Helping You Clear Your Head

Are you feeling under the weather but aren’t sure if you have a cold, allergies or a sinus infection?

As the trees and flowers bloom this spring, it is often difficult to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Sinusitis, also called a sinus infection, affects nearly 30 million people in the United States every year, yet many people don’t know they have the condition.

Sinusitis occurs after something blocks the mucus from draining normally through your sinuses, which are hollow cavities around your eyes, behind your nose and in your cheekbones. It can be acute, meaning symptoms last for four weeks or less, or chronic, meaning symptoms last more than 12 weeks.

Symptoms of sinusitis often develop after a person has a cold or while they are experiencing seasonal allergies. Research shows that people with allergies are more likely to have sinus-related problems, including sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Painful pressure in forehead, cheeks and around the eyes
• Thick, yellowish-green nasal discharge
• Cough
• Congestion
• Toothache
• Postnasal drip, which is mucus that drains in the back of the throat that may have a bad taste
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fever (in more severe cases)

In most cases, people with acute sinusitis will recover without needing prescription medications unless they develop a bacterial infection. Doctors may recommend pain relievers, decongestants or antibiotics to treat sinusitis. They may also suggest using saline nasal sprays or vaporizers.

If you are unable to effectively manage your symptoms, Norman Regional has you covered. Log on to Norman Regional Virtual Care and visit with a provider today from the comfort of your home or office. It’s quick, convenient and only costs $45 for each visit.