Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Symptoms & Treatment

Sinus problems and sinus-related symptoms are common reasons people see their doctors. Symptoms include pain in the forehead or between the eyes, toothache, feeling of fullness in the mid-face, stuffy nose, and congestion.

Your sinuses are air spaces in your skull and facial bones that make up the upper part of your respiratory tract from your nose into your throat. The sinuses are in your forehead (frontal sinuses), inside your cheekbones (maxillary sinuses), and behind the nose (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses).

Inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses is called sinusitis. Infections with viruses or bacteria or allergies cause most cases of sinusitis.

Most cases of sinusitis start off with inflammation from a virus such as a common cold virus. This inflammation can lead to bacterial colonization and cause a bacterial sinus infection.

Pressure and pain in the sinuses (in different areas of the face or behind the eyes) are the main symptoms of sinusitis. More severe infections may lead to a yellow or green discharge from the nose, sore throat, headache, fever, and an overall feeling of fatigue.

Chronic sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for more than three months. It is characterized as chronic sinusitis with or without polyposis. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by allergies, abnormal sinus anatomy that leads to chronic blockage (polyps), or dental problems.

Nasal polyps are an overgrowth of tissue within the sinuses that can block the flow of mucus and air.

Nasal sprays and nasal decongestants can be used for relief of the symptoms of acute sinusitis. These medications help shrink the inflamed tissue and allow secretions and air to pass through more easily. Some over-the-counter nasal spray decongestants should only be used for a maximum of three days. After this, the tissues can become more inflamed and lead to a disorder called rhinitis medicamentosa. Consult your doctor before using any drugs to treat your sinus infection. Combinations of oral medications and nasal anti-inflammatories may be better options to treat your sinusitis.

Most cases of sinusitis are triggered by viruses such as the common cold virus or rhinovirus (pictured). Sinus inflammation triggered by viruses does not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be used in cases of sinusitis where a bacteria pathogen is suspected by your doctor or documented by a culture of the mucus from your sinuses.

Home remedies can help relieve some symptoms of sinusitis. Irrigation of the sinuses with a Neti-pot or squeeze bottle, or breathing in warm humidified air can help decrease symptoms of sinusitis. However, follow directions to keep such devices clean as they may worsen the problem. If symptoms are due to allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines may help.

If your sinusitis symptoms include the following, see your doctor immediately:

• Fever
• Headache
• Change in vision or double vision
• Swollen eye socket
• Neck stiffness
• Severe sore throat
• Yellow or green mucus discharge

If you have any concerns or are unsure about your condition, contact your doctor.

Chronic sinusitis is often difficult to treat. There are many factors that can lead to chronic inflammation of your sinus passages, and eliminating these factors is the first step in treatment of chronic sinusitis. Long-term medications or even surgery may be necessary to control and treat symptoms.

Sinusitis can become bad enough to cause serious medical complications. Infections can spread around the eye, into the middle ear, and even around the brain (meningitis).

You may not be able to completely avoid getting sinusitis, but there are ways to prevent it in some cases:

• Do not smoke
• Avoid dry environments
• Use a humidifier when needed
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Seek treatment for chronic allergies that can trigger sinus inflammation