Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

• Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus tissues, often causing facial pain, nasal congestion, and mucus discharge.
• Causes: Often triggered by the common cold, but also by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies.

Types of Sinusitis

• Acute Sinusitis: Lasts less than 4 weeks, typically due to viruses like the common cold.
• Subacute Sinusitis: Symptoms persist for 4-12 weeks.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms last over 12 weeks, often due to bacterial infections.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: Occurs 4 or more times a year, each episode lasting under 2 weeks.

Bacterial and Viral Sinusitis

• Most sinusitis cases are viral. Bacterial cases occur if symptoms persist over 10 days or worsen after improvement.

Symptoms and Causes

• Common Symptoms:
  • Postnasal drip
  • Thick mucus, stuffy nose
  • Facial pressure/pain, headache
  • Ear pressure, fever, bad breath
  • Cough, fatigue
• Causes: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergens; common cold, flu, specific bacteria, and allergies.

Diagnosis

• Based on symptoms and medical history.
• Tests: Nasal endoscopy, nasal swabs, CT scans, allergy testing, biopsies.

Treatment

• Home Care:
  • Decongestants, OTC medications, nasal saline rinses
  • Hydration
• Medical Care:
  • Antibiotics if bacterial
  • Prescribed nasal steroid sprays
• Chronic Treatment:
  • Focus on underlying causes
  • Possible surgery for structural issues.

Prevention

• Regular nasal saline rinses
• Avoiding allergens, using steroid nasal sprays
• Good hygiene practices, avoiding smoke

Outlook

• Usually lasts 1-10 days; manageable with OTC treatments.
• Chronic or recurrent cases may require further medical intervention.

When to See a Doctor

• Persistent or recurring symptoms
• Emergency symptoms: high fever, mental changes, vision changes, seizures, stiff neck.

Additional Considerations

• Sinusitis can share symptoms with colds, allergies, and COVID-19.
• Antibiotics are not always necessary, especially for viral sinusitis.
• Complementary therapies like acupuncture might help with symptom relief.

Cleveland Clinic Services

• Offers specialized care for chronic sinusitis, resources to find specialists, and make appointments.