Sinusitis

Sinusitis: What Is It?

Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities located behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. The sinuses produce mucus, which helps moisten the inside of the nose and trap dust, allergens, and germs. When the sinuses become blocked or inflamed, they can't drain properly, which can lead to a buildup of mucus and cause discomfort or infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent, depending on the duration and frequency of the symptoms.

Types of Sinusitis

Acute Sinusitis

Cause: Often caused by a viral infection (e.g., the common cold) or bacterial infection. It can also be triggered by allergens or environmental irritants.

Symptoms:

• Nasal congestion or stuffy nose.
• Thick, yellow or green nasal discharge.
• Facial pain or pressure (especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead).
• Reduced sense of smell and taste.
• Headache and sore throat.
• Fatigue and fever.
• Duration: Lasts up to 4 weeks.

Treatment: Over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal sprays, rest, and hydration. Antibiotics are prescribed if the infection is bacterial.

Subacute Sinusitis

Cause: Often follows an acute sinus infection that doesn't fully resolve. It could also be caused by ongoing inflammation or irritation. Symptoms: Similar to acute sinusitis, but lasting between 4 and 12 weeks.

Duration: Between 4 and 12 weeks.

Treatment: Includes nasal saline irrigation, decongestants, and possibly antibiotics.

Chronic Sinusitis

Cause: Caused by long-term inflammation of the sinuses, often due to allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.

Symptoms:

• Persistent nasal congestion and postnasal drip.
• Facial pain or pressure.
• Reduced sense of smell.
• Cough, especially at night.
• Fatigue and irritability.

Duration: Lasts longer than 12 weeks.

Treatment: May include nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present), allergy treatments, and in some cases, surgical procedures (e.g., endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty) to open blocked sinuses.

Recurrent Sinusitis

Cause: Repeated episodes of sinus infections throughout the year, usually triggered by infections, allergies, or structural issues.

Symptoms: Similar to acute sinusitis but occurring multiple times within a year.

Duration: Four or more episodes within a year.

Treatment: Requires a combination of preventive and treatment strategies, including antibiotics, nasal irrigation, and allergy management.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness.
• Thick, colored nasal discharge (yellow, green, or white).
• Facial pain or pressure, especially around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
• Headaches or a feeling of pressure in the face.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste.
• Cough, especially at night.
• Fatigue and general discomfort.
• Ear pain or pressure.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Fever (in acute cases).

Causes of Sinusitis

Viral Infections: The most common cause, especially following a cold or flu. Viruses can cause the sinuses to swell and block drainage.

Bacterial Infections: Bacteria can infect the sinuses, leading to thicker mucus and longer-lasting symptoms.

Allergies: Allergies to dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander can trigger sinus inflammation.

Nasal Polyps: These growths in the nasal passages can block sinus drainage. Click here to learn more.

Deviated Septum: A crooked nasal septum can obstruct sinus drainage. Click here to learn more.

Fungal Infections: Rare, but fungi can infect the sinuses, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Environmental Irritants: Pollution, smoke, or other irritants can inflame the sinuses and contribute to sinusitis.

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

To diagnose sinusitis, a healthcare provider will typically:

• Physical examination: Checking for tenderness or swelling around the sinuses.
• Medical history: Asking about your symptoms and duration.
• Imaging tests: In cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis, a CT scan may be used to get a clear picture of the sinuses.
• Nasal endoscopy: A small camera is inserted into the nasal passages to inspect the sinuses.

Treatment for Sinusitis

Non-surgical Treatments

• Decongestants (oral or nasal) to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
• Antihistamines (if allergies are contributing to sinusitis).
• Nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
• Saline nasal sprays or irrigation (e.g., using a Neti pot) to flush out mucus.
• Antibiotics for bacterial sinusitis (only if the infection is bacterial, as most cases are viral).
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease headaches and facial pain.

Surgical Treatments

If sinusitis becomes chronic or does not respond to medication, surgical intervention may be needed to improve drainage:

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A minimally invasive surgery performed with a tiny camera to remove blockages, polyps, or other obstructions from the sinuses. Click here to learn more.

Balloon Sinuplasty: A procedure where a small balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus and inflated to widen the passage, allowing for better drainage. Click here to learn more.

Septoplasty: Surgery to straighten the septum if a deviated septum is contributing to sinus blockages. Click here to learn more.

Home Remedies

• Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to drain.
• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to your face can help relieve sinus pain and pressure.
• Rest: Allowing your body to rest helps to support the immune system and recovery.

Prevention of Sinusitis

• Avoid colds and infections by practicing good hygiene (washing hands, avoiding sick individuals).
• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist, especially in dry air.
• Manage allergies with medications as prescribed.
• Avoid irritants like smoke and pollution that can inflame your sinuses.
• Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and encourage drainage.
• Nasal saline irrigation can help clear out mucus and prevent infections.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention if:

• Your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement.
• You experience a high fever or significant facial pain.
• You have recurring sinus infections.
• You have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to conditions like diabetes or HIV).