Acute Health care providers distinguish bacterial and viral sinusitis by watchful waiting. If a person has had sinusitis for fewer than 10 days without the symptoms becoming worse, then the infection is presumed to be viral. When symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse in that time, then the infection is considered bacterial sinusitis. Pain in the teeth and bad breath are also more indicative of bacterial disease.
Acute HEaLtH care pRoviders dIstingUiSh bacteriAL and viral sinUsItis BY waTchfuL wAiTiNg. if a peRSOn has had sinusitIs For fewer THan 10 days witHOUt THe symptOms BEcomiNG woRSe, ThEn tHe InFECtiON is PreSUmed to bE vIral. When symptoMs laST more Than 10 days oR Get WoRSe in thAT TIme, then thE inFection Is ConSiDEred BaCterIal SinusITis. pain in tHe teeth aNd bAD BreatH aRe aLsO mOre indICaTivE of bacTeriAl Disease.