Urgent Care for Sinus Infection
in New Jersey and Philadelphia
Sinus infections can bring daily life to a halt. Between the pressure behind your eyes, the throbbing headaches, and the fatigue that comes with congestion, even simple tasks become overwhelming. When symptoms escalate or linger, waiting for a primary care appointment or relying on over-the-counter remedies often isn’t enough. That’s when urgent care appointment availability for sinus infections may be useful.
At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, patients throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia have access to fast, reliable urgent care appointments for sinus issues. Our ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating sinus infections, helping you feel better sooner while preventing complications. With same-day appointments for sinus issues, our highly skilled team is here when you need relief most.
Sinus Infection Diagnosis and Treatment at Urgent Care
A sinus infection can occur when the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks or forehead, or between your eyes become inflamed and blocked and subsequently infected. This can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, allergies, and/or structural issues in the nasal airway and sinus drainage pathway.
There are two main categories, and patients may have either one, or both in some cases. That is to say that patients with chronic sinusitis may develop acute sinus infections, and patients with an acute infection may over time develop chronic sinusitis.
Short-term sinus-related symptoms (see below), often after a cold or related trigger, that last less than four weeks.
Ongoing inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks, sometimes linked to allergies or nasal polyps.
Urgent care is the right choice when symptoms are more than just a nuisance.
When you need same-day relief or evaluation by a sinus specialist.
Unlike retail walk-in clinics, urgent care at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy is designed specifically for ear, nose, and throat conditions. We evaluate your symptoms, often perform a nasal endoscopy to allow our providers to directly observe the sinus drainage areas, take an endoscopically-guided culture if appropriate, and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Some situations, however, are better suited for an emergency room. Patients with breathing difficulties, active nosebleeds, abscesses in the neck or throat, Covid- or flu-related symptoms, or significant swelling around the eyes should bypass urgent care and seek emergency help right away.
Sinus Infection Signs and Symptoms
Many sinus infections improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. But certain signs suggest you may benefit from urgent ENT care:
When to Go to the ER Instead
While urgent care is the right choice for most sinus infections, certain red-flag symptoms require emergency evaluation. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you experience:
These may indicate rare but serious complications, such as orbital cellulitis or meningitis, that need hospital-level care.
When these symptoms interfere with your daily routine, it’s time to consider a same-day appointment with Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy.
Sinus Infection Diagnosis and Tests at Penn Medicine Becker ENT Urgent Care
Patients often feel reassured knowing what the urgent care process involves. At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, our providers follow a clear, step-by-step approach:
1. Check-in and history
After check-in and gathering of your basic vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels), the provider will meet with you to discuss your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, prior treatments, allergies, and any underlying conditions like asthma or seasonal allergies.
2. Physical exam
Your provider performs a focused physical examination, and examines your nasal passages, sinuses, throat, and ears. The exam is tailored to both adults and children. Often, when sinus symptomatology is present, a nasal endoscopy is performed. This is done in the office and typically takes just a few minutes.
3. Personalized treatment plan
Based on your evaluation, your provider may recommend saline rinses, intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, or short-term decongestants. Antibiotics are prescribed when the infection appears bacterial and meets national guideline criteria.
4. Follow-up and prevention
Prescriptions will be electronically sent to your pharmacy so that they are ready when you arrive. You will leave with clear instructions for home care, what to expect in the next 24–48 hours, and a plan for next steps if symptoms don’t improve.
It’s important to know that our urgent care services focus on ear, nose, and throat conditions. We do not perform throat cultures, viral testing for mononucleosis, flu, or COVID, and we do not provide X-rays, IV fluids, or bloodwork. Imaging is ordered when appropriate but must be performed at outside facilities, often not on the same day.
Risks of Delaying Care
Ignoring or postponing treatment for a sinus infection may lead to:
Seeking timely care helps you recover faster and reduces the chance of these outcomes.
Sinus Infection Treatment Options From Your Doctor
Your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs. Options may include:
For patients with frequent, recurrent or chronic sinus infections, our team may recommend long-term strategies like allergy management, nasal hygiene routines, or follow-up for specialized ENT care. In some cases, surgical interventions may be suggested.
Why Choose Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy?
Choosing urgent care means you’ll be seen by experts who focus exclusively on ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Our patients benefit from:
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with sinus pressure, congestion, or pain, you don’t need to wait for relief. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy offers same-day urgent care appointments for New Jersey and Philadelphia patients, with telehealth options available for added convenience. Call today, schedule online, or visit your nearest Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy office to start feeling better now.
Locations in New Jersey & Philadelphia
Whether you live or work in Philadelphia or New Jersey, Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy offers a convenient clinic for urgent sinus care, along with nearby offices for follow-up or scheduled visits.
Our Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Offices
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy maintains offices throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Whether you’re traveling from Cherry Hill, Princeton, or Edison in New Jersey, or from Center City, University City, or South Philadelphia, there is a Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy location nearby for follow-up care and ongoing ENT support.
We have New Jersey office locations in Freehold, Monroe, Plainsboro, Robbinsville, Lawrenceville, Hillsborough, Princeton, Mullica Hill, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Sewell. Nearby cities include:
We have Pennsylvania office locations in Philadelphia and Yardley. Nearby cities include:
