Sinusitis (acute and chronic)

Sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the air-filled spaces in the bones of the face and forehead. Acute sinusitis is an inflammation or sinus infection that lasts less than 4 weeks, and a chronic infection lasts for more than 12 weeks. Common symptoms of sinusitis include a nasal congestion, a facial or sinus pressure or pain, a nasal obstruction, a colored nasal discharge, a nasal discharge in the back throat, and a decrease or loss of sense of smell. 

Acute sinus infections develop due to the obstruction of the sinus drainage pathways, a failure of the "self-cleansing mechanism" of the sinuses or an impaired immune function. They are often diagnosed with history without any complicated testing being necessary. Treatment consists of nasal steroid rinses and oral antibiotics.

Chronic sinusitis designates symptoms lasting more than 3 months. Two types of chronic sinusitis exist : chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps. It is usually diagnosed on nasal endoscopy or CT scan of the sinuses. Treatment consists of nasal steroids, and sometimes oral antibiotics, oral steroids, or sinus surgery.

Nothing replaces an appointment with an ENT specialist to put you on the right path to treating your sinus symptoms.