Sinusitis
EASE SINUS DISCOMFORT
Overview
Sinus infections or sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses (spaces in your forehead, cheeks and nose usually filled with air). It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, sometimes a fever and other symptoms.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:
The common cold
Viruses, bacteria, fungi
Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose caused by allergens
Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity
What are the types of sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.
Subacute sinusitis usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
Pansinusitis affects all the sinuses in your head – not just the common one or two.
When should you seek medical care?
See a doctor if you have:
Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
Symptoms that get worse after improving.
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.
Fever longer than 3-4 days.
You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
