Adult Sinusitis

Introduction

Sinusitis is a common condition, diagnosed in 28.5 million Americans every year!

Sinusitis is defined as "inflammation of the sinuses."

Sinusitis is usually divided into two types based on duration of symptoms:


  • Acute Sinusitis (less than 3 months)
  • Chronic Sinusitis (3 months or longer)
  • Recurrent Acute Sinusitis (recurring episodes)
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Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal (around the nose) sinuses for less than 3 months. The majority of cases of acute sinusitis are caused by respiratory virus, but symptoms lasting over 7-10 days is more likely secondary to bacteria. Very rarely, fungal infection can be involved.

SYMPTOMS


  • Headache
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Postnasal drip (mucus down the back of the nose)
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Bad breathe

TREATMENT

Symptoms present for less than 7-10 days and without worrisome findings (eye swelling, severe headache, severe fever, neurologic changes, etc.) should be managed with controlling symptoms. 

Click here for more information on Symptom Control of Common Cold, Allergies, and Sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal (around the nose) sinuses for 3 months or longer. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by many factors, such as bacteria, chronic inflammation (swelling), structural problems with the nose or sinuses, allergies, and nasal polyps. 

SYMPTOMS

  • Nasal congestion/obstruction (stuffy nose)
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Facial pain/pressure
  • Drainage in the back of nose
  • Drainage from the front of the nose
  • Fatigue
  • Bad breathe

TREATMENT

Chronic sinusitis (people having symptoms for over 3 months) need an evaluation by a medical professional. Medical therapy can resolve most cases but surgery or a minimally invasive procedure may be required when medical therapy fails to relieve the problems. There are many medications that can help but they should be tailored to the individual.


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