On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding sinusitis.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. or occurring after the flu or a cold. It is a common condition that often resolves on its own, but if symptoms persist for a long time, medication prescribed by a doctor may be necessary.
There are three types of sinusitis:
Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms and inflammation persist for more than three months.
Acute sinusitis: Symptoms last for less than four weeks and may only last a few days.
Subacute sinusitis: Symptoms and inflammation persist from one to three months.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
Sore throat
Headache
Postnasal drip
Fever
Cough
Reduced sense of smell
Bad breath
Fatigue
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when fluids accumulate in the facial sinuses, often due to viral or bacterial infections, or as a result of allergies. Several factors increase the risk of developing sinusitis, such as:
Colds
Seasonal allergies
Cystic fibrosis
Enlarged nasal polyps
Deviated septum
Smoking and exposure to smoke
Structural problems within the sinuses
Weakened immune system
Enlarged adenoids
How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
A doctor takes a medical history and performs a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested depending on necessity, such as:
Nasal endoscopy
CT scan
How is Sinusitis Treated?
Treatment involves several procedures depending on need and may include the following:
Monitoring symptoms and waiting two to three days for your immune system to fight the infection.
If there is no improvement, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Other treatment options include:
Taking pain relievers, ensuring to consult a doctor before giving children pain relievers as some may not be suitable for them.
Cough medications and decongestants, ensuring to consult a doctor before giving children cough medications as some may not be suitable for them.
Applying warm compresses on the forehead and nose to relieve sinus pressure.
Using nasal sprays to alleviate congestion.
Inhaling steam.
Getting plenty of rest.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Avoiding allergy triggers.
In some cases, surgery may be required to expand the sinuses.
How Can Sinusitis Be Prevented?
Ensure to get the seasonal flu vaccine.
Maintain hand hygiene.
Avoid smoking. For more details, refer to the quit smoking guide.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Avoid close contact with people with respiratory infections.
Avoid allergy triggers.
What Are the Complications of Sinusitis?
It is very rare for sinusitis to lead to complications, such as:
Bone infection
Meningitis
Abscess formation
Toothache
Skin infections, especially around the eyes
When Should You See a Doctor?
If symptoms worsen, such as severe facial pain or a severe headache.
If your child has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher and is under 3 months old.
If a fever persists for more than 3 to 4 days.
If symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement.
If symptoms relapse after initial improvement.
FAQs:
When Do I Need Sinus Surgery?
If sinusitis is chronic.
If you experience more than three episodes of acute sinusitis each year.
