Sinusitis 

Sinusitis 

Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces around the nose, eyes, and forehead). When the sinus openings get blocked, mucus builds up, leading to facial pain/pressure, nasal congestion, headache, thick nasal discharge, and post-nasal drip. Sinusitis can be acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent.

Sinusitis 

What is Sinusitis?

Healthy sinuses drain mucus into the nose. In sinusitis, swelling of the nasal lining blocks drainage, creating a moist environment where germs can grow, causing infection and persistent inflammation.

Types of Sinusitis

  1. Acute Sinusitis

    • Lasts up to 10–14 days (sometimes up to 4 weeks)

    • Often follows a common cold

  2. Subacute Sinusitis

    • Symptoms last 4–12 weeks

  3. Chronic Sinusitis

    • Symptoms persist for >12 weeks

    • Ongoing nasal blockage, facial pressure, reduced smell

  4. Recurrent Sinusitis

    • Several acute episodes in a year with symptom-free intervals

Causes & Triggers

  • Viral upper respiratory infections

  • Bacterial infection (less common)

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

  • Deviated nasal septum

  • Nasal polyps

  • Air pollution, smoke

  • Dental infections (upper teeth)

  • Swimming in contaminated water

Common Symptoms

  • Nasal blockage or congestion

  • Thick yellow/green nasal discharge

  • Facial pain or pressure (cheeks, forehead, around eyes)

  • Headache

  • Post-nasal drip and throat irritation

  • Reduced or loss of smell

  • Toothache (upper teeth)

  • Fever (in acute infection)

  • Fatigue and bad breath

Risk Factors

  • Allergies

  • Recurrent colds

  • Smoking or passive smoke exposure

  • Polluted environment

  • Structural nasal problems

  • Weak immunity

  • GERD (acid reflux)