Sinus Congestion

Sinus Congestion (irritation or infection of the sinuses caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy resulting in increased production)

Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Facial pain, fever plus any of the following: severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, vision changes (blurring, light sensitivity, flashing lights), irritability facial swelling, eye swelling
Shortness of breath or respirations that are difficult, shallow, rapid or wheezing occurs

Yes No

Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.

Eight sinuses are located in the head

Facial pain due to sinus congestion may occur in the forehead, around or below the eye(s), cheeks, upper teeth or jaw

A virus, bacteria or allergy can cause sinus congestion

Over use of nasal spray longer than 3 days can cause nasal swelling (rebound syndrome)

Decongestants should not be used by persons with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or any other chronic disease without contacting your Health Care Provider first

Avoid self-prescribing of antihistamines, they may thicken mucus and keep the sinuses from emptying

If a sinus infection is diagnosed, it can be "sub-acute"(symptoms lasting 3 weeks -3month) or "chronic"(symptoms lasting longer than 3 months)

A sinus infection ,"sinusitis", is treated initially with antibiotics

Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Fever of 101 F or above and a history of chronic disease (asthma, emphysema, diabetes, HIV) or who are elderly
Facial pain and fever 101 F or above
Yellow/green or bloody nasal drainage with or without fever or facial pain
Symptoms continue after 2 days of self-management

Yes No

Contact Your Health Care Provider.

Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:

Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever or facial pain, if no reasons to the contrary
Increase fluid intake to 10-12 8-oz. glasses per day, if no reasons to the contrary
Use cool mist humidifier to relieve congestion
Apply warm wet compresses to facial area to relieve pain
Decongestant (Sudafed) to relieve congestion
Saline nasal spray as needed to moisten nasal passages (note: if symptoms continue 3 days or longer, contact your Health Care Provider)
Avoid smoking and smoked filled rooms

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Call Your Health Care Provider If:

You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions.