Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sinusitis, commonly referred to as a sinus infection, is the result of swelling inside empty cavities (sinuses). An estimated 37 million Americans experience a sinus infection each year as a result of common cold, blocked drainage ducts, nasal polyps, and other factors.
Symptoms of a sinus infection differ according to type. Sinusitis takes three forms: acute, chronic, and recurrent.
Acute Sinusitis:
Acute sinusitis is a short sinus infection lasting less than four weeks. It often occurs after a cold or cold virus advances into a bacterial infection. Symptoms of acute sinusitis include:
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Nasal Congestion
- Thick Green Or Yellow Mucus Discharge From The Nose
- Drainage Of Mucus In The Throat
- Soreness Behind Nose, Eyes, Cheeks, Or Forehead
- Headache
- Toothache
- Earache
- Bad Breath
- Reduced Sense Of Taste Or Smell
- Fatigue Or Exhaustion
- Fever
Chronic Sinusitis:
Chronic sinusitis lasts three months or longer and may be caused by both infection and swelling in the sinuses. Symptoms include:
- Thick Yellow Or Green Discharge From The Nose Or In Back Of Throat
- Nasal Congestion Or Obstruction
- Tenderness Around The Eyes, Cheeks, Forehead, And Nose
- Reduced Sense Of Taste Or Smell
- Earache
- Toothache
- Sore Throat
- Bad Breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Recurrent Sinusitis:
Recurrent sinusitis is a series of acute sinus infections that occur within a short period of time. Unlike chronic sinusitis, these are individual infections that occur near one another, but are not one continuous infection. You must likely suffer from recurrent sinusitis if you have three or more acute sinus infections within a year.
There are different factors that may contribute to the development of recurrent sinusitis. These include narrow drainage passages, tumors, or shifted nasal septum.
Diagnosing Sinusitis:
Because the three different types of sinus infections share many symptoms and causes, it is important to get the correct diagnosis for effective treatment. At Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute, Dr. Laura Ispas and her team can help to diagnose and treat acute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. Contact us to learn more about your condition and what forms of treatment may be best for you.
