Overview
Acute sinusitis is a condition where the spaces inside the nose, called sinuses, become inflamed and swollen, making it difficult for mucus to drain properly. This leads to the buildup of thick, yellow or greenish mucus, a blocked or stuffy nose, and pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a common cold and typically clears up within a week to 10 days, although home remedies might be needed. If symptoms last more than 12 weeks, despite medical treatment, it is considered chronic sinusitis. In most cases, people with acute sinusitis don't need to see a healthcare provider, but they should consult one if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by a fever, history of repeated sinusitis, or severe pain and swelling around the eyes.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Acute sinusitis symptoms often include:
- Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose, known as a runny nose, or down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip.
- Blocked or stuffy nose, known as congestion, which makes it hard to breathe through the nose.
- Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over.
- Ear pressure.
- Headache.
- Aching in the teeth.
- Changed sense of smell.
- Cough.
- Bad breath.
- Tiredness.
- Fever. If these symptoms last for more than a week or get worse after seeming to get better, contact your health care provider. If you have a fever that lasts, a history of repeated or chronic sinusitis, or symptoms that might mean a serious infection (such as pain, swelling, or redness around the eyes), see a health care provider immediately.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing acute sinusitis include:
- A common cold that affects the sinuses.
- A history of repeated or chronic sinusitis.
- Hay fever or another allergic condition.
- Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke.
- Other medical conditions that can lead to nasal blockage, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV, and other immune system-related diseases.
- Respiratory tract infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
- Nasal polyps or tumors.
- Asthma.
- Aspirin sensitivity.
- Dental infections.
- Fungal infections.
- Tumors.
Development
Acute sinusitis develops when the spaces inside the nose (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen, making it difficult for mucus to drain properly. The common cold is the most common cause of acute sinusitis, but it can also be triggered by allergies or other factors. The inflammation and swelling can block the nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose, thick mucus, and other symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, headaches, and fatigue. In some cases, acute sinusitis can progress into chronic sinusitis if it persists for more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you suspect acute sinusitis and have symptoms that have lasted more than a week, symptoms that get worse after seeming to get better, a fever that lasts, a history of repeated or chronic sinusitis, pain, swelling or redness around the eyes, high fever, or difficulty breathing through the nose due to congestion.
Diagnosis
A health care provider might diagnose acute sinusitis based on symptoms and a physical exam. They may feel for tenderness in the nose and face and look inside the nose. Other ways to diagnose acute sinusitis and rule out other conditions include nasal endoscopy, imaging studies, and nasal and sinus samples (though lab tests aren't often used for diagnosing acute sinusitis).
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of acute sinusitis may include the development of chronic sinusitis, meningitis, other infections (such as osteomyelitis or cellulitis), vision problems (if the infection spreads to the eye socket), and rare cases of serious skin infections. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, most cases of acute sinusitis can be treated with home remedies and may not require a visit to a healthcare provider.
Prevention
There are steps you can take to help lower your risk of getting acute sinusitis, such as:
- Staying well: Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other infections, and wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Managing allergies: Work with your healthcare provider to keep allergy symptoms under control and avoid exposure to allergens when possible.
- Avoiding cigarette smoke and polluted air: Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your nasal passages.
- Using a humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Make sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning. By following these preventive measures, you can help minimize your chances of developing acute sinusitis.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for acute sinusitis often include:
- Saline nasal spray or drops: Using saline nasal spray or drops can help moisten and clear nasal passages, reducing congestion and inflammation.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and relieve sinus congestion.
- Neti pot or bulb syringe: A neti pot or bulb syringe can be used to irrigate the nasal passages with a saline solution, helping to flush out mucus and allergens.
- Oral decongestants or antihistamines: Over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines can help relieve sinus congestion and reduce inflammation caused by allergies.
- Pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate headaches, facial pain, and discomfort associated with sinusitis.
- Drinking plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help thin mucus and promote its drainage from the nasal passages.
- Rest: Getting enough sleep and rest can help your body fight off the infection more effectively.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your face, particularly around the sinuses, can help alleviate pain and pressure. Please note that these remedies may not be suitable for everyone, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a history of repeated or chronic sinusitis or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Treatment
Home remedies might be all that's needed to treat acute sinusitis. These can include:
- Nasal saline spray: Using a saline spray helps to flush out the nasal passages and loosen mucus.
- Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can help shrink swollen nasal passages, relieving congestion and making breathing easier.
- Oral pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Oral decongestants: Oral decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion and swelling.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help to loosen mucus and open up the nasal passages.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help to alleviate nasal congestion. In cases where a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist beyond a week or if they worsen after initially improving.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for acute sinusitis, make a list of your symptoms, including any unrelated symptoms and their onset. Gather information about your key personal details, such as allergies, asthma, and family medical history. Also, compile a list of all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including doses. Additionally, create a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as the cause of your symptoms, the best course of action, and any brochures or websites for further information. Finally, be prepared for your doctor to ask about the severity and frequency of your symptoms, any alleviating or worsening factors, and your recent medications and supplements.