The sinuses are cavities within the sinus bones surrounding and supporting the nose. They produce mucous that drains into the nose through small channels called Ostia. When these get blocked due to an infection or allergy, it causes sinusitis. Symptoms include facial pain, fever, nasal congestion, and bad breath. Treatment options include analgesics, decongestants, and antibiotics. However, if not treated properly can lead to severe complications like meningitis or even death. A Schaumburg sinusitis specialist can help treat the problem if you have sinusitis.Â
Types of Sinusitis:
Acute Sinusitis
This is the most common form of sinusitis, where symptoms usually last for 10 to 30 days. Symptoms include nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and facial pain. It is caused by bacteria or viruses and can be treated with antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, if left untreated, it may lead to chronic sinusitis.
Subacute Sinusitis
This type of sinusitis usually lasts between 4 to 8 weeks. These symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain, and fever. It is also caused by bacteria or a virus but can be challenging to treat as the infection may have entered deep into the sinuses. A combination of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and decongestants is used for treatment.
Chronic Sinusitis (Lasting more than eight weeks)
This type of sinusitis is caused by bacteria or fungus and maybe an untreated acute sinus infection. It can also occur after a person has had rhinoplasty, surgery on the nose bone. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain, bad breath, fever, and post-nasal drip. It is usually treated with antibiotics or antifungals. However, sometimes you may require surgery to remove the sinuses’ pus-filled mucous.
Recurrent Sinusitis
This type of sinusitis is where symptoms occur over and over again. It may be caused by allergies or chronic inflammation due to bacteria or fungus. Treatment includes avoiding allergens, keeping nasal passages clear, surgery and antibiotics. If left untreated, complications such as sinus fractures can also result from this condition.
Sinusitis Symptoms
People who suffer from sinusitis show the following symptoms. These include severe facial pain, bad breath, fever with chills, and nasal congestion. Other less common symptoms include a sense of smell, nausea, vomiting, toothache, and earache.
Sinusitis Treatment and Management
Treatment for this condition varies depending on the severity of the infection. Over-the-counter medicines treat pain, fever, and nasal congestion for an acute sinus infection. These include decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, and hot or cold packs placed over the sinus area. However, if symptoms do not improve within 10 to 14 days, it is advisable to go back to the doctor. If an acute sinus infection turns into chronic sinusitis, antibiotics and steroid nasal sprays may be prescribed by a doctor for treatment.
In summary, sinusitis is an infection in the tissues lining your sinuses. There are different types of sinusitis, including acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. Symptoms include pain and pressure around your nose, cheeks, forehead, headache, bad breath (halitosis), and post-nasal drip. Bacteria or viruses cause it. Treatment for sinusitis varies depending on severity but mainly involves antibiotics and steroid nasal sprays.
