Did you know that It is possible to have a sinus infection and strep throat at the same time? When your body’s immune system is low, you are more susceptible to illnesses and have a harder time fighting them off. So, what starts as a mild cold can end up a severe sinus infection and strep throat.
A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when your sinuses become swollen and inflamed. It is common to develop a sinus infection after a cold because a cold can cause sinuses to swell, preventing the discharge of mucus. According to WebMD, “When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection. This infection is sinusitis.”
Symptoms
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Pain or feeling of pressure around the eyes and face
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Headache
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Thick, yellow nasal discharge that has a foul smell
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Post-nasal drip
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Fever, cough, and congestion
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Cold-like symptoms that last longer than 10 days
Treatment
In most cases, a sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics. Your physician may also suggest taking decongestants to decrease the swelling in your nasal passages.
Strep Throat
Strep throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis) is a bacterial infection of the throat. Although strep throat is most common in children aged 5 to 15, it can affect anyone at any age. Strep throat is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through airborne droplets (when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs) or through direct contact with infected surfaces.
Symptoms
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Difficulty swallowing
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Severe throat pain
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Swollen tonsils
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White patches or streaks of pus in the back of throat
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Fever and headache
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Stomachache, fatigue, and vomiting (especially in young children)
Treatment
A physician can usually determine if you have strep throat in a matter of minutes with a rapid strep test. Once it is confirmed that you have strep throat, he or she will normally prescribe antibiotics. If you have a sinus infection and strep throat, the antibiotics that are prescribed for one illness will usually take care of the other illness as well.
Whether you have strep throat, a sinus infection, a cold, or the flu, FastMed Urgent Care is available to see you every day of the year. With locations throughout North Carolina and Arizona, finding the care you need is simple. Contact your local FastMed today.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.