What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis.

How long will a sinus infection last if not treated?

If a bacterial infection sets in, symptoms will generally last longer than 10 days. In severe cases, especially if left untreated, bacterial sinus infections can endure for weeks. However, if the bacterial infection is diagnosed and treated in time, symptoms should start clearing up within a few days.

What happens if you leave a sinus infection for too long?

It can lead to a brain abscess or meningitis, both of which can be life-threatening. An infection that lingers, gets worse or gets better only to quickly return needs to be treated by a doctor. An antibiotic may be all that's needed, but in some cases, other treatment may be required.

How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

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.

How do you know if a sinus infection has spread to your brain?

Headaches, fever, and a stiff neck are potential symptoms of meningitis. This is a medical emergency. Encephalitis: This results when the infection spreads to your brain tissue. Encephalitis may not have obvious symptoms beyond a headache, fever, or weakness.

What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated? - Dr. Gaurav Medikeri S

What are the stages of a sinus infection?

Can you get sepsis from a sinus infection?

The root cause? A sinus infection that escalated out of control. You may be asking yourself, “Can a sinus infection be deadly?” In very rare cases, untreated infections — sinusitis, urinary tract infections, even bug bites — can lead to a condition called sepsis, also known as blood poisoning.

Will a sinus infection go away without antibiotics?

Antibiotics and sinus infections

This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

What is the difference between sinus pain and COVID-19?

“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”

What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

Use a Medicated Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray

This could be the quickest way to get relief from the stuffiness associated with a sinus infection because the medicine contained in an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray enters your sinus passages immediately and reduces the inflammation almost instantaneously.

Can an untreated sinus infection lead to pneumonia?

Sinusitis, both acute and chronic, if not adequately treated can lead to bronchitis and sometimes pneumonia. Although it is not the cause for asthma, it can lead to asthma exacerbations.

When should you go to the ER for a sinus infection?

Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you have any of the following symptoms of sinus infection: Intense sweating. Horrible chills. Inability to breathe.

Can sinus infection spread to lungs?

In fact, a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when a cold infects the hollow bones under your eyes and in your cheeks and forehead, otherwise known as your sinuses. Bronchitis occurs when a cold migrates to your chest, causing swelling and irritation in the bronchial tubes that carry air into your lungs.

What are the symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection?

Can you have a sinus infection for months?

With chronic sinusitis, the tissues inside your sinuses become inflamed and blocked for a long period of time due to swelling and mucus buildup. Acute sinusitis only happens for a short time (usually a week), but chronic sinusitis can last for months. Sinusitis is considered chronic after at least 12 weeks of symptoms.

Do sinus infections make you tired?

Fatigue. Fighting a sinus infection demands energy from the body, so it is common to feel fatigued. Some people feel exhausted because they cannot breathe easily or are in pain.

How do I clear my sinuses after Covid?

What does Covid headache feel like?

They've found that COVID-19 headaches tend to: Be moderately to severely painful. Feel 'pulsing', 'pressing' or 'stabbing' Occur across both sides of the head (bilateral) rather than in one area.

Can a sinus infection cause body aches and chills?

A fever is a major indicator of an infection. Your body raises its temperature to fight off a virus or bacteria. Some people develop a fever with a sinus infection. Other symptoms associated with a fever typically include chills, muscle aches and exhaustion.

What kills a sinus infection?

Generic antibiotics like amoxicillin or cefdinir can be used to stop the growth of or kill bacteria to resolve a sinus infection. Other popular antibiotics prescribed for sinus infections include Zithromax (azithromycin) or Augmentin.

How do you know if your body is fighting an infection?

Can I have a sinus infection without a fever?

If you have signs of a sinus infection but no fever, you may be wondering, “Can you even have a sinus infection without a fever?” The simple answer to this question is yes… you can have a sinus infection without a fever.

Can sinus poison your body?

Even a sinus infection can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Your immune system will eliminate small amounts of bacteria. When this doesn't happen, it can cause blood poisoning.

Can a sinus infection affect your heart?

It affects the heart's natural pacemaker (sinus node), which controls the heartbeat. Sick sinus syndrome causes slow heartbeats, pauses (long periods between heartbeats) or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Sick sinus syndrome is relatively uncommon. The risk of developing it increases with age.

What is the drug of choice for sinusitis?

For most patients, we suggest initial empiric treatment with either amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. We treat patients with risk factors for resistance with high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate.