How to Tell If Your Sinus Infection Is Bacterial

At SoCal Urgent Care, we frequently see patients with sinus infections, which can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. A bacterial sinus infection (acute bacterial sinusitis) often mimics the symptoms of a viral infection, but there are certain warning signs to watch for. If your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, or if they get worse after you initially start to feel better—a pattern called “double worsening”—it may be time to seek medical attention.

Common symptoms of bacterial sinus infections include thick yellow or green nasal discharge, significant facial pain or pressure (especially around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead), and nasal congestion. You might also have a persistent or high fever, especially if it develops after you begin to recover. Other signs can include a reduced sense of smell, bad breath, dental pain, and fatigue.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and they are severe, prolonged, or worsening, visit SoCal Urgent Care for a prompt evaluation. Our experienced providers can determine the cause of your sinus symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment, so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is often triggered by a viral infection like the common cold. Typical symptoms—such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, and thick nasal discharge—usually improve within seven to ten days without medical treatment.
 
However, you should consider visiting SoCal Urgent Care if your symptoms:

• Last more than ten days without improvement
• Initially improve, then worsen again (“double worsening” or “double sickening”)
• Are severe from the start (such as a high fever of 102°F or higher, intense facial pain, or thick, colored nasal discharge) for at least three to four consecutive days
 
These patterns may suggest a bacterial sinus infection, which sometimes requires antibiotics and professional evaluation.
 
If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening sinus symptoms, don’t wait it out—stop by SoCal Urgent Care. Our medical team can assess your condition, determine if antibiotics or other treatments are needed, and help you find relief quickly and safely.

Bacterial sinus infections, also known as bacterial sinusitis, are a common reason patients visit SoCal Urgent Care. Understanding the difference between bacterial and viral sinus infections is important for getting the right treatment and feeling better faster.
 
Both bacterial and viral sinus infections can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and thick nasal discharge. Viral sinus infections are usually caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold. These typically improve within seven to ten days.
 
Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, are triggered by bacteria. You might suspect a bacterial infection if your symptoms last longer than ten days without improvement, become more severe, or worsen after you start to feel better—a pattern called “double worsening.”
 
Signs You Might Need Medical Attention
While both viral and bacterial sinus infections can produce yellow or green mucus, this alone doesn’t confirm a bacterial cause. However, if you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to visit SoCal Urgent Care:

• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Fever that persists for several days
• Significant facial pain or swelling
• Symptoms that worsen after initial improvement
• Nasal discharge that is severe or accompanied by a bad odor
 
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

Most sinus infections are viral and resolve on their own, so antibiotics aren’t usually necessary. At SoCal Urgent Care, our experienced medical team will evaluate your symptoms and determine if antibiotics or other treatments are appropriate.
 
When to Seek Help

If you’re dealing with persistent or severe sinus symptoms, don’t wait it out—visit SoCal Urgent Care. Early evaluation ensures you get the right care, avoid unnecessary medications, and get back to feeling your best.

At SoCal Urgent Care, we frequently see patients experiencing fever and facial pain—symptoms that can be related to a bacterial sinus infection (acute bacterial sinusitis). While these symptoms may be caused by a variety of illnesses, their combination—especially if persistent or severe—can suggest a bacterial infection rather than a simple viral cold.
 
A typical viral sinus infection, like the one you might get after a common cold, often causes congestion, mild facial discomfort, and a runny nose. These symptoms usually improve within 7 to 10 days. However, if your symptoms last beyond 10 days, worsen after an initial improvement, or are accompanied by a high fever (above 100.4°F/38°C) and significant facial pain or pressure, you may be dealing with a bacterial sinus infection.
 
Signs to Watch For:

• Facial pain or pressure, often over the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes, that worsens when you bend forward
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Reduced sense of smell
• Dental pain
• Moderate to high fever that isn’t improving
 
Not everyone with a bacterial sinus infection will have all these symptoms, but if you notice persistent or severe facial pain and fever—especially with thick nasal discharge and symptoms lasting more than a week—it’s time to seek medical evaluation.
 
When to Seek Care at SoCal Urgent Care: If your symptoms are severe, last more than 10 days without improvement, or get worse after initially feeling better, visit SoCal Urgent Care. Our experienced medical team can assess your symptoms, determine if antibiotics or other treatments are needed, and help you get back on the road to recovery.
 
Your health and comfort are our priority. Don’t wait—if you’re worried about a possible sinus infection, come see us at SoCal Urgent Care for prompt care. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 710 S Brookhurst St. Suite A, Anaheim, CA 92804 (less than 3 miles away from Disneyland). We serve patients from Anaheim CA, Buena Park CA, La Palma CA, Cerritos CA, Cypress CA, Stanton CA, Garden Grove CA, Fullerton CA, Placentia CA, and Olive CA.