Medical Question **update on page 2**

[becka]

I was wondering if anyone has experienced this and if it is worth a call and/or a trip to the doctor.

I had a really bad head cold/sinus infection about 3 weeks ago. Lots of gunk coming out of my head and it was quite green. Most of the congestion has gone away but now every time I blow my nose it is bloody. This has been the case for about the last week.

Is this something to be concerned about?

 

[Beauty]

Becka I honestly don't know but I would say it is worth at least a call to the Dr. Surely if it is common they will tell you. We have a 1-800 Nurse LInk number here that allows you to ask questions and even though they mostly recommend that you see your doctor they will tell you if they think its anything to worry about.

 

[JerseyJanice]

The green stuff usually means a bacterial infection, so yes, you do need a trip to the doctor for some antibiotics, Becka.

A {hug}, but keep your cold to yourself, O.K.?

 

[luvwinnie]

requires antibiotics.

 

[becka]

Is it still a sinus infection if I am not congested anymore? This is really gross but the discharge from my nose is really not that green anymore but it was a few weeks ago.

 

[nativetxn]

I had the same problem before my cruise in September. Went to the doctor and she gave me some really great antibiotics that cleared it right up. Go to the doctor, Becka!

{{{HUGS}}} hope this clears up soon.

 

[Muushka]

This is a really GROSS conversation

But, that being said, I always have bloody stuff come out at the END of a bad sinus infection. I would still probably see a doc.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yep sinus infection. Go get some meds. My DH takes the 5 day Zithromax when he gets bad infections.

 

[candykisses]

Yep, it's time for the doctor. The antibiotics will make you feel better in no time.

 

[Krisu]

You also need a humidifier and more fluids

 

[missymouse3367]

The blood means that your sinus cavity is really dryand irritated. You can get a nasal spray to moisten your passages. If you feel better then you probably just had a virus. On the other hand if your having green drainage, sinus pressure, and fever you most likely need an antibiotic Get some rest and push the fluids.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

I wouldn't go to the dr. unless you're still feeling bad. I try to avoid taking antibiotics as much as possible because you can build up an immunity to them if you take them too much leaving you defenseless if you get something really really nasty. DH gets a bloody noses anytime he's having sinus problems. As someone else said it usually means your sinus cavity is dried out. It sounds like you just need a really good nose spray. However, if the bleeding is like really heavy and/or you have a fever you might want to go to the dr anyway. JMHO.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Common Myth... green nasal discharge does NOT indicate a bacterial infection, viral infection or allergies can do the same thing.
From the Center for Disease Control, this is about kids but it's the same in adults...

cold symptoms and antibiotics

 

[missymouse3367]

WebmasterAlex thank you I try to tell my pts this and the just give me the old oh. The fever is usually the biggest indicator.

 

[Kermit]

Most sinus infections will clear themselves up if left untreated, but if it's been weeks, it could need the help of antibiotics. I try not to take antibiotics as much as I can; however, you don't really want to go into this part of the year with low immunity. You could get bronchitus or even the flu. I'd go by the doctor and let him check it out.

 

[iluvorlando]

If you are running a fever and congested, I would call the doctor. Like some of the other posters said, I would get a humidifier and saline nasal drops. My nose dries out and that is what I use.

Good luck!

 

[becka]

I went to the dr. this morning and apparently I have a pretty bad sinus infection.

They gave me 14 days worth of antibiotics and they hope that will take care of it. They said I may have to take 3 weeks worth but they want to see how I am after just the 2 weeks.

Thanks for the advice everyone.