Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in that lining), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).
Types of Sinusitis
There are 4 types of the sinusitis:
- Acute. Cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that start suddenly and don’t go away after 10 to 14 days. It usually lasts 4 weeks or less.
- Subacute. Sinus inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
- Chronic. Inflammation symptoms that last 8 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent. Several attacks within a year.
Who Gets Sinusitis?
About 37 million Americans have it at least once each year. It’s more likely if you have:
- Swelling inside the nose like from a common cold
- Blocked drainage ducts
- Structural differences that narrow those ducts
- Nasal polyps
- Conditions that make an infection more likely, such as immune system deficiencies or medications that suppress the immune system.
For children, things contribute to sinusitis include allergies, illnesses from other kids at day care or school, pacifiers, bottle drinking while lying on the back, and smoke in the environment.
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
The main ones include:
- Facial pain or pressure
- Nasal stuffiness
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of smell
- Cough or congestion
You may also have:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
You may have these symptoms for 8 weeks or more:
- A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
- A nasal obstruction or blockage
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- Nasal discharge or discolored postnasal drainage
You may also have:
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
Diagnosis
Your doctor will consider your symptoms and give you a physical examination. He may feel and press your sinuses for tenderness, and tap your teeth to see if you have an inflamed paranasal sinus.
What Is Nasal Endoscopy?
A nasal endoscope is a tube-like instrument equipped with tiny lights and cameras. Doctors use it to see inside your nose and sinus drainage areas.
First, you may get some anesthesia to numb the area, but that’s not always needed.
Treatment
It depends on your particular case.
Acute sinusitis. If you have a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend you use decongestant meds and steam inhalations. You shouldn’t use an over-the-counter decongestant for more than a few days, though, because it can make you more congested.
If your doctor gives you antibiotics, you’ll probably take them for 10 to 14 days. The symptoms usually disappear with treatment.
Chronic sinusitis. Warm moist air may help. You can use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of warm (but not too hot) water. Warm compresses can ease pain in the nose and sinuses. Saline nose drops are also safe to use at home. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal drops or sprays could also help, but don’t take them longer than recommended. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or steroids.
