Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections most often happen after a cold or after an allergy flare-up. There are 4 types:
Acute. Symptoms last less than 4 weeks and get better with the correct care.
Subacute. Does not get better with treatment at first. Symptoms last 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic. Happens with repeated or poorly treated acute infections. Symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
Recurrent. If you have 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year, it’s called recurrent.
The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near the nose passage. The sinuses make mucus. This fluid cleans the bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe.
A sinus infection can happen after a cold. The cold inflames the nasal passages. This can block the opening of the sinuses and lead to infection. Allergies can also cause the nasal tissue to swell and make more mucus and cause sinusitis.
Other conditions that can lead to sinusitis include:
If mucus drainage is blocked, bacteria may start to grow. This leads to a sinus infection, or sinusitis. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis also cause the flu or certain kinds of pneumonia.
The symptoms of sinusitis may depend on your age. These are the most common symptoms:
The symptoms of sinusitis may look like other conditions or health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider can often diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Sometimes other tests are done. These may include:
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Treatment of sinusitis may include:
You may be referred to an allergist or immunologist, especially for chronic or recurrent sinusitis. People who have had sinus surgery, but still have sinusitis, may also be referred.
Decongestants and antihistamines do not seem to help the symptoms of sinusitis.
Call if any of these occur:
These symptoms may point to a serious condition.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of sinuses in the face. It mainly causes pain and too much mucus production.
It may follow a cold or allergies.
Inflammation caused by a virus may go away in about 10 days and won’t need antibiotics.
Inflammation caused by bacteria needs antibiotics.
Treatment aims to ease the pain and discomfort, and reduce inflammation and mucus production.
Take all antibiotics as prescribed and finish the prescription.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.