Sinus Infection

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis (acute rhinosinusitis) is caused by infection/inflammation of the cavities (sinuses) around your nasal passages. When inflammation intereferes with the normal drainage of ths sinuses this can lead to excess mucus building up making it difficult to breathe through your nose, and the area around your eyes and face to feel clogged up.

"Stuffy" sinuses from allergies can lead to infection. Sinuses that are infected become pus filled which can cause a thick, yellow/green nasal discharge and other symptoms of infection such as facial pain or headache, ear pain, pain in your upper jaw and teeth, bad breath (halitosis), and fever.

 

Most acute sinusitis is often caused by the common cold so the underlying infectious agent is a virus. The only treatment necessary is to control the congestion and aid in drainage. Some easy over-the-counter remedies are saline nasal sprays, decongestants like Sudafed, Actifed and Drixoral, pain relievers such as aetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Acute sinusitis can worsen and cause other medical problems like an asthma attack, ear infection, sore throat, or meningitis. If your sinus problem continues for more than 10 days then you may have a bacterial infection. Seek medical attention. After diagnosing you the doctor may recommend prescription nasal corticosteroids designed to prevent and treat nasal membrane inflammation and antibiotics.

Antibiotic treatment is needed if the infection has become severe, recurrent, or persistent (chronic). A usual course of antibiotics is about 10 to 14 days. Even if you feel better after 2-3 days you must finish all of your medicine or your symptoms may return. If the infection doesn't go away or if the sinusitis comes back, your doctor may try a second course of antibiotics or try a different antibiotic.

Chronic Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis may may become a long-term problem known as chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts longer than eight weeks. The duration of medication and medical care needed to resolve chronic sinusitis can be very prolonged. Sometimes patients may need to be on antibiotics and other therapies for 4-6 weeks.