Should You Visit a Major Hospital for Sinusitis Symptoms?

Should I go to a major hospital for an examination?

On the evening of September 16, I suddenly started experiencing nasal congestion and a runny nose.
On the morning of September 17, I began to feel dizzy and pressure in my head, and my axillary temperature exceeded 37 degrees Celsius.
In the afternoon, I saw a doctor who diagnosed me with sinusitis, stating that my nasal mucosa was severely inflamed.
I was given nasal decongestants and medication, then went home to rest.

On September 18, my temperature remained around 37 degrees Celsius and wouldn't go down.
I occasionally experienced joint pain and had no appetite.
On September 19, I felt inexplicably warm over the past few days and had trouble sleeping at night.
My baseline temperature was consistently above 36.85 degrees Celsius, but on the 19th, it was 37.36 degrees Celsius (both oral and axillary temperatures were above 37.3 degrees Celsius).
Should I go to a major hospital for further examination?

Rachel, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/19

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you continue to feel unwell, it is recommended that you return to the clinic for further medical examination.
If necessary, the clinic physician can refer you to a hospital.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/09/19

More Info

When considering whether to visit a major hospital for sinusitis symptoms, it’s essential to evaluate the severity and persistence of your symptoms, as well as any accompanying signs that may indicate a more serious condition. Based on the symptoms you've described, including nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, headaches, and general malaise, it seems that you are experiencing a significant upper respiratory infection, likely sinusitis.

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinus cavities, can be caused by viral, bacterial, or even fungal infections. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, fever, and sometimes a cough or sore throat. In your case, the presence of fever (especially if it exceeds 37 degrees Celsius), persistent headaches, and the feeling of overall weakness are concerning signs that warrant further evaluation.

Given that you have already seen a physician who diagnosed you with sinusitis and prescribed medication, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days of treatment, or if they worsen, it may be necessary to seek further medical attention. Here are some specific indicators that suggest a visit to a major hospital or a specialist may be warranted:
1. Persistent Fever: If your fever continues to rise or remains elevated (especially above 38 degrees Celsius), it could indicate a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics.

2. Severe Pain: If you experience severe facial pain or pressure that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, this could suggest complications such as an abscess or more severe sinus infection.

3. Neurological Symptoms: If you develop symptoms such as confusion, severe headache, vision changes, or any neurological deficits, you should seek immediate medical attention.

4. Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen after initially improving, this could indicate a secondary infection or complication.

5. Difficulty Breathing: If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, this is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention.

6. Joint Pain and Fatigue: The joint pain and persistent fatigue you mentioned could be signs of a systemic infection or another underlying condition that needs to be evaluated.

In general, if you feel that your current treatment is not effective, or if you have concerns about your symptoms, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek further evaluation. A major hospital may have access to more comprehensive diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies (like a CT scan of the sinuses) or specialized care from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your symptoms may improve with continued treatment from your current physician, if you notice any of the concerning signs mentioned above, or if your symptoms persist without improvement, it would be prudent to visit a major hospital for further evaluation and management. Your health and well-being should always be the priority, and seeking timely medical care can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

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