Sinusitis
Breathe more easily with sinusitis treatment.
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Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses swell, often caused by an infection. It’s very common and generally clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks.
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Our sinuses are small, air filled spaces within the skull, located in your forehead, behind the nose and in your cheekbones. They connect to the inside of the nose. The lining of your sinuses make mucus, which drains away through your nose and throat.
When we suffer from sinusitis, these spaces can swell and become inflamed, which stops the mucus draining. This causes them to become blocked and fill up with fluid, which can lead to a blocked nose and pain in the face.
Without treatment, sinusitis will normally get better within 2-3 weeks.
Sinusitis can happen to anyone. But it’s less common in younger children, and they usually haven’t developed enough to get infected until your early teen years.
Most sinus infections are viral, and just a small number of them become a secondary bacterial infection. Viral sinusitis is usually accompanied by a common cold or flu. Bacterial sinusitis is a secondary infection triggered by bacteria getting stuck in the sinuses when you have a cold.
Having conditions such as asthma, nasal and seasonal allergies, nasal polyps (soft painless growths inside the nose) or an abnormal nose structure can also make you more prone.
Smoking can also negatively affect your sinuses. Chemicals found in cigarettes can sometimes irritate them, leading to inflammation and subsequently infection.
Most people at one time or another will suffer from some form of sinusitis, especially during the flu season, whether relatively short term (acute) or more prolonged (chronic). Chronic (lasting more than 3 months) sinusitis is a relatively common condition in the UK, affecting as many as 1 in 10 adults.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Acute sinusitis (when you’ve had it for less than three months) is usually triggered by viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, which can then often lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Chronic sinusitis can have many possible contributing factors, including:
There are numerous symptoms of sinusitis. You may experience some or all of them, depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Some of the more common signs of sinusitis can include:
As with any illness, this can affect the general well-being for those concerned. For example, making sleeping difficult, leading to chronic fatigue impacting on both work and social activities. In severe cases this can even lead to depression. However, as a rule sinusitis doesn’t typically lead to other physical health problems. One of the main concerns is that acute (short term) sinusitis if left untreated can lead to chronic (long term) sinusitis, therefore early treatment is best applied sooner rather than later.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Often steroid nasal sprays or drops are the most effective way to treat sinusitis. They work by reducing inflammation and therefore easing symptoms. These often contain active ingredients, such as mometasone, fluticasone or triamcinolone.
As most cases of sinusitis are caused by viral infections, antibiotics are not usually needed as they cannot help with viruses. They may be considered by a clinician if you become really unwell (through secondary bacterial infection), your symptoms persist or other treatments have not worked.
In addition, some self-help treatments can help reduce milder symptoms, such as keeping well hydrated (drinking 2 litres of water per day). Using a warm face pack over the area of the sinuses may also help, as can using either saline nasal drops or salt water solutions to rinse out the inside of the nose.
You won’t always need treatment for sinusitis. If it’s a viral case and you’re otherwise fit and well, sinusitis will generally clear up on its own after 7 – 10 days. Always ensure you get plenty of rest and sleep if you’re able to. Paracetamol or ibuprofen, whilst not a cure, will help to alleviate and ease your symptoms. Try to avoid any allergic triggers that you may suffer from, for example dust mites or animals.
If you’re a smoker, try to avoid the temptation, as smoking will aggravate your symptoms. Equally, if you don’t smoke, avoid coming into contact with others who do. You should also try to avoid areas with high pollution. If it’s not getting better after this, then this may be a signal that your body is struggling to fight the infection (and you may want to consider other treatments available).
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Microbiology of Sinusitis. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, [online] 8(1), pp.90–100.
Commissioning guide: Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Sinusitis: What causes it?
Glucocorticoid nasal spray for relief from symptoms of sinusitis.
Generic corticosteroid spray that reduces inflammation.
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