Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses. This condition often results in symptoms like thick nasal mucus, a plugged nose, and facial pain. Other common signs include fever, headaches, a poor sense of smell, sore throat, and a sensation of phlegm oozing out.

The main symptom of a sinus infection is painful pressure. The location of the pain can vary depending on the affected sinus: it may be in the forehead (frontal sinusitis), over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth (maxillary sinusitis), behind the eyes (ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis), or at the top of the head (sphenoid sinusitis).

Severe symptoms, such as sharp pain in the cheeks or teeth accompanied by a fever, are typical alarm signs of a bacterial sinus infection. If cold-like symptoms recede but then escalate into severe pain and fever, antibiotics may be considered. However, antibiotics are not always effective in sinusitis treatment.

Sinusitis can follow a different path than colds. Most cases begin as a common cold, with symptoms usually resolving in 7 to 10 days. Sinus infections may cause additional symptoms like bad breath, fever, lethargy, loss of smell or taste, and ear pressure.

Inflamed sinuses often require a ‘watch and wait’ approach. Acute sinusitis can lead to symptoms like earaches, neck pain, or headaches, and is more likely to cause green nasal discharge and facial pain. The underlying causes may include obstruction of sinus openings, allergic reactions, sinus infections, nasal allergies, nasal polyps, or septal deviations.

Treatment for sinusitis varies. It can range from home remedies to medical interventions by ENT specialists. Understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice is crucial for effective management of sinusitis.

For more detailed information on sinusitis, visit Wikipedia, Harvard Health, Keck Medicine of USC, Stanford Medicine, and Baylor College of Medicine.