What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a very common condition that affects a large number of adults and children of all ages. Most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection and the symptoms can last from anywhere between one or two days to two weeks.

The sinuses work as a lining of the nasal passages, and can become inflamed due to a variety of reasons. As a result, drainage can become difficult or impossible, leading to congestion and infection.

Here’s a closer look at some of the symptoms, causes and treatments for sinusitis.

The Symptoms of Sinusitis

One of the most common symptoms of sinusitis is respiratory tract infections, which may be caused by the flu or cold virus for instance. Other symptoms of sinusitis include a blocked nose, yellowish green discharge coming from the nose, sinus headaches, pressure in the sinus area, pain around your ears, eyes or forehead region, a fever, bad breath and difficulty breathing and smelling.

Children afflicted with sinusitis may become very irritable and breathe through their mouths. Their speech may become nasally as well.

In most cases, symptoms of sinusitis subside after a few days or weeks. But in the case of acute sinusitis, symptoms can persist for months.

The Causes of Sinusitis

One of the most common causes of sinusitis is a viral infection, like the flu or the common cold. The virus will spread to the sinus region, leading to inflammation and congestion. In some rare cases, sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial infection.

In other cases, this may be caused by another condition, such as a fungal or tooth infection.

Long term sinusitis can be caused by other conditions such as allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, a weak immune system, chronic smoking, and so on. People with asthma are also more prone to the condition.

The Treatments for Sinusitis

In most cases, sinusitis does not need medical attention and symptoms usually subside within two weeks with minor treatment. Things like over the counter nasal decongestants or painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be all you need. Cleaning your nasal passage with a saline solution may also help alleviate the symptoms. However, in the case of severe and acute sinusitis, you may have to consult an ENT doctor.

If you’re experiencing minor symptoms, then you may not necessarily need immediate medical attention. However, if your symptoms are severe or continue even after treatment, then you may be dealing with acute sinusitis. If that’s the case, you should consult an ENT doctor immediately. If you’re living in the NYC area, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT doctor in NYC.

Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation.