Leaving a sinus infection or sinusitis alone may not be the best — or safest — option for you. These infections can lead to other problems in some cases if they’re not treated. We’ll explore what might happen if you delay or even skip treatment for sinusitis. 

Why Do You Have a Sinus Infection? 

First, be aware that you’re not alone. Sinus infections affect about 31 million people in the U.S. That may be some comfort to know that many other people struggle with these infections. 

What causes them? When something irritates your sinuses, they can swell up. This means mucus can’t drain from them, triggering inflammation and symptoms, such as pressure and pain. 

A few possible causes of these infections include: 

• Bacteria, such as streptococcus pneumonia 
• Viruses, such as the flu and common cold 
• Fungi 
• Allergies, such as seasonal allergies to pollen or nasal allergies 

When Do You Need Treatment? 

In some cases, like with a common cold, your symptoms may go away on their own as the virus clears your system. But other cases require treatment to stop complications or other health problems from occurring. You should seek care if: 

• Your symptoms aren’t going away after a week or more 
• Your symptoms are getting worse or becoming severe 
• You keep getting sinus infections 
• You have a fever 
• You have greenish or yellowish discharge from your nose 
• You have any changes in your vision and/or pain in your eyes 

What If You Don’t Get Treatment? 

If your sinus infection is due to bacteria, you’ll need to take antibiotics to clear it up and lower the risk of complications. If you leave this untreated, the bacteria that cause these infections can spread to your eyes, brain, or other parts of your body — potentially leading to serious health complications. 

If you keep getting sinusitis, this is known as chronic sinusitis. There’s usually an underlying cause that keeps triggering inflammation and symptoms. But you’ll need to see a doctor to find out what that is. Possible underlying causes may include: 

• Allergies 
• Asthma 
• Nasal polyps 
• Deviated septum or other structural abnormalities 

Anything that keeps causing swelling in your sinuses can lead to chronic infections. An ENT doctor can determine the cause and recommend or provide treatment as needed, such as removing polyps, treating allergies, or correcting a deviated septum. 

Schedule an Appointment for Sinus Infection Treatment Today! 

Are you ready to find relief for your symptoms? Don't let an untreated sinus infection put you at risk of serious health problems! ENT physician Dr. Thomas S. Higgins can provide you with the care needed to treat these infections and stop them from recurring. Make an appointment with Dr. Higgins online at one of our locations in Louisville or Jeffersonville.