What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses. Symptoms of sinusitis include pain in the face, a stuffy nose, and drainage from the nose. Sinusitis can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Sinusitis is chronic when it lasts 12 weeks or more.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the face along with a stuffy or blocked nose. Other symptoms include drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat. Leaning forward or moving your head may increase the pain in your face.

Other common symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• A headache.
• Pain or pressure in the ears.
• A cough.
• A fever.
• Tooth pain.
• A reduced sense of smell.
• Bad breath.

Your doctor can tell if you have sinusitis by asking questions about your current symptoms and how long you've had them. The doctor will also do a physical exam. You probably won't need any other tests. But you may need more tests if medicine doesn't help or your symptoms are chronic (long-term). More tests are also needed if you have problems caused by an infection. Tests may include an endoscopic sinus exam (nasal endoscopy) or CT scan.

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. This may be needed if you don't get better over time. An ENT specialist will take a closer look at your nasal passages and upper throat. If allergies could be causing your sinus problems, you may need to see an allergist (immunologist).

Treatment depends on if you have acute or chronic sinusitis. A steroid nose spray along with a saline nose wash may relieve your symptoms. If needed, over-the-counter medicine can help with pain and pressure. If you have a bacterial infection, you may also get antibiotics. Other medicines may also be used.

Surgery may be needed when sinusitis is chronic or severe and doesn't get better with medicines.

• Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes. This can help keep your nasal passages open and wash out mucus and allergens.
  • You can buy saline nose washes at a grocery store or drugstore. Follow the instructions on the package.
  • You can make your own at home. Add 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of distilled or boiled and cooled water. Fill a squeeze bottle or a nasal cleansing pot (such as a neti pot) with the nasal wash. Then put the tip into your nostril, and lean over the sink. With your mouth open, gently squirt the liquid. Repeat on the other side.
• Try a steroid nasal spray. This is especially good for chronic sinusitis.
• If needed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• For acute sinusitis, try a decongestant nasal spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin). Do not use it for more than 3 days in a row. Using it for more than 3 days can make your congestion worse.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Breathe warm, moist air. You can use a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water. Avoid cold, dry air. Using a humidifier in your home may help. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.