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.
