Sinus Infection Treatment in Fargo

Common causes of acute sinus infection are listed below:

• Bacterial infection: Persistent respiratory tract infection for more than 7-10 days.
• Viral infection: Perhaps the most typical cause of acute sinusitis is the influenza virus or common cold.
• Fungal infection: Weak immune system may increase the risk of fungal infection.

Common causes of chronic sinus infection are listed below:

• Immune system cells: Eosinophils may lead to inflamed sinuses in the setting of some existing health issues.
• Allergies: some allergies may cause sinus blockage. Also, some allergic reactions can cause sinuses infections as well as fungal infections.
• Respiratory tract infections: Oftentimes, the common cold can cause inflammation and thickening of the sinus lining, which may lead to obstruction to mucus drainage. Ultimately, poor excretion of nasal secretions can lead to bacterial overgrowth. The causative agent may be a fungus, bacteria, or virus.
• Medical conditions: Immune system disorders such as HIV, GERD, and cystic fibrosis are some common conditions.
• Trauma to the face: A damaged or fractured facial bone leads to obstructed sinus passageways.
• Deviated nasal septum: The deviated nasal septum refers to a wall between the nostrils, which limits or even blocks sinus passages.
• Nasal polyps: The nasal polyps are issues that can grow to block the sinuses or nasal passages.

Signs & Symptoms 

The common symptom and signs of sinus infections include:

• sinus headache
• Facial pain
• Pressure or pain in the sinuses, ears, and teeth
• Fever
• Cloudy, discolored nasal and postnasal drainage
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Loss of sense of smell
• cough

The symptoms of bacterial sinus infections include facial pain, pus-like nasal discharge, and signs that persist over a week and do not respond to over-the-counter medications.

Risk Factors: Getting Sinus Infections

A risk factor raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem. You can have sinusitis with or without the risks below. The more risks you take, the greater your chances are. Risk factors for sinusitis are:

Environmental Risk Factors

• Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of sinusitis.
• Air Pollution

Health Risk Factors:

• A recent cold
• Long-term use of decongestant sprays
• Allergies or Asthma
• Long-term illnesses
• Head injury or other condition requiring a tube inserted in the nose
• Nasal blockage due to: Polypus, Facial bone abnormalities, Swollen adenoids, Tumor, Cleft palate, Deviated septum

You should try to avoid exposure to the triggers of sinus infections. We suggest you visit our clinic for expert advice and treatment of your sinus infection.

A sinus infection occurs when the air-filled cavities in your head, called sinuses, get infected by a virus or bacteria. This results in inflamed sinuses and a long list of unwanted symptoms.

Though most cases of sinusitis are viral and part of the common cold, some are bacterial. Knowing what you have ensures you get appropriate treatment.

Home remedies: 

• Find relief with a warm compress. Run a washcloth under warm water and then place it on your nose and forehead. This should reduce the pressure and open sinus passages.
• Flush out your sinuses. Clear out clogged passages with neti pots and other nasal saline irrigation devices. 
• Use over-the-counter medications. Saline nasal sprays and decongestants can provide relief from a runny nose and congestion. Antihistamines reduce inflammation and calm down other symptoms.
• Use steam therapy

If you have a sinus infection that isn’t responding to antibiotics or sinusitis that has been over two weeks, we recommend you schedule an appointment at Altaire Clinic.  Based on the practitioner's examination, they may prescribe a treatment plan to eliminate/cure it. Results vary from person to person. The only way to find out is to come in for an appointment.

Your insurance plan may cover the cost of treatment. Please contact us if you have any questions as to if we accept your insurance.

Below is a list of the accepted insurance providers at Altaire Clinic.

• Aetna
• BCBS of MN
• BCBS of ND
• Cigna
• Health Partners
• Humana
• Medica
• Medicare
• ND Medicaid
• Preferred One
• Sanford
• Tricare/Health Net Federal Services
• United Health Care
• VA PC3 (Optum)

Our licensed healthcare workers have over 60 years of combined expertise to help you feel your best. We will have your best interest at the heart of everything we do.

We treat every person with the compassionate, quality medical care they deserve — whether they seek preventive care or need urgent care services.