Lincoln, CA
A 45-year-old male asked:
How do i know if i have a bacterial or a viral sinus infection?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Farhad Sigarianswered
Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery 22 years experience
Time: The only real sign that has proven predictive of a bacterial sinus infection vs a viral sinus infection is the length of time of symptoms (that was reported to be 10 days). Initially it is usually a viral infection and then a secondary bacterial infection occurs (7-10 days later). That is why most physicians usually recommend otc meds and conservative measure in the beginning.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
GB
A 27-year-old male asked:
How do you diagnose a sinus infection bacterial?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Angela Walkeranswered
Addiction Medicine 44 years experience
Sinus Infection: A ct scan of the sinuses can be done to diagnose sinus infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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