Sinus Infection Treatment for San Rafael, CA, Residents

You’ve been battling nasal congestion, facial pressure, and a lingering headache,  and you may be asking yourself, “Is this just a cold, or do I have a sinus infection?” More importantly, you’re probably wondering if it will resolve without medical help or if it’s time to see a doctor.

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed, often due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. While mild cases can clear up on their own, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate something more serious. If you’re in San Rafael, CA, and need answers and relief, visit Medical Center of Marin for prompt, personalized sinus infection treatment.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection is an inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull. Normally, these spaces are filled with air, but when they become blocked—due to colds, allergies, or infections—they can trap fluid, allowing bacteria or other germs to grow. Sinus infections are typically categorized as:

  • Acute sinusitis – Lasting between 3 to 8 weeks
  • Chronic sinusitis – Persisting for 8 weeks or more or recurring frequently

Prompt sinusitis treatment helps prevent chronic issues, especially when symptoms linger or worsen beyond the typical duration of a cold.

Recognizing Sinus Infection Symptoms

Since sinus infections and colds share similar signs, it’s important to recognize the specific sinus infection symptoms that may require medical attention. These include:

  • Facial pain, tenderness, or pressure (especially near the eyes, cheeks, or forehead)
  • Nasal congestion or a runny nose
  • Thick, discolored nasal discharge
  • Headache
  • Postnasal drip
  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Decreased sense of smell or taste

If these symptoms continue for more than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or are accompanied by fever or severe discomfort, it may be time to seek sinus infection treatment.

How We Diagnose a Sinus Infection

At Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, we begin by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam. In most cases, this is enough to identify sinusitis. If necessary, we may perform additional diagnostics such as:

  • Nasal swab testing to identify bacteria
  • Imaging (CT scans) to check for severe inflammation or blockages

This helps determine the type of infection—viral, bacterial, or fungal—and guides the best approach to sinusitis treatment.

Treatment Options for Sinus Infections

Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, we provide tailored treatment plans that may include:

Antibiotic Therapy

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are the standard of care. These may be prescribed for 3 to 28 days, depending on how deep or persistent the infection is. Longer courses may be necessary for chronic sinusitis.

Supportive At-Home Remedies

Mild or viral sinus infections can often be managed with over-the-counter solutions, such as:

  • Decongestant nasal sprays (used for a short time to reduce swelling)
  • Saline nasal rinses to clear mucus and soothe sinus passages
  • Antihistamines for those with allergies contributing to the infection
  • Pain relievers to ease headaches and facial pressure

These measures can help relieve sinus infection symptoms while your body fights off the infection.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek sinus infection treatment if:

  • Symptoms persist beyond 10 days.
  • You experience facial swelling or severe pain.
  • You have a high fever or signs of spreading infection.
  • Over-the-counter treatments provide little or no relief.

Our Medical Center of Marin location in San Rafael offers expert sinusitis treatment with same-day care options available.

Get Relief from Sinus Infections in San Rafael, CA

If your sinus symptoms aren’t going away—or are getting worse—it’s time to take action. Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, CA, provides comprehensive care for sinus infections, from diagnosis to treatment.

Schedule your visit online or stop by our clinic today for fast, effective sinus infection treatment designed to get you breathing easy again.