Does anyone else get a foggy head and sleepless nights from a sinus infection? Can you have a fever with a sinus infection? These are common concerns when your fever doesn’t go away in sinus infection.
Though a mild fever means your immune system is fighting off the infection, it could be more than just a simple nasal blockage sometimes. Something worse like brain and eye infections.
So, how do we know if a fever with sinusitis means something worse this time? Let’s break down “can you have a fever with a sinus infection” and when you need sinus infection treatment.
Why Can You Have a Fever With a Sinus Infection?
Your sinuses are little air-filled spaces in your face. Viruses, bacteria, or allergies cause these spaces to get inflamed and filled with mucus. The body turns up the heat to fight off an infection and that’s when you get a fever with a sinus infection.
Viral sinus infections cause a mild fever (below 101°F) that usually goes away on its own. Bacterial sinus infections are less common and more serious and come with a higher fever above 101°F.
A Sinus Infection Can Get Serious
Though rare, untreated sinus infections can spread to the brain, eyes, or bones. You must know the symptoms to avoid these complications:
- Sinus abscess: A pocket of pus that needs surgical drainage.
- Orbital cellulitis: A serious bacterial infection behind the eye socket (orbit) that requires emergency treatment. It may cause vision loss or even death.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Can You Have a Fever With a Sinus Infection: 7 Symptoms to Worry
Please watch for symptoms of a sinus infection with fever to protect yourself from serious complications. Don’t wait to seek emergency care if you notice any of these signs:
1. Severe Facial Pain or Swelling
If your face starts to swell or the pain becomes unbearable, the infection is spreading.
2. Difficulty Breathing
A normal sinus infection can make your nose stuffy but mustn’t make it hard to breathe. If you’re feeling short of breath, it may indicate a severe infection that has spread beyond your sinuses.
At ER Kingwood, we provide oxygen and other breathing treatments, such as nebulizers, immediately. Our expert team carefully monitors your condition and gives medication based on your specific needs.
For example, if your sinuses are swollen, we may give you steroids (like prednisone) to quickly reduce inflammation and help you breathe better.
3. Confusion
If you feel confused or disoriented during sinusitis, it could be a high fever or dehydration. You’re already drained from a runny nose, not drinking enough fluids causes severe dehydration. We give immediate IV fluids in this condition.
4. Severe Headache or Stiff Neck
Since filled sinuses build pressure around your face and surroundings, it causes severe headaches or stiff neck. But this is not a symptom to ignore. Let the experts do a CT scan to check for complications like a sinus abscess, bronchitis, or meningitis.
5. High Fever (Above 102°F)
Do you get a fever with a sinus infection? Yes, if it stays low, it’s probably a viral sinus infection that usually clears up on its own. But if the fever is climbing past 102°F and not going down with fever reducers, you should see a doctor.
Other Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
Other than the severe symptoms these are the symptoms to confirm that you have a sinus infection and need a trip to ER:
- Facial pressure or pain especially around your eyes, forehead, and cheeks
- Nasal congestion
- Mucus running down the back of your throat
- The cough is usually worse at night because of mucus draining
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Final Thoughts
So, can you have a fever with a sinus infection? Absolutely. A mild fever is common, especially with viral sinus infections. Get plenty of rest, keep up with fluids, and watch out for any red flags. If the fever gets too high, sticks around too long, or comes with the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s time to seek medical care.
Sinus infections are already miserable; don’t let them spread beyond your sinuses by taking timely action. ER Kingwood is here to relieve you from that miserable heavy feeling in the head and stuffy nose.
Get Emergency Sinus Infections Treatment
FAQs
1. Can you have a sinus infection without congestion?
Yes, a sinus infection shows up sometimes as a bad headache, face pain, or even ear pressure, but no blocked nose. It can feel like a migraine or even a tooth problem instead of a sinus issue. Better get checked out if you have symptoms to spot the actual issue.
2. Can a sinus infection cause body aches?
Yes, a bacterial sinus infection can cause body aches, fatigue, also chills. The more severe the infection, the more likely you’ll feel run-down and achy. Your body is using extra energy to fight off the infection.
3. Do you need antibiotics in sinus infection?
Not every sinus infection needs antibiotics. Viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics. If symptoms last for over 10 days, your fever won’t quit, or things get worse after initially improving, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.
4. How to avoid sinus infections?
Wash your hands often as it stops germs before they reach your nose and sinuses. Treat seasonal allergies ahead of time to keep your sinuses clear. Wearing a mask means less exposure to bacteria and viruses and a lower risk of your sinuses getting inflamed. Stay hydrated and use a humidifier since dry air can make your sinuses vulnerable.
