Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the inflammation or swelling of the sinus cavities that blocks airflow and drainage. The sinuses consist of four pairs of air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose and eyes. The sinuses work together to warm or cool inhaled air, humidify it and remove dust and allergens. When the sinuses don’t drain properly and mucus stops flowing, the sinuses become blocked, which is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungus.1
Acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection that typically lasts less than four weeks, and often clears up on its own.1,2
Acute Sinusitis — Acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection that typically lasts less than four weeks, and often clears up on its own.1,2
Chronic sinusitis is when there are two or more sinusitis symptoms and swelling/inflammation lasts 12 weeks or longer and it is not always treatable by antibiotics.1,2
Chronic Sinusitis — Chronic sinusitis is when there are two or more sinusitis symptoms and swelling/inflammation lasts 12 weeks or longer and it is not always treatable by antibiotics.1,2
Many treatment options offer temporary relief, or they may not work at all. This can be extremely frustrating and depressing for patients suffering with sinus infections. However, chronic sinusitis symptoms are manageable. There are new sinusitis treatment options and advances, and finding effective, longer-term relief starts with education.
Finding the path to the most effective long term relief for your sinusitis starts with identifying your symptoms and root causes.
Only a person who suffers from chronic sinusitis understands the pain and frustration. It can rob you of your sense of smell and taste, throb like a headache, make it difficult to breathe and nearly impossible to sleep. Overall, it can greatly affect your quality of life.2,3
Symptoms Include1,2:
Facial pain and pressure
Bad breath
Nasal discharge
Nasal congestion and blockage
Lost or reduced sense of smell and/or taste
Headaches
Post-nasal drip
Take the sinusitis self-assessment
Finding the root cause will help identify the best treatment path.4
Allergies
Respiratory Infections,
Such as a Cold
Bacterial or Fungal
Infections
Nasal Polyps
Deviated Septum
Acute Sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis
What causes it?
Environmental factors, seasonal allergies, viral or bacterial infections
Long-term inflammation deep in nasal passage; polyps; asthma; deviated septum; certain immune disorders
What are the Symptoms?
Same for both - facial pain/pressure; nasal discharge/congestion/blockage; reduced sense of smell/taste; headaches
Same for both - facial pain/pressure; nasal discharge/congestion/blockage; reduced sense of smell/taste; headaches
How long does it last?
4 weeks or less
12 weeks or more
How is it treated?
Decongestants; antibiotics; steroids
Steroids; surgery
Acute Sinusitis - Environmental factors, seasonal allergies, viral or bacterial infections
Chronic Sinusitis - Long-term inflammation deep in nasal passage; polyps; asthma; deviated septum; certain immune disorders
Both Acute & Chronic Sinusitis - facial pain/pressure; nasal discharge/congestion/blockage; reduced sense of smell/taste; headaches
Acute Sinusitis - 4 weeks or less
Chronic Sinusitis - 12 weeks or more
Acute Sinusitis - Decongestants; antibiotics; steroids
Chronic Sinusitis - Steroids; surgery
Because sinusitis has symptoms that are common to other conditions, it often leads to a misdiagnosis. To properly diagnose sinusitis, a specialist should be consulted as some detective work is involved. ENT’s, or ear, nose, and throat specialists, can investigate symptoms and review clinical and family history as well as perform a proper exam.
They can look for obscure nasal obstructions using special tools or imaging, such as a Sinus CT scan. Imaging exams enable them to better see inflammation inside the nose and sinuses that is hard to detect during a basic exam. Finding the root cause of your symptoms is the first step in determining the best course of treatment.4
There are many options to treat or manage sinusitis
Learn about sinusitis treatments
References
Safety Information
The purpose of the site is to help create awareness about sinusitis and treatment options for the disease. Please note that information contained on this site is not medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for speaking with your physician. Always talk with your physician about diagnosis and treatment information.