What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is a condition in which the membrane of the sinus becomes inflamed. Acute sinus infections can be cured using antibiotics and decongestants, while chronic sinus infections may require surgery. More than 37 million people in the United States suffer from at least one sinus infection each year, with the number of cases increase along with pollution, urban sprawl and the resistance to antibiotics.

Acute Sinus Infections Symptoms

Patients with acute sinus infections experience pain and pressure in the face, as well as nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, a cough and a diminished sense of smell. People with sinus infections may also experience fever, fatigue, tooth pain and bad breath.

The symptoms of acute sinus infections normally last around four weeks, but can last longer. Green or yellow nasal discharge usually accompanies an acute sinus infection. Patients may be experiencing a bacterial infection if the symptoms last longer than ten days or if the severity of the symptoms is much worse than normally associated with lesser infections.

Chronic Sinus Infections Symptoms

Chronic sinus infections have many of the same symptoms as acute sinus infections, but they normally last much longer. Facial pain and pressure can be much more sever in the case of chronic sinus infections, and the level of discharge is usually higher. Chronic sinus infections are often accompanied by a fever and an increase in nasal drainage as well.

Treating Sinus Infections

Most doctors will initially recommend decongestants and either antibiotics or antifungal treatments. These medications have been proven effective in treating acute sinus infections. In cases where antibiotics are not effective in helping to clear nasal passages, surgery may be necessary.

Sinus surgery enlarges the natural opening of the sinuses, leaving in place as much of the sinus structure as possible. Sinus infection surgery usually requires only a few hours and patients have a rapid recovery time, returning to normal activity levels in as little as a few days.