Most Common Symptoms of a MRSA Sinus Infection

Sinus infections can be extremely painful and disruptive to daily life. But when caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, the symptoms seem to get amplified and are much more stubborn to treat. If you have been dealing with a sinus infection that just will not go away with normal antibiotics, you may be up against an MRSA sinus infection. Recognizing the most common symptoms can help you identify if this is the culprit and seek proper treatment right away.

What is MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to some antibiotics. This means infections caused by MRSA can be harder to treat than other staph infections. MRSA bacteria can live in the nasal passages and throat without causing issues. But if they get pushed further into the respiratory system, they can cause sinus infections.

The Most Common Symptoms of a MRSA Sinus Infection

Nasal Congestion and Discharge

One of the most common symptoms of an MRSA sinus infection is nasal congestion and discharge. You may notice your nasal passages feeling stuffy, making breathing through your nose difficult. Along with congestion often comes a yellow, green, or brown nasal discharge. This mucus drainage from the nasal passages down the back of the throat is due to inflammation and irritation of the sinus cavities. The color and thickness of the discharge can indicate an infection is present.

Facial Pressure and Pain

As a MRSA sinus infection progresses, the swelling and inflammation can worsen. This leads to intense pressure and pain in the face. You may feel like your cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes are throbbing. Bending over or sudden movements tend to make this facial pressure and pain worse. The pain often gets severe enough that it becomes difficult to concentrate, work, or carry out normal daily activities.

Fever and Fatigue

Fevers often accompany sinus infections as the immune system kicks into high gear to fight off the infection. MRSA sinus infections can result in low-grade fevers around 100-102°F or high fevers upwards of 103°F in severe cases. Chills, body aches, and extreme fatigue usually go hand-in-hand with these fevers. You may feel exhausted yet unable to sleep well due to the constant facial pain and pressure.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you experience any of these debilitating symptoms and believe you may have an MRSA sinus infection, do not wait to seek medical attention. Call Dr. David Volpi at New York ENT today at 212-873-6168 to schedule an appointment at our New York, NY, office and get on the path to relief. Ignoring symptoms and delaying treatment often results in more severe, stubborn infections. So take charge of your health and give us a call.