How Do I Know if My Symptoms Are Related to a Sinus Infection or the Flu?

Distinguishing between flu and sinusitis can be difficult. Both of these have similar symptoms, but the treatment options will be different. It is important that you figure out which one that you have so you can be treated properly.

The Flu

is caused by a virus known as the influenza virus. There are several different variants of the virus. Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Nasal congestion

The flu can cause more severe symptoms that include high fever and shortness of breath. Flu treatment includes supportive therapy and an antiviral medication known as Tamiflu. It is important that Tamiflu be taken within 48 hours of the initial onset of symptoms. Tamiflu given after the 48 hour period has not been known to help people with the reduction of symptoms. 

If you have symptoms of the flu with shortness of breath, you should see your primary care doctor or urgent care doctor immediately. There are tests that can confirm the flu diagnosis. If you have the flu, it is important to get difficulty breathing nasal congestion treatment Los Angeles. You can get this from a wide variety of cold and flu medications, and your doctor can prescribe further help if you are suffering from the flu.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be caused by inflammatory illness, bacterial, or viral exposure. Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pain
• Sinus pressure
• Loss of smell
• Postnasal drip
• Fever
• Swelling
• Eye swelling

If you suffer from sinusitis, you will need to see head and neck doctors in Los Angeles. Sinusitis typically lasts greater than ten days, which warrants treatment by a doctor. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. 

If you have symptoms that last more than a couple of weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis. If you have chronic sinusitis, you will want to see a sinusitis specialist Los Angeles that can help you with chronic nasal congestion treatment Los Angeles. When you suffer from chronic sinusitis, there are several different procedures that can be done to help. 

An endoscopic sinus surgery or a balloon sinuplasty can help you to experience relief from your symptoms. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you will want to get chronic nasal congestion treatment Los Angeles as soon as possible. If you do not treat your sinus problem, the condition can become worse. You may face days or weeks of pain with no relief in sight.

If you are having issues with the symptoms above, you will need to be seen by a doctor to determine whether or not you have sinusitis or the flu. If you experience symptoms of sinusitis Head and neck doctors in Los Angeles can help you to get relief from your symptoms. At Westside Head & Neck, they have a sinusitis specialist Los Angeles that can help you with difficulty breathing nasal congestion treatment Los Angeles. They will help you breathe easier and go back to your normal routine.