Some sinus infections clear on their own, but it's worth getting checked if symptoms last more than ten days, keep coming back, or you have severe facial pain or a fever over three days. A fever over 103, confusion, vision changes, or a facial rash mean call 911 or go to the ER.

A sinus infection starts when your sinuses get inflamed and swollen, often after a cold or virus traps mucus that can't drain. Allergies, irritants like dust and smoke, and structural problems like a deviated septum can all play a part. Most are viral, but bacteria and fungi can be behind them too.

Acute sinusitis usually lasts up to four weeks and often clears with self-care. Subacute runs four to twelve weeks, and chronic sinusitis lasts twelve weeks or more, sometimes needing more treatment. If yours drags on or keeps recurring, get evaluated at any AllCare clinic.

Yes. The sinuses and ears are connected, so mucus from an infected sinus can get trapped behind the eardrum, where bacteria can grow and cause an ear infection. If you have ear pain or muffled hearing along with sinus symptoms, get checked at any AllCare clinic.

Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial sinus infections, not viral infections or those caused by environmental irritants. Overusing antibiotics for viral infections can lead to resistance and other complications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them.

A sinus infection often develops from a cold or allergies, when blocked mucus lets bacteria or viruses grow. A cold usually clears on its own within a week, while a sinus infection can linger and may need targeted treatment. If symptoms drag on, get checked at any AllCare clinic.

It's hard to tell on your own, since symptoms overlap. Generally, viral sinus infections improve within about a week and need only symptom relief, while bacterial ones often last past ten days and may need antibiotics. A provider can tell which it is. Walk into any AllCare clinic.

Frequent headaches can signal a sinus infection, but stress, tension, and eye strain cause them too. It's more likely sinus-related if the headache comes with congestion that worsens over days, yellow or green discharge, reduced smell, or facial pressure. A provider can confirm at any AllCare clinic.