Sinusitis

About Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses and is very common. Acute sinusitis lasts less than 4 weeks and is usually caused by viral infections following a cold. Only a small minority of cases are bacterial; clinicians consider a bacterial cause when symptoms persist beyond about 10 days or worsen after initial improvement. Symptoms include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headache, fatigue, and dental pain. Chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer and may involve nasal polyps, allergies, or structural abnormalities. Treatment of acute viral sinusitis focuses on symptom relief with nasal saline irrigation, decongestants, and pain relievers. Bacterial sinusitis is sometimes treated with antibiotics chosen by a clinician. Chronic sinusitis may require intranasal corticosteroids, surgery for structural issues, or biologic therapy dupilumab for nasal polyps.