Sinusitis Summary Sinusitis means your sinuses are inflamed. The cause can be an infection or another problem. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain. There are several types of sinusitis, including Acute, which lasts up to 4 weeks Subacute, which lasts 4 to 12 weeks Chronic, which lasts more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or even years Recurrent, with several attacks within a year Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, nasal problems, and certain diseases can also cause acute and chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough, and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Your health care professional diagnoses sinusitis based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. You may also need imaging tests. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants, and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays, and vaporizers can also help. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Specifics Acute Sinusitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Chronic Sinusitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Fungal Sinusitis American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Adults Adult Sinusitis American Rhinologic Society Find an Expert American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery American Rhinologic Society American Rhinologic Society Find an ENT American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Prevention and Risk Factors Can Sinusitis Be Prevented? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Sinusitis National Institutes of Health Related Issues Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis – How to Tell the Difference American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Complications of Sinus Surgery American Rhinologic Society Complications of Sinusitis American Rhinologic Society Expectations of Sinus Surgery American Rhinologic Society Post-Nasal Drip American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Sinus Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Sinus Infection and Toothache: Any Connection? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Stuffy Nose American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Diagnosis and Tests Computed Tomography (CT) — Sinuses Array How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Panoramic Dental X-Ray Array Sinus Series American Society of Radiologic Technologists Treatments and Therapies Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion American Academy of Family Physicians Endoscopic Sinus Surgery American Rhinologic Society Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention How Is Sinusitis Treated? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Humidifiers: Air Moisture Eases Skin, Breathing Symptoms Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Is Rinsing Your Sinuses Safe? Food and Drug Administration Nasal Sprays: How to Use Them Correctly American Academy of Family Physicians Nasal Wash Treatment National Jewish Health Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Sinuplasty (Balloon Catheter Dilation) American Rhinologic Society Sinus Pain: Can Over-the-Counter Medications Help? American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Sinus Rinsing and Neti Pots Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sinus Surgery American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Treating Sinusitis: Don’t Rush to Antibiotics ABIM Foundation Children Difference between Sinusitis and a Cold American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Sinusitis American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Sinusitis (For Parents) Nemours Foundation When Sinuses Attack! Nemours Foundation Statistics and Research FastStats: Sinus Conditions National Center for Health Statistics Sinus Infections Account for More Antibiotic Prescriptions Than Any Other Diagnosis American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Reference Desk Nasal Anatomy American Rhinologic Society Nasal Physiology American Rhinologic Society Sinus Anatomy American Rhinologic Society Sinuses / Sinusitis / Rhinosinusitis American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Journal Articles Sinusitis Array Saline nasal washes Sinus CT scan Sinus MRI scan Sinus x-ray Sinusitis Sinusitis in adults – aftercare Stuffy or runny nose – adult Stuffy or runny nose – children Health Check Tools Sinus Congestion DSHI Systems Teenagers Sinusitis Nemours Foundation Start Here Sinusitis National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Sinusitis American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Sinusitis Q and A American Rhinologic Society Sinusitis: Overview American Academy of Family Physicians Seniors Sinusitis: Special Considerations for Aging Patients American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Symptoms What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases What Causes the Symptoms of Sinusitis? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Latest News Some 9/11 First Responders Suffer Severe Sinus Problems HealthDay
