If you’re suffering from a cold that just won’t go away, and now the runny nose and cough are accompanied by facial pain and tenderness, you may have What’s Going Around – Sinusitis, a bacterial infection of the sinuses.
Centra Care physicians are seeing an increase in the number of patients with sinusitis at the following centers:
- Longwood – up more than 650%
- Colonial Town – up 300%
- Winter Garden Village – up 250%
- Azalea Park & Kissimmee – up 200%
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Sinusitis occurs when one or more of the nasal passages are unable to drain due to inflammation. Many of the other symptoms of sinusitis mimic the common cold. In fact, sinusitis often starts as a cold, but the common cold typically runs its course in about a week. Sinusitis, on the other hand, can last weeks or months if left untreated. It’s important to note that viral sinusitis is present with all colds, but a doctor’s diagnosis of sinusitis typically refers to that caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms:
- Pressure/Pain in the Head and Pain or Tenderness
of the Face (may intensify when you lean over)
- Nasal Congestion
- Coughing
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- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Nasal Discharge
- Postnasal Drip
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Sinusitis itself is rarely contagious, but the cold symptoms that precede it can be easily spread from person to person. If your sinusitis is bacterial in nature, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic to shorten its duration. Symptoms may also be treated with over-the-counter medications to alleviate pain, fever and congestion. A humidifier or nasal saline mist
and drinking plenty of fluids can be helpful to thin the mucus.
The following can help to prevent sinusitis:
- Wash/sanitize your hands often
- Avoid people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections
- Use a humidifier to increase moisture
- Avoid pollutants such as smoke
- Get a flu vaccination
- Treat the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection quickly, so they don’t get worse
If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care’s No Wait, Online Reservations allows you to secure a time at any of our locations that fits with your schedule. Now if you are sick or injured, you can schedule to see a doctor during your lunch break, after work, on the weekend, or whenever is convenient for you. For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3