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Sinus/respiratory infections cause cough, sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. They can be pretty uncomfortable, especially if you have them while traveling or away from home and your regular health care providers. Although they are usually not dangerous, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated or if symptoms are misdiagnosed.
If you're suffering from a sinus/respiratory infection, many treatment options are available to help you feel better quickly and prevent symptoms from recurring in the future. Amarillo STAT Care accepts both walk-ins and appointments. We are not an ER but are available for your urgent care needs.
To help you avoid these problems, you need to know what a sinus/respiratory infection is and how to properly treat it. At Amarillo STAT Care we offer effective treatment for respiratory infections.
Sinus/respiratory infection refers to diseases affecting the lungs and airways, including the nose, throat, sinuses, or windpipe. It is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and includes conditions such as the common cold and flu, but can also be due to allergies or other causes.
Sinus/respiratory infections are usually caused by viruses. In some cases, bacteria can also cause a sinus/respiratory infection. Sinus/respiratory infections can occur at any age but are most common in children and the elderly.
The most common type of sinus or respiratory infection is the common cold. On average, every adult catches a cold two or three times a year, so we all know them from our own experience. There are more than 200 viruses known to cause the common cold.
The common cold usually starts with a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing. In addition, your throat feels sore and itchy. You may also experience other symptoms, including a low-grade fever (below 102°F) and mild body aches.
The common cold spreads quickly from one person to another. Usually, symptoms appear one to three days after contact with an infected person. Symptoms last from one week to ten days. If symptoms worsen or last longer than ten days, it may be something other than a cold. If so, you should see a healthcare provider at Amarillo STAT Care.
The most important thing to do to treat a cold is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a stuffy nose, you can use decongestant nose drops. Adults, but not children, can use over-the-counter antihistamines and NSAIDs, such as Advil, to relieve symptoms.
Influenza is a respiratory or sinus infection caused by various types of influenza viruses. The symptoms are very similar to the common cold, but there are some distinguishing features:
The common cold develops gradually, while flu symptoms appear suddenly.
Flu symptoms are generally more severe than those of the common cold.
Influenza is characterized by high fevers and chills. Cold symptoms rarely include chills.
Some telltale symptoms, such as headache and vomiting, indicate the flu.
Flu usually goes away on its own for most people. However, it can be dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. See your doctor at Amarillo STAT Care if you are one of the people at risk or if symptoms last more than five days. Influenza vaccines are partially effective and are recommended for at-risk groups.
Everyone has a slightly different risk of getting a sinus/respiratory infection. Your risk depends on what you do during your day. Your risk of getting a respiratory or sinus infection is higher if you are around other people with URTI, for example, at work or school. Living or working in close quarters with animals that carry germs, being a smoker, or being exposed to secondhand smoke also increases your risk.
People with a healthy immune system usually recover within a few days without treatment. However, those with a weakened immune system or underlying illness may need to be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics to prevent pneumonia from developing.
People suffering from respiratory or sinus infections should seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after several days of self-treatment. Failure to treat a respiratory infection or a sinus infection at an early stage can lead to more serious complications.
Most cases of sinus/respiratory infection resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Because these symptoms can be triggered by various conditions, from allergies to colds, an accurate diagnosis is often difficult.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, you probably suffer from a cold or flu. These conditions can be treated with antiviral medications. Avoid taking painkillers as they can increase your susceptibility to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia.
The qualified doctors at Amarillo STAT Care will perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the cause of your condition. They will then prescribe an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The best way to treat a respiratory infection or sinus infection is to see your doctor before your symptoms worsen.
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