The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Killer sinus infection? How to tell if it’s viral or bacterial.
You know the symptoms: nasal congestion, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. Ugh. It’s probably another sinus infection.
But is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria – and does it really matter?
It does, says Cleveland Clinic rhinologist Raj Sindwani, MD. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infections differently.
Viral or bacterial?
Most sinus infections are viral. But, based on symptoms, you can’t tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial.
“Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection,” he says. “They can be present with viral infections, too. Even your doctor can’t tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.”
Instead, your doctor looks at symptom duration. Viral sinus infections usually start to infections often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.
Ease your symptoms
For all sinus infections, early supportive care can ease your symptoms: • Use saline spray two to three times per day in
each nostril. • Use a nasal decongestant, but not longer than
three days. • Get plenty of rest.
What about antibiotics?
If your symptoms aren’t improving after one week, see your doctor. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, you’ll probably need an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications.
However, antibiotics won’t help viral infections, and taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can be harmful. You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat, says Dr. Sindwani.
Don’t look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens. For an appointment with Dr. Sindwani or another Cleveland Clinic sinus specialist, call 216.444.8500. Cleveland Clinic offers sameday appointments.