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.
Who gets sinusitis?
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.
How common is sinusitis?
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.
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.
Sinusitis
What causes sinusitis?
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:
Asthma;
Aspirin sensitivity – often associated with nasal polyps;
Dysfunction of the immune system;
Genetic factors such as nasal polyps;
Smoking;
Ciliary impairment – where the cilia doesn’t transport mucus as it should (associated in conditions such as cystic fibrosis;
Sinus surgery.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis
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:
Pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead;
A blocked nose;
A reduced sense of smell;
Green or yellow mucus from your nose;
Mucus dripping down the throat;
A sinus headache;
A high temperature;
Toothache;
Bad breath;
Fatigue;
A cough (occasionally).
Can sinusitis lead to other problems?
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.
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.
Sinusitis
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for sinusitis?
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.
Does sinusitis always need treatment?
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).
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.
Sinusitis
FAQ: Sinusitis
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.
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
Answer:
There are no specific tests to determine sinusitis. In the majority of cases it can be diagnosed without the need to test for it. It’s generally diagnosed when consulting with a clinician who will ask you about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. They may also carry out an examination of the lining of your nose, and check if you have a fever, as they may want to rule out other possible conditions such as a cold.
If it’s severe, recurs repeatedly within a relatively short space of time or symptoms persist, then you may need to be referred to a specialist to check if there is an underlying cause. An allergy, for example. Or if something else is causing your symptoms, such as your teeth.
Can you get side effects from sinusitis treatment?
Answer:
As with all medications, some people may have side effects from sinusitis treatments. Some people may have headaches, feel throat or nose irritation, experience dryness and crustiness in the nose or suffer nosebleeds when using steroid nasal sprays,⁶ although occurrences of this are rare. Drinking plenty of water when using these sprays can also help reduce the likelihood of side effects.
You should always read any product guidance carefully before starting or using any treatment, both ‘over the counter’ and on prescription. Or alternatively, you should speak with a clinician. Our clinicians will check your health background with you in the first instance to make sure your medication is safe and suitable for you to take.
Does sinusitis treatment always work?
Answer:
In most cases, where intervention is required, treatments should be effective in helping to clear your sinusitis. For example, the majority of people find that steroid nose sprays are very effective in helping ease sinusitis symptoms.
If your symptoms persist for more than three months, you should speak with a clinician, or contact us if you’re using our service.
Why should I buy sinusitis treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
We’re simplifying healthcare. We’ll offer advice on the right treatments for you, and you can choose your medication from our options. Our service includes quick, reliable delivery of treatments to your home, in discreet packaging.
We’ll also get in touch with you on a regular basis to check in, and make sure your medication is working the way it should. And if it isn’t, we can explore alternative treatments with you.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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