SINUS PAIN AND CONGESTION

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SINUS PAIN AND CONGESTION

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Difficulty breathing, and is not from a blocked or stuffy nose
Severe pain
Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher and you
- Are over 60 years of age
- Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
- Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)
Redness or swelling on the cheek, forehead or around the eye

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

You think you need to be seen
Lots of yellow or green nasal discharge present for more than 3 days, with sinus pain
Sinus pain persists after using nasal washes and pain medications for 24 hours
Fever present for more than 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Fever returns after being gone for more than 24 hours
Nasal discharge present for more than 10 days
Sinus congestion and fullness persist longer than 1 week

Self Care at Home If

Sinus congestion as part of a cold and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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