Facial pressure, congestion and a lingering cold? Urgent Care Center of Westmont evaluates sinus symptoms at our Westmont, IL clinic and explains a treatment plan based on how long and how severe they are. Same-day walk-in visits, no appointment needed.
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is swelling of the sinuses that causes congestion, facial pressure and drainage. The CDC notes that viruses cause most sinus infections, though bacteria cause some. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, evaluates sinus symptoms for adults and children. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
See a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days, fever lasts more than 3 to 4 days, or pain is severe. Walk in or check in online at our Westmont, IL clinic.
Key facts
Use only distilled, sterile, or boiled-then-cooled water in a neti pot or sinus rinse; plain tap water is not safe, the FDA warns.
Boiled tap water should boil for 3 to 5 minutes, cool to lukewarm, and be used within 24 hours.
Many sinus infections get better without antibiotics, and antibiotics do not help viral infections, per the CDC.
Allergies can cause sinus pressure that feels like an infection; Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL can help sort out which it is.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
According to the CDC, common symptoms include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Facial pain or pressure
Headache
Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
Sore throat, cough and bad breath
MedlinePlus explains that acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks.
How We Evaluate and Treat Sinusitis at Our Westmont, IL Clinic
Your clinician asks how long you have been sick and examines your nose, throat, ears and face. If your symptoms overlap with other illnesses, we may run a rapid flu test or a strep test.
The CDC says many sinus infections get better on their own. Your clinician may suggest watchful waiting plus home care, such as saline nasal spray or rinses, warm compresses, breathing in steam and rest. If your symptoms point to a bacterial infection or are not improving, your clinician will explain the next steps in your treatment plan. Recurring sinus problems may need an allergy review or a specialist referral.
Patients visit us for sinus care from Hinsdale, IL, Downers Grove, IL, Oak Brook, IL, Lisle, IL and Western Springs, IL. Oak Brook is about 2.9 miles northeast of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line). Both Westmont, IL locations accept walk-ins Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM and Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM.
Cost, Insurance and Self-Pay
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We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your coverage. The full list is on our cost and insurance page. For patients paying on their own, our self-pay services offer flat, upfront pricing, with general visits from $125.
Sinus infection vs. cold vs. allergies
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Common patterns; an exam helps when they overlap
Clue
Common cold
Sinus infection
Allergies
How long it lasts
About a week, improving after a few days
More than 10 days, or worse after first getting better
As long as you are exposed; often seasonal
Facial pain or pressure
Mild, if any
Common, over cheeks, forehead or around the eyes
Sometimes
Fever
Sometimes, low
Sometimes
No
Itchy eyes and sneezing
Some sneezing
Uncommon
Common
What helps
Rest, fluids, saline
Saline rinses, warm compresses, and a clinician visit if it lingers
Wash your handsThen make sure the neti pot or squeeze bottle is clean and completely dry.
Use safe waterDistilled or sterile water, tap water boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled to lukewarm, or water passed through a filter made to trap infectious organisms.
Mix the salineUse the packet that came with the device, and follow the maker's directions.
RinseLean over a sink, tilt your head, and let the solution flow in one nostril and out the other.
Clean and dry the deviceWash it, then dry the inside with a paper towel or let it air dry.
Store boiled water in a clean, closed container and use it within 24 hours. For children, check with a clinician first. The FDA notes some children with nasal allergies may start around age 2, only if a pediatrician recommends it.
Sinus infection recovery timeline
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A general guide for acute sinusitis
Time
What is typical
What to do
Days 1 to 5
Stuffy nose, facial pressure, thick drainage
Saline rinses, warm compresses, steam, rest and fluids
Days 5 to 10
Most people start to improve
Keep up home care
After 10 days
Still not improving, or worse after getting better
They overlap, and most sinus infections start with a virus. The CDC advises seeing a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days or you have a fever for more than 3 to 4 days.
Do all sinus infections need medicine?
No. The CDC says most get better on their own. Your clinician will explain what fits your case.
What helps at home?
Saline spray or rinses, warm compresses, steam and rest. Follow label directions on over-the-counter products, especially for children.
Do you see children?
Yes. We see adults and children. You can check in online or walk in.
Can a sinus infection go away on its own?
Often, yes. The CDC says most sinus infections are caused by viruses and many get better without antibiotics. Saline rinses, warm compresses, rest and fluids help. See a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days, fever lasts more than 3 to 4 days, or you get better and then worse.
Is it safe to use tap water in a neti pot?
No. The FDA warns that tap water can contain organisms that survive in the nose and cause serious infections. Use distilled or sterile water, tap water boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled, or water passed through a filter designed to trap infectious organisms.
Does green mucus mean I need antibiotics?
Not by itself. Mucus can turn yellow or green with viral infections too. Your clinician looks at how long you have been sick, how severe your symptoms are, and whether you improved and then got worse before deciding on treatment.
Is a sinus infection contagious?
The sinus infection itself usually is not passed from person to person, but the cold virus that often starts it can be. Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home while you have a fever.
“I had a fantastic experience at this immediate care facility. The staff were incredibly fast and efficient, and the entire place was spotless. Highly recommended!”
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