Sinusitis
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Your sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around your nose that normally fill with air. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
There are different types of sinusitis based on how long it lasts. Acute sinusitis lasts less than 4 weeks and often follows a cold. Subacute sinusitis lasts 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks and can persist for months or even years. Recurrent sinusitis means you get several episodes within a year.
Sinusitis can happen to anyone, but certain factors make it more likely. These include allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, and immune system problems. Understanding what triggers your sinus issues helps you find the right approach to feel better.
Symptoms
- Thick yellow or green mucus from your nose or down your throat
- Facial pain, pressure, or fullness around your nose, eyes, or forehead
- Stuffy or blocked nose that makes it hard to breathe
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Cough that may get worse at night
- Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Tiredness or feeling worn down
- Fever, especially with acute bacterial sinusitis
- Pain in your upper teeth or jaw
- Ear pressure or fullness
Some people with chronic sinusitis have mild symptoms that they get used to over time. Others may not realize their ongoing sinus inflammation is causing their fatigue or frequent headaches.
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Causes and risk factors
Sinusitis often starts when something blocks the normal drainage of your sinuses. This can happen after a viral infection like the common cold or flu. Other causes include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and allergies. When your sinuses cannot drain properly, mucus builds up and creates an environment where germs can multiply.
Risk factors include seasonal allergies, exposure to pollutants or cigarette smoke, and structural problems like a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Weakened immune function makes you more vulnerable to infections. Some people develop chronic sinusitis due to allergic reactions to molds like Alternaria or Rhizopus. Dental infections can also spread to your sinuses. Asthma and other respiratory conditions increase your risk as well.
How it's diagnosed
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your nose and face. They may press on your sinuses to check for tenderness. A lighted instrument helps them look inside your nasal passages for signs of inflammation, polyps, or other problems.
For chronic or recurring sinusitis, your doctor may recommend imaging tests like a CT scan to see your sinuses in detail. Allergy testing can identify triggers that contribute to sinus inflammation. Blood tests for allergen-specific antibodies, such as IgG to molds like Alternaria alternata or Rhizopus nigricans, may help identify fungal allergies causing chronic symptoms. Talk to our doctor about testing options that might be right for you. In some cases, a nasal endoscopy or culture of nasal discharge helps pinpoint the cause.
Treatment options
- Saline nasal irrigation to rinse out mucus and allergens
- Steam inhalation to help open blocked sinuses
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to thin mucus
- Apply warm compresses to your face to ease pressure and pain
- Get adequate rest to help your immune system fight infection
- Use a humidifier to keep air moist and prevent drying
- Avoid allergens and irritants like smoke when possible
- Over-the-counter decongestants for short-term relief
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics if your doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection
- Antihistamines if allergies are contributing to symptoms
- Antifungal medications for fungal sinusitis
- Leukotriene inhibitors for allergy-related sinusitis
- Surgery for severe chronic cases or structural problems
Frequently asked questions
Yes, allergies are a common cause of chronic sinusitis. Allergic reactions create inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages and sinuses. This blocks normal drainage and creates an environment for infections. Mold allergies, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can all trigger ongoing sinus problems. Identifying and managing your allergies often helps reduce chronic sinus symptoms.
See a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement. You should also get medical care if you have severe symptoms like intense headache, high fever over 102°F, vision changes, or swelling around your eyes. If you get sinusitis several times a year, talk to your doctor about finding the underlying cause. Severe pain or symptoms that get worse after seeming to improve also warrant a visit.
Blood tests for allergen-specific antibodies can identify allergic triggers that contribute to chronic sinusitis. Tests for IgG antibodies to molds like Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus nigricans can show if fungal allergies are causing your sinus inflammation. These tests help your doctor understand if allergy treatment might prevent recurring sinus problems. Other blood work may check for immune system issues in difficult cases.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses or bacteria that cause it can spread to others. If your sinusitis started from a cold or flu, you can pass that infection to people around you. The other person might develop a cold but not necessarily sinusitis. Wash your hands frequently and cover your cough to prevent spreading germs.
Keep your nasal passages moist with saline rinses or a humidifier. Manage your allergies with appropriate medications or by avoiding triggers. Wash your hands often to prevent catching colds and flu. Stay hydrated and avoid cigarette smoke. If you have structural problems like a deviated septum, talk to your doctor about whether surgery might help prevent recurring infections.
Yes, a deviated septum can block sinus drainage and lead to chronic sinusitis. The septum is the wall between your nostrils, and when it is crooked or off-center, it can prevent proper airflow and mucus drainage. This creates conditions where infections develop more easily. Surgery to correct a deviated septum may help if other treatments have not worked for your chronic sinus problems.
Most cases of sinusitis are viral and do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections, not viruses. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have bacterial sinusitis that lasts more than 10 days or causes severe symptoms. Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can lead to antibiotic resistance and side effects. Many sinus infections clear up on their own with rest and supportive care.
Food allergies typically cause digestive or skin reactions rather than sinusitis. However, food sensitivities might contribute to overall inflammation in some people. Environmental allergies to mold, pollen, and dust are much more commonly linked to chronic sinus problems. If you suspect food is affecting your sinuses, keep a symptom diary and discuss it with your doctor or an allergist.
Chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks by definition, but it can persist for months or even years without proper treatment. Some people have symptoms that come and go, while others have constant issues. Finding and treating the underlying cause, whether allergies, structural problems, or immune issues, is key to resolving chronic sinusitis. Working with your doctor to create a treatment plan can help you find lasting relief.