Health - Wellness
What Happens If A Sinus Infection Goes Untreated?
By ANDRA PICINCU
Sinusitis, or sinus infection, occurs when fluid builds up in the hollow spaces between the eyes, forehead, and behind cheekbones, and symptoms include sinus headaches, tooth pain, and fatigue. About 35 million Americans develop sinusitis at least once a year, mostly affecting individuals with a deviated septum, allergic rhinitis, or nasal polyps.
Acute sinusitis lasts between two and four weeks, while chronic sinusitis can last longer than 12 weeks. While most cases of sinusitis can be managed with medications and self-care measures, experts at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recommend seeing a doctor if your symptoms don't clear within 10 to 14 days.
Untreated sinusitis can cause complications including meningitis, orbital cellulitis, eye muscle paralysis, lethargy, high-grade fever, and coma. Ibuprofen or other pain relievers, as well as saltwater washes, decongestant sprays, and nasal steroid sprays, can treat acute and chronic sinusitis, but you may need surgery if you have structural problems affecting your sinuses.