How long can a sinus infection last if untreated?
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.
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 don't take antibiotics for sinus infection?
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for a sinus infection is not only ineffectual, but can actually be harmful to the patient. Risks of taking unneeded antibiotics include: Increased chance of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection at a later time.
How long is too long to have a sinus infection?
How Long Do Sinus Infections Last? Many variables affect the duration of sinus infections. Most last more than 10 days, but when a sinus infection lasts more than twelve weeks, it is considered chronic sinusitis. If after 10 days, your symptoms have not improved, see your primary care doctor.
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.
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.
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.
Will a sinus infection heal on its own?
Sinus infections are very common. Symptoms normally go away on their own within 10 days. OTC medications and natural remedies may help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, talk to your doctor.
Will bacterial sinus infection go away on its own?
Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
What are the stages of a sinus infection?
TypesAcute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from nose) or stuffy nose.Facial pressure (particularly around the nose, eyes, and forehead), headache and or pain in your teeth or ears.Halitosis (bad breath)Cough.More items...•
Is bacterial sinus infection serious?
Infection spreading to the eyes is the most common complication. This could cause redness, swelling, and even blindness in a severe state called cavernous sinus thrombosis. Sinus infections can also spread to the rear center of one's head causing life-threatening ailments such as brain abscess.