Can you have a sinus infection for months and not know it?
Can you have a sinus infection for months and not know it?
When symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis. But some cases of chronic sinusitis can develop subtly, without a preceding viral infection. In chronic sinusitis, the lining of sinus cavities, called mucosa, becomes inflamed and swollen.
How long can nasal infections last?
How long do sinus infections last? There are two major forms of sinus infections (also called sinusitis): acute and chronic. An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer.
How long can sinus infection last untreated?
Sinusitis won’t go away at the drop of a hat. It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, it’s best to take a trip to your doctor’s office if your symptoms last longer than one week. Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens.
Why do sinus infections take so long to go away?
Chronic (long-term) sinusitis is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. These infections may be difficult to treat. If chronic sinusitis is not cured after trying two or more different antibiotics, you may want to talk with your doctor about surgery or allergy testing.
What is difference between sinusitis and rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, happens when you breathe in something to which you are allergic, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses which can be acute or chronic.
What does it mean when your sinuses are inflamed for months?
Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection that won’t go away?
At times, however, the symptoms start suddenly and may resemble that of the common cold or acute sinusitis that just won’t go away. Chronic sinusitis is most likely if you have two or more of the following symptoms: Chronic cough, sore throat, and fatigue may also be seen in a chronic sinus infection.
What are the long term effects of chronic sinusitis?
Uncommonly, people with chronic sinusitis may develop inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), an infection in the bones, or a serious skin infection. Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis: Avoid upper respiratory infections.
What does it mean when you blow your nose with a sinus infection?
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages. The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat.
