Acute sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around your nose (sinuses) become inflamed and blocked.

What is Acute Sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the membranes that line your nose and surrounding sinuses.

Key Insight: It interferes with mucus drainage, causing the "stuffed up" feeling. While painful, it is usually caused by the common cold virus and resolves on its own without antibiotics.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptom is pressure. Where you feel the pain depends on which sinus is infected:

• Cheeks (Maxillary): Pain in the upper jaw and teeth.
• Forehead (Frontal): Throbbing pain above the eyes.
• Between Eyes (Ethmoid): Swelling and tenderness at the bridge of the nose.

Other Common Signs

• Discharge: Thick, yellow, or greenish mucus.
• Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Loss of Smell/Taste.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis).
• Worsening Cough: Often worse at night when lying down.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Wait & Watch: Most cases resolve in 7-10 days. See a doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement.
• You have a persistent high fever.
• Red Flag: You have swelling/redness around the eyes, double vision, or a stiff neck (signs the infection is spreading).

Causes: Viral vs. Bacterial

Understanding the cause helps you choose the right treatment.

1. Viral Infection (Most Common)

Most sinus infections start as a common cold. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so they will not help this type.

2. Bacterial Infection

Bacteria may take over if the sinuses remain blocked for too long. Suspect bacteria only if symptoms worsen after 10 days ("Double Sickening").

3. Risk Factors

• Allergies (Hay Fever): Inflammation blocks drainage.
• Deviated Septum: A crooked wall between the nostrils restricts flow.
• Nasal Polyps: Tissue growths that block passages.

Treatment

The goal is to promote drainage so the body can heal itself.

1. The "Drainage" Strategy (Home Care)

• Steam: Take hot showers or breathe in steam from a bowl to loosen mucus.
• Sleep Elevated: Prop your head up with extra pillows to help sinuses drain at night.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to thin the mucus.

2. Medications

• Decongestants (Sudafed): Use for a maximum of 3 days. Longer use can cause "rebound congestion" (making it worse).
• Nasal Steroids (Flonase): Reduce inflammation. Safe for longer use.
• Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for facial pain.

💧 SAFETY TIP: NASAL RINSING
Using a Neti Pot or squeeze bottle to rinse sinuses with saline is highly effective.


CRITICAL SAFETY RULE: Never use tap water. It may contain rare organisms (like amoebas) that can cause brain infections.
Always use: Distilled, sterile, or previously boiled (and cooled) water.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.