When a Sinus Infection May Be Dangerous
06/15/2016A sinus infection (or sinusitis) occurs when the tissue lining in your sinus cavity becomes swollen or inflamed. When your sinuses are blocked, they become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses that can lead to an infection. That’s why it’s best to visit your doctor at the first signs of a sinus infection. Otherwise, it could lead to a chronic condition. Here’s how to know if your sinus infection has developed into something more dangerous:
Swelling
If you experience swelling around your eyes, this can be a red flag for severe sinusitis. You may just be having an allergic reaction, or it could be something more concerning like an infection in your eye. Ask your doctor about using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to ease the swelling.
Pain
When there is excessive pain in your eyes, ears, head or throat, you likely have a severe sinus infection. And if you can’t open your eyes or you feel dizzy, these are major warning signs that your sinusitis is at a dangerous level. If not properly treated, you may incur infections in your ears, throat and even your brain (called meningitis.)
Fever
Your body’s natural way of eliminating infection is typically accompanied by a low-grade fever. But if your pain and other symptoms are compounded by a fever greater than 101 degrees, see your doctor. It may mean the infection has spread.
Feeling Disoriented
If you find yourself confused about a task you’re performing or if you forget basic information, it may be a sign that the infection has affected your brain. Seek medical attention at once.
A Persistent Infection
Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies. If your infection doesn’t go away after four weeks, it’s time to call your doctor.
For more information about identifying and treating a sinus infection, or to learn more about the other services we provide, please call our office at 732-280-7855 or visit our website.
Categories
- Telehealth (3)
- Coastal Hearing & Balance Center (18)
- Cochlear Implants (1)
- BAHA (3)
- Hearing Aids (10)
- Pediatric Hearing (2)
- Coastal Surgery Center (3)
- Custom Earmolds (1)
- Dizziness – Vertigo – Ménière's Disease (4)
- Ear Specialist (2)
- Hearing Loss (8)
- Hoarseness and Swallowing Disorders (2)
- Allergy Treatment (10)
- Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis (2)
- Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat (13)
- Laryngology & Voice (3)
- Sinusitis (4)
- Skin Care (1)
- Skull Base Surgery (1)
- Sleep Apnea (5)
- Snoring (2)
- Sore Throat (2)
- Thyroid Condition (2)
- Tinnitus (1)
- Tonsillectomy (4)
- Others (27)
Archives
- March 2024 (1)
- February 2024 (1)
- January 2024 (1)
- November 2023 (1)
- October 2023 (2)
- August 2023 (3)
- July 2023 (1)
- June 2023 (1)
- May 2023 (1)
- April 2023 (1)
- March 2023 (1)
- February 2023 (1)
- January 2023 (1)
- November 2022 (1)
- October 2022 (1)
- September 2022 (1)
- August 2022 (1)
- July 2022 (1)
- June 2022 (1)
- May 2022 (1)
- March 2022 (2)
- February 2022 (1)
- January 2022 (1)
- December 2021 (2)
- November 2021 (2)
- October 2021 (2)
- September 2021 (2)
- August 2021 (2)
- July 2021 (2)
- June 2021 (1)
- May 2021 (1)
- March 2021 (2)
- February 2021 (1)
- January 2021 (2)
- November 2020 (2)
- October 2020 (1)
- September 2020 (2)
- August 2020 (1)
- July 2020 (1)
- June 2020 (1)
- May 2020 (2)
- April 2020 (1)
- March 2020 (3)
- February 2020 (1)
- January 2020 (2)
- December 2019 (3)
- November 2019 (1)
- October 2019 (2)
- September 2019 (1)
- August 2019 (1)
- July 2019 (3)
- June 2019 (2)
- May 2019 (1)
- April 2019 (3)
- March 2019 (1)
- February 2019 (2)
- January 2019 (2)
- December 2018 (1)
- November 2018 (1)
- October 2018 (2)
- September 2018 (3)
- August 2018 (2)
- July 2018 (2)
- June 2018 (2)
- May 2018 (1)
- March 2018 (3)
- February 2018 (1)
- November 2017 (1)
- July 2017 (1)
- June 2017 (1)
- May 2017 (1)
- March 2017 (1)
- February 2017 (1)
- January 2017 (1)
- December 2016 (1)
- November 2016 (1)
- October 2016 (1)
- September 2016 (1)
- August 2016 (1)
- July 2016 (1)
- June 2016 (2)
- May 2016 (1)
- April 2016 (1)
- March 2016 (1)
- February 2016 (1)
- January 2016 (1)
- December 2015 (1)
- March 2015 (1)
- June 2014 (1)
- February 2014 (3)
- April 2013 (2)
- August 2012 (2)
- June 2007 (1)