Sinusitis is infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces, or cavities, located around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. See an illustration of normal facial sinuses
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When a mucous membrane becomes inflamed, it swells, blocking the drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat, which causes pressure and pain in the sinuses. Bacteria and fungus are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly. See an illustration of a blocked sinus passageway
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Sinuses can become blocked during a viral infection such as a cold, and sinus inflammation and infection can develop as a result. One key distinction between a cold and sinusitis is that cold symptoms, including a stuffy nose, begin to improve within 5 to 7 days. Sinusitis symptoms last longer and get worse after 7 days.
There are two types of sinusitis: acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term). With chronic sinusitis, you're never really free from symptoms and always have a low level of sinusitis symptoms.
Sinusitis most often results from a viral infection, typically a cold, that causes the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the nose to become inflamed, blocking the drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat. Sinusitis may also develop as a result of nasal allergies or other conditions that block the nasal passages.
Bacteria and fungi are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly. Bacterial or fungal infections in the sinuses often cause more inflammation and pain, and they are more likely to last longer, worsen with time, and become chronic.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of sinusitis are a runny or stuffy nose and facial pain and pressure. You may also have a yellow or greenish discharge from your nose or down the back of your throat (postnasal discharge). The location of pain and tenderness depends on which sinus is affected.
Other common symptoms of sinusitis may include:
- Headache.
- Bad breath.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Cough that produces mucus.
- Fever.
- Tooth pain.
- Reduced sense of taste or smell.
- Post-nasal drainage or drip.
A diagnosis of sinusitis is based on your medical history and physical examination. A detailed history of the problem often can be of more value to the diagnosis than a physical exam. If the symptoms and physical findings are typical of sinusitis, further testing is usually not needed.
How is it treated?
Sinusitis often improves on its own, but it may need to be treated with antibiotics or other medications, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. With chronic sinusitis, a longer course of medications is often needed.
Surgery may be required if you have taken antibiotics and other medications for an extended period of time but still have symptoms, or when complications (such as the spread of infection beyond the sinuses) are likely.
Fungal infections, which account for a significant number of chronic sinusitis cases, do not respond to antibiotic treatment. They may require treatment with antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or surgery.
The other possibility is chronic Allergies, but I suspect that Sinusitis is your problem.
Good luck and feel better soon.
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