, as suggested by Harvard Medical School.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate sinuses, as noted by Harvard Medical School.
• Use a Humidifier: Combat dryness, a potential cause of sinus pain. You can inhale steam from a hot shower or a towel over your head, or use a humidification machine (clean it daily as per the manufacturer’s instructions).
• Limit Antibiotics: Use antibiotics judiciously, as they are effective for bacterial infections but not for viral ones. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Saline Nasal Solution: Keep your nasal passages moist with a saline solution, which can be purchased or made at home using salt and warm water.
• Try a Neti Pot: A traditional Ayurvedic nasal irrigation system that helps loosen mucus. Follow instructions and use only sterile or distilled water.
• Close Windows During High Pollen Times: If you have allergies, avoid going outside or opening windows between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are highest.
• Combat Dust Mites: Regularly vacuum and wipe down surfaces, reduce clutter, and use dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses.