The Basics of Sinusitis

The sinuses are an important part of the nasal system, and if the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed or swells up, it causes a condition called sinusitis. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, it can lead to germ growth and eventually infection.

There are a few different types of sinusitis, along with several methods of treatment and risk management.

Types and Causes

There are a few different terms your doctor may use to describe your type of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis: Usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose or facial pain. Acute sinusitis can start suddenly and may last 2-4 weeks.
Subacute sinus inflammation: Usually lasts 4-12 weeks.
Chronic inflammation (chronic sinusitis) symptoms: Lasting 12 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis: Happens several times a year.

In general, conditions that can cause sinus blockages include:

Common cold
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Nasal polyps: small growths in the lining of the nose
Deviated septum: a shift in the nasal cavity

In children, a few specific causes include:

Allergies
Illnesses from other kids at school or daycare
Pacifiers
Bottle drinking while lying on their back
Smoke in the environment

Risk Factors

About 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once every year. A few factors that can make it more likely include:

Swelling inside the nose, such as from a common cold
Blocked drainage ducts
Structural differences that narrow drainage ducts
Nasal polyps
Immune system deficiencies or medications that suppress the immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

Facial pain or pressure
Stuffed nose
Runny nose
Loss of smell
Cough or congestion
Fever
Bad breath
Fatigue
Dental pain

If you have two or more of these symptoms, or thick green or yellow nasal discharge, you could have acute sinusitis. In cases of chronic sinusitis, you may have these symptoms for 12 weeks or more:

Feeling of congestion or fullness in the face
Nasal obstruction or nasal blockage
Pus in the nasal cavity
Fever
Runny nose or discolored postnasal drainage
Headaches or tooth pain
Bad breath

Sinusitis Treatment and Prevention

For a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend a decongestant and saline nasal washes. He or she may also give you antibiotics to be taken for 10 to 14 days. These symptoms will usually disappear.

For chronic sinusitis, a few things might help:

Warm, moist air: Often through a vaporizer or a pan of warm water
Warm compresses: To ease pain in nose and sinuses
Saline nose drops
Over-the-counter decongestant sprays or drops (don’t take these for longer than recommended)
Steroids: In some cases, your doctor will prescribe steroids that go along with antibiotics
Trigger avoidance: If you have any triggers linked to sinusitis, such as allergies or fungus, try to prevent these. Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine for allergies or a prescription for antifungal medication.

There is no certain method for preventing sinusitis, but these habits can help lower your risk:

Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
Wash your hands often, particularly during cold and flu season, and try not to touch your face
Stay away from known allergic triggers

In rare cases where sinusitis isn’t treated, it can lead to meningitis, a brain abscess or an infection of the bone. If you’re worried you have sinusitis, your doctor can recommend a treatment approach.