Causes and Symptoms

We all know how uncomfortable a sinus infection can be. You can feel it in your head and chest, and the only remedy is rest and antibiotics.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses which is usually caused by an infection and often includes symptoms such as congestion, facial pressure, and pain.

The most common bacterial cause of acute sinusitis in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

sinusitisCauses of Sinusitis

  • Bad air quality
  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Blowing your nose too much
  • Contact with infected people or animals
  • Exposure to mold or fungus
  • Infected water supplies
  • Infected food supplies
  • Stress
  • Changes in air pressure (flying, changing cities)

Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis

  • Sudden or gradual onset of congestion and fullness in the face.
  • Fullness, pressure, pain, or throbbing around an eye or cheekbone.
  • Crusting or drainage of mucus from the nose.
  • Runny nose with yellow, greenish, or thick discharge.
  • Nasal congestion that worsens after a few days.
  • Decreased sense of smell and taste. *Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) that lasts 3 to 4 days.
  • Stuffy nose and decreased appetite.

Sinusitis is usually diagnosed by its symptoms and physical examination of the sinuses by an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician (ENT).  Since there are many causes of facial pain or pressure, a diagnosis of sinusitis cannot be made without excluding other causes that may mimic the symptoms of sinusitis.

Home Remedies

  • Sinus Rinse 3-4x a day with a 5% saline solution
  • Saline spray for nostrils
  • Saltwater nose sprays

Chronic Sinusitis

Patients with chronic symptoms of more than 10 days’ duration should be evaluated for possible fungal infection, foreign body, or anatomic abnormality such as a deviated septum which causes obstruction of one of the sinus openings.

Seeing The Doctor

The first step to take if diagnosed with Sinusitis is to take an antibiotic.  If the sinus infection does not clear up within 10 days, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antibiotic or other medication (for example, steroids). Treatment of chronic sinusitis requires both medical and surgical therapy. It usually takes 8-12 weeks before the sinuses return to normal.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with sinusitis, it is always good to do further research and talk to your doctor about what treatment option is best for you.

Scheduling an appointment with Commonwealth ENT is the first step in diagnosing the cause of and treating your ear, nose or throat condition. Contact us today and take the first step in feeling great! For an appointment, contact us at our Richmond office at (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office at(804) 378-7443.