Most colds run their course in about a week. If your cold isn’t getting better, or if it’s getting worse, we can take a closer look here at State Urgent Care in Starkville, MS.
Sinus infections often start like colds but feel very different by the end. Our team is here to help you catch the shift, find relief and breathe comfortably again.
What is a sinus infection?
The sinuses are hollow pockets behind your cheeks, eyes and forehead. When they’re healthy, air and mucus move through them easily. When inflamed, they can fill with fluid and trap bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sinus infections are frequently caused by a cold or upper respiratory virus. They fall into two types:
- Viral — caused by leftover inflammation
- Bacterial — caused by bacteria growing in blocked mucus
Bacterial infections usually require more than home care. At State Urgent Care, we can evaluate the cause and begin treatment if a bacterial infection seems probable.
How to tell if it’s more than a cold
Colds usually peak within a few days, then slowly fade. You may feel congested, tired or mildly sore, but things gradually improve.
Sinus infections tend to linger. Pressure builds, mucus thickens, and symptoms stop responding to the usual remedies.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection according to the Mayo Clinic —
It’s probably still a cold if:
- Symptoms peaked by day 3 or 4 and have improved since then
- Mucus is clear or slightly yellow
- There’s no facial pain or pressure
- You’re feeling low energy, but have no fever
- Mild throat irritation or dry cough
It may be a sinus infection if:
- Symptoms last over 10 days with no genuine relief
- Mucus turns thick, yellow or green
- You feel pressure in your cheeks, forehead or behind your eyes
- Your upper teeth feel sore or sensitive
- You develop a fever or feel wiped out
Could it be allergies?
In Starkville, late fall and early winter often bring dry air and temperature shifts that can dry out your sinuses or trigger allergic reactions. These conditions can create pressure, congestion and headaches that feel like infections, even when there’s no virus or bacteria involved.
If you’re dealing with symptoms that don’t follow the pattern of a typical cold, we can help you figure out what’s behind them. Our team can tell the difference between allergy, inflammation and infection; we can recommend the right steps to help you breathe easier.
Do you need antibiotics?
Some sinus infections are viral and improve on their own. But if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or come back worse after a brief break, you may need more than just rest.
At State Urgent Care, we look for signs of bacterial infection. If we see them, we’ll prescribe antibiotics. If not, we may recommend over-the-counter options, sinus rinses or supportive care that helps your body recover.
When to come to urgent care
If your symptoms aren’t improving or are affecting your daily life, it’s time to get checked out. Visit State Urgent Care if you’re experiencing:
- Facial pain or pressure, especially when bending forward
- Fever with nasal congestion
- Thick or discolored mucus
- A full feeling in your ears or muffled hearing
- Poor sleep because of head pressure or congested breathing
We’ll assess your symptoms, explain the most likely cause and help you take the next step toward relief.
Find relief that works in Starkville
Lingering sinus infections can take more than your energy; they can interfere with sleep, focus and even your ability to enjoy daily life. You shouldn’t wait and see if it gets worse.
Walk in today and let’s get this cleared up.