What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:

• The common cold
• Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose
• Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
• A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity

Types

You may hear your doctor use these terms:

• Acute sinusitis usually starts with coldlike symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2-4 weeks.
• Subacute sinus inflammation usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic inflammation symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.

Who Gets It?

Lots of people. About 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once each year. It’s more likely if you have:

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

For children, things that can cause sinusitis include:

• Allergies
• Illnesses from other kids at day care or school
• Pacifiers
• Bottle drinking while lying on the back
• Smoke in the environment

The main things that make sinusitis more likely for adults are infections and smoking.

Acute Sinusitis Symptoms

The main signs include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• "Stuffed-up" nose
• Runny nose
• Loss of smell
• Cough or congestion

You may also have:

• Fever
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Dental pain

It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms, or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.

Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

You may have these symptoms for 12 weeks or more:

• A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
• A nasal obstruction or nasal blockage
• Pus in the nasal cavity
• Fever
• Runny nose or discolored postnasal drainage

You may also have headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain. You may feel tired a lot.

Lots of things can cause symptoms like these. You'll need to see your doctor to find out if you have sinusitis.

...[ Continue to next page ]

Share This Post