Acute sinusitis

Overview

Acute sinusitis is a short–term inflammation of the sinuses, often accompanied by an infection. The sinuses are cavities or spaces in the head, linked by tiny channels that produce thin mucus to clean the nose. When the sinuses become inflamed, they can enlarge and fill up with fluid, causing mucus to accumulate and drainage to be obstructed. This can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and cause facial swelling, pain, and headaches. Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis because nasal tissue is often affected along with sinus tissue. 

Acute sinusitis is usually caused by the common cold and usually clears up within a week to 10 days, unless it develops into a bacterial infection. Home remedies can often treat acute sinusitis effectively. If sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment, it is classified as chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis frequently include: 

• Difficulty breathing through your nose due to a blocked or stuffy nose (congestion). 
• Postnasal drainage, which is thick, yellow or greenish mucus coming from the nose (runny nose).
• Aches, soreness, swelling, and pressure in the area around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that get worse when you stoop over.
  

The additional signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis may include: 

• Extreme tiredness 
• Fever 
• Cough 
• Headache 
• Pressure in the ear 
• Toothache 
• Modification of smell 
• Loss of sense of taste
• Foul breath 
  

Most individuals with acute sinusitis do not require medical attention. However, if you have a history of persistent or recurrent sinusitis, experience symptoms for a week or more, have a persistent fever, or notice that your symptoms improve and then worsen, it is important to contact with your doctor.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any signs or symptoms that could indicate a severe infection, including:

• Confusion 
• Stiff neck 
• Changes in eyesight, such as double vision 
• Pain, swelling or redness around your eyes. 
• Fever
  

Causes

The common causes of acute sinusitis include a cold or allergies, which can lead to swelling and blockage of the sinuses. Additionally, a bacterial infection or fungus can also cause inflammation and blockage of the sinuses.

Risk factors

If you have any of the following conditions, you may be more susceptible to developing sinusitis: 

• The sinuses are impacted by a common cold. 
• Smoke exposure from cigarette smoking or from being around someone who is smoking. 
• Sinus problems brought on by hay fever or other allergic conditions. 
• An immune system issue like HIV/AIDS or a disease like cystic fibrosis.
• An abnormality of the nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or tumors; or a deviated nasal septum.