Each of us has four paired cavities (spaces) in our head that communicate with the nose by narrow channels. These cavities (sinuses) produce a thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. A cold or flu may cause swelling in these narrow channels, preventing the outflow of mucus.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the sinuses. Normally, our sinuses are filled with air. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection (sinusitis). Sinusitis is another name for a sinus infection, a common disorder.
What are the symptoms of a sinusitis?
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Thick, yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge
- Pressure or pain around the face and eyes
- Headache (generally in the forehead area)
- Nasal obstruction
- Congestion
- Postnasal drip (drop-by-drop release of nasal fluid into the back of the throat)
- A cold that won't go away
- Fever or cough (may or may not be present)
What conditions cause sinusitis?
Any condition that blocks off the sinus drainage channels can cause sinusitis. Such conditions include colds, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the moist lining of the nose), non-allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose). Allergies (hay fever) can also lead to painful swelling and poor drainage of the sinuses. If not treated a sinus infection can last for many weeks.
How is sinusitis treated?
Sinusitis is first treated with medicines. The main goal of treatment is to stop the infection by unblocking the sinuses so they can drain. Medicines are prescribed that reduce swelling in the channels between the nose and the sinuses. Antibiotics are also typically recommended to eliminate the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Steam and hot showers may be recommended to loosen mucus. Nasal saline may also be recommended to wash mucus from the nose.
Sometimes, when complicated sinus infections are present, surgical procedures may be needed to establish adequate drainage.
What are the symptoms of nasal allergy?
The following symptoms may occur when a person is suffering from a nasal allergy:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
- Clear, watery nasal discharge
- Nasal obstruction
- Feeling fatigued
How is nasal allergy treated?
Usually medications are prescribed to alleviate symptoms. These may include antihistamines, with or without decongestants. Decongestant or steroid nasal sprays may also be prescribed. Other nasal sprays, which deliver antihistamines or cromolyn sodium, are sometimes helpful. For more severe allergy sufferers, systemic steroid preparations may be used. If allergy symptoms are chronic, allergy testing and allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be beneficial.
How can I know if I have a sinus infection or nasal allergy?
Although the symptoms of sinusitis and nasal allergy may occur with a common cold, in general, cold-related symptoms subside within 1 week.
The point at which a normal cold ends and a sinus condition begins is not always easy to know. If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your health care provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history. You may also need to get X-rays or other tests.
How do I know if my sinus condition requires the care of an ear, nose, and throat specialist?
Most routine sinus conditions are easily cared for by primary care physicians. If, however, you are bothered by persistent abnormal symptoms, recurring infections, or have abnormal X-ray findings or complications, a referral to a specialist is appropriate.
© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
Can't find the health information you’re looking for?
Ask a Health Educator, Live!
Click here to go to the Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders Web site.
Know someone who could use this information?....send them this link.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.This document was last reviewed on: 8/30/2005
