Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is short-term inflammation of your sinuses that’s usually caused by a virus. It happens when your sinuses — the connected, hollow spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead and nose — become swollen. It’s very common. About 1 in 8 adults get sinus infections each year. Often, these infections happen after a cold.

Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days but can sometimes stick around for up to two to four weeks. They often go away without treatment. If your symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, or they get worse after starting to get better, your healthcare provider may suspect a bacterial infection. In that case, you may need antibiotic treatment.

In the meantime, home care and over-the-counter decongestants can ease acute sinusitis symptoms, like a stuffy nose and facial pain.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

The most common symptoms are:

• Cloudy or colored drainage from your nose
• Stuffy, congested or blocked nose
• Pain, pressure or a sense of fullness around your face or eyes
• Headache

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Toothache
• Ear pain
• Loss of smell and taste

Acute sinusitis causes and risk factors

This condition happens when bacteria and/or viruses settle in your sinuses, making the tissues swell. This traps mucus inside your nose.

Normally, mucus keeps your nose moist and flushes out debris, like viruses and bacteria. But with sinusitis, the inflammation causes mucus to fill your sinuses instead of flowing out. This makes your nose feel clogged or stuffy. Your face may feel tender to the touch, and you may develop a sinus headache.

Acute sinusitis often happens when you’re getting over a cold. It’s considered “acute” when symptoms last up to four weeks.

You may be more likely to get this condition if you:

• Smoke or are frequently around secondhand smoke
• Have structural issues with your nose, like a deviated septum
• Have growths in your nose, like polyps
• Have allergies
• Have a weak immune system
• Spend lots of time around people with colds or other respiratory infections

How is acute sinusitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers typically diagnose acute sinusitis by discussing your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them and if they’re getting worse. A provider will look at your ears, nose and throat for signs of swelling or drainage.

How is acute sinusitis treated?

The best treatment for mild acute sinusitis is “watchful waiting.” This means that instead of taking prescription medications, it’s often best to wait for your sinuses to clear on their own. This usually happens within seven to 10 days. If your symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may treat you sooner.

If symptoms don’t improve, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic. In general, acute sinusitis symptoms that last 10 or more days mean that bacteria — not a virus — are to blame. Antibiotics can kill bacteria but not viruses. The waiting period helps your provider know if antibiotics will likely help.

In the meantime, there are many over-the-counter meds and at-home remedies you can use to feel better, like:

• Pain relievers: Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, fatigue and pain.
• Nasal irrigation: Use a neti pot to flush away nasal congestion.
• Nasal steroid sprays: Try a spray, like fluticasone, to reduce swelling.
• Nasal decongestants: These meds also reduce swelling. But you should never use the sprays for longer than directed. Doing so can cause a complication called rebound congestion that makes stuffiness much worse.
• Humidifiers: You can use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisturize the air you breathe. Taking a warm shower and breathing in the steam can help, too.
• Self-care: This includes eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Hot fluids, like tea with lemon, can feel especially soothing.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact your provider if:

• Your symptoms last longer than 10 days.
• Your symptoms start to get better but then get worse.
• You develop a sinus headache.
• You’ve done everything you can to ease your symptoms but still feel sick.

What can I expect if I have acute sinusitis?

This condition often improves on its own within seven to 10 days. It’s usually not serious.

The not-so-good news is that it can feel downright miserable while you wait for symptoms to pass.

If that’s your situation, talk to your healthcare provider about things you can do to feel better. If you have acute sinusitis from a cold or flu, try to stay home. That way, you won’t run the risk of spreading cold and flu germs to others. Also, your body needs the rest to heal.

What’s the difference between acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis?

The main difference is how long symptoms last. If you have acute sinusitis, your symptoms likely will go away within a week to 10 days, but some people have symptoms that last up to four weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or more.