Sinuisitis and Other Sinus Problems

What sinusitis is
Symptoms of sinusitis

What Sinusitis Is 

Sinusitis means inflammation of the nasal sinuses. The sinuses are air cavities located in bones in the face. These sinuses are lined with a mucous membrane and help lighten the weight of the skull and give resonance to the voice.

Sinus infection following viral upper respiratory infections or episodes of allergic rhinitis is common. Bacteria are the most common cause of these sinus infections. It is also possible to get a bacterial infection from swimming in contaminated water. Chronic (long-lasting) sinusitis is usually from a bacterial infection that is either very persistent or has been left untreated.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Sinusitis symptoms include the following:

• Nasal congestion

• Pain and pressure in the affected sinuses such as:

  • Ethmoid sinusitis: pain and pressure over the eyes

  • Maxillary sinusitis: pain and pressure over the cheeks and upper teeth

  • Frontal sinusitis: pain and pressure over the eyebrows

  • Sphenoid sinusitis: pain and pressure behind the eyes

• Thick mucous coming out of the nose or down the back of the throat

• Possible low fever (99°F  to 99.5°F)

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Fatigue

Sinusitis is usually treated with decongestants, antibiotics (if it is a bacterial infection), and possibly antihistamines (if allergic rhinitis is suspected). Because sinus infections can be difficult to treat with antibiotics, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you complete ALL of the antibiotics that have been prescribed by the doctor. If the sinus infection has not cleared up and you are almost through with your antibiotics, it is important that you contact your healthcare provider.