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Congestion & sinus infection evaluation

Are you stuffed up? Do you have a runny nose? Maybe you have a fever with pain and pressure around your face? You may have a sinus infection and congestion. We’ll cover common symptoms, treatment and prevention methods.

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Both in-person and virtual visits may be available when you schedule your visit.

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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Have questions about getting a congestion and sinus infection evaluation? Here are the basics.

What is a sinus infection?

When the air-filled cavities (sinuses) around your cheeks, eyes, forehead and nose become inflamed or swell, you may have a sinus infection (sinusitis).

Normally, when your sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily, which cleans out dirt and bacteria. But when sinuses are congested or blocked with mucus, it creates an environment that allows bacteria, fungi or viruses to multiply quickly and develop into sinusitis.

What are the symptoms of sinus infections and congestion?

  • Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
  • Coughing, which may be accompanied by mucus
  • Discolored postnasal drainage
  • Fatigue with aching muscles
  • Fever of at least 100.4 °F [38 °C]
  • Headaches
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Nasal congestion or blockage
  • Pain or pressure in the bridge of your cheeks, eyes, forehead or nose
  • Runny nose with a thick green or yellow discharge
  • Tooth pain and aching gums

Getting help

MinuteClinic providers are trained to assess your sinusitis, create a treatment plan to reduce discomfort and promote recovery (with over-the-counter and/or prescription medications) and give you tips to prevent another infection.

  1. You will answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided 
 during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Sinus infection and congestion causes, symptoms and treatment

You may be more at risk to get sinus infections and congestion if you have one more or the following:

  • Allergic rhinitis (a swelling of the lining inside the nose brought on by the body's reaction to an allergen)
  • A bacterial infection
  • The common cold
  • A deviated septum (a change in the nasal passage shape that creates a constriction)
  • Nasal polyps (small growths on the lining inside the nose)

Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection but not for sinus congestion or a viral sinus infection. If you have allergies, taking an antihistamine may be recommended. Home treatment can include the remedies listed below:

  • Lots of rest helps your body recover and use its energy to fight the infection. Resting at home helps prevent the spread of germs to other people.
  • Some patients prefer a nasal saline spray over a neti pot for reducing inflammation and thinning mucus. With neti pots, some patients experience side effects like ear infections and other issues.
  • Drink plenty of water and fluids. Staying well hydrated helps loosen the sinus mucus and clear congestion. Choose fluids like herbal teas, hot water with ginger, honey and lemon, plain water and vegetable broth.
  • Acetaminophen can help bring down a fever.
  • A warm compress on the face can help ease pain and relieve pressure from blocked sinuses.
  • Warm humid air can help loosen mucus and reduce congestion. Use a room vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan filled with warm water.

You may continue to experience pain and discomfort until the symptoms end, or in rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to more severe or chronic conditions.

Sinus infection and congestion prevention

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent sinusitis, but following these recommendations can help:

  • Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Keep away from known allergens.
  • Wash your hands frequently (especially during cold and flu season) and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:

1What Is Sinusitis? via WebMD. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)

2Treatments and home remedies for a sinus infection via Medical News Today. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)

3Sinus Infection via ACAAI. (Accessed: 27th August 2024)