How Can You Differentiate the Bacterial or Viral Infection?

We suffer from bacterial or viral infections from time to time. Indeed this is a very common problem across the world including various symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, mucus, fever and pain. And we truly insist that it is important to know whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

Knowing the source of the infection is very much important because the doctors treat different types of infections differently. Therefore, if you notice these symptoms lately, then contact a specialist for acute sinusitis treatment.

Keep in mind that most of the sinus infection is viral. Viruses are the reason behind the common cold. But you cannot guess or tell the source of the infection only by watching the symptoms. For example, signs like green or yellow mucus, bad breath, headache and fever etc. all are the symptoms of both viral and bacterial infections.

To find out the source, the specialist evaluates the duration of the symptoms to determine the source. Generally, if you are suffering from a viral sinus infection, then you will start to recover after five to seven days. But if anyone is suffering bacterial sinus infection, then it can persist for more than 10 days. Moreover, the condition of the patient can worsen after seven days.

However, you should take these steps to reduce the problem as much as possible. The following effective steps are,

• You have to drink eight glasses of fluid or water per day.

• Can use saline spray two to three times every day in each nostril.

• You have to take proper rest to recover from the infection.

• You may also use a nasal decongestant like Xylometazoline for three days only.

• If you are suffering from allergies, you should take antihistamines and steroids including Claritin/ Zyrtec/ Benadryl steroids.

If you notice that your condition gets worse over a week, don’t waste your time. Visit a doctor to get acute sinusitis treatment as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend you taking antibiotics to prevent further problems.

Keep in mind that generally, you cannot recover from a viral infection by taking unnecessary antibiotics. Rather it can be harmful to your body in the long term. If you continue to take antibiotics without consulting the doctor, then you may become antibiotic-resistant in the near future.

What Is Acute Sinusitis?

This type of infection can cause cavities around your sinuses leading to inflammation and swelling. As a result, you may notice mucus in your nose. In this condition, you may find it very difficult or impossible to breathe through the nose. You may get headaches and pain around your eyes and face. Generally symptoms of this condition do not last more than ten days. Let’s see the symptoms,

1. Headache may be recurring.

2. You cannot taste or smell anything.

3. May feel ear pressure.

4. Experience fatigue and fever.

5. You may have bad breath during this time.

When Should You See the Doctor?

• If you infection does not heal after seven days.

• You have a history of chronic sinusitis.

• You cannot reduce the fever.

Visit the Clinic

If you are suffering from the stated symptoms, then it’s time to visit a specialist. You can also contact the experts of Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC. They will evaluate your condition and make a suitable acute sinusitis treatment plan for you.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.