Bacterial Sinusitis Warning Symptoms

Do you have bacterial sinusitis?

Sinus infection is commonly caused by a viral infection but according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), it is always possible to develop bacterial infections from sinusitis. IDSA currently released its new guidelines that would help identify whether your condition involves bacterial sinusitis. The following are characteristic symptoms indicating that you may be suffering from acute bacterial rhinosinusitis:



1. Sinusitis symptoms lasting more than 10 days with no clinical improvement.
2. Severe symptoms occur, manifesting a temperature of 102°F or higher, facial pain and nasal discharge. These symptoms persist for at least three to four consecutive days from the start of the illness.
3. Severe symptoms appear characterized by persistent fever and headache, increased nasal discharge and signs of a viral upper respiratory tract infection that lasts for at least five to six days.

The condition is manageable by antibiotic treatment for seven days in adults while children may need to take the antibiotic for at least 10 to 14 days. While nasal decongestants and antihistamine are commonly used to obtain relief from the symptoms of viral sinusitis, it should be avoided in the presence of bacterial sinusitis as it could induce inflammatory response on the nasal cavity. The guideline recommends managing bacterial sinusitis with antipyretics, hydration, intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation.