Acute Sinusitis – Symptoms and Causes
Acute sinusitis happens when the spaces inside your nose (sinuses) become swollen and inflamed. This swelling blocks proper drainage, causing mucus to build up in the sinuses.
People with acute sinusitis often have trouble breathing through their nose. They may also feel swelling around their eyes and face, and experience throbbing facial pain or headaches.
Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a common cold. The condition typically clears up within 7โ10 days unless a bacterial infection develops.
Simple home remedies are often enough to treat acute sinusitis symptoms. When sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks despite medical treatment, it is considered chronic sinusitis.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of acute sinusitis include thick yellow or green mucus from the nose or down the throat. Many people experience nasal congestion that makes breathing difficult.
You may feel pain, tenderness, or pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that worsens when you bend over.
Other symptoms you might notice include:
- Pressure in the ears
- Headaches
- Tooth pain
- Changes in smell
- Coughing
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
When Medical Help Is Needed
Most cases of acute sinusitis don’t require a doctor visit and will improve on their own.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Symptoms lasting more than one week
- Symptoms that improve, then worsen again
- Persistent fever
- Recurring or chronic sinus infections
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Swelling, redness, or pain around the eyes
- High fever
- Confusion
- Vision changes or double vision
- Neck stiffness
These more severe symptoms might indicate a serious infection that requires prompt treatment.
Causes
Acute sinusitis typically starts with a viral infection like the common cold. When viruses attack the sinus lining, they cause swelling and inflammation.
If sinuses remain blocked for an extended period, bacteria may grow in the trapped mucus, leading to a bacterial infection. This bacterial growth is a secondary issue that happens after the initial viral problem.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing sinusitis:
- Allergies, like hay fever, that affect the sinuses
- Common colds that spread to the sinus cavities
- Structural nose problems such as a deviated septum, polyps, or growths
- Medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis or immune system disorders
- Tobacco exposure from smoking or breathing secondhand smoke
These factors can cause inflammation and mucus buildup in your sinuses, increasing the risk of infection.
Complications
Acute sinusitis typically resolves without issues, but certain complications may develop in some cases.
Untreated sinusitis can lead to chronic sinusitis, which lasts over 12 weeks and may need more intensive treatment.
In rare instances, the infection might spread to surrounding areas, causing serious conditions:
- Meningitis: Infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes.
- Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis): Infection spreading to nearby bones.
- Skin Infections (Cellulitis): Infection affecting surrounding skin tissue.
When sinusitis spreads to the eye socket, it can cause vision impairment or, in severe cases, blindness. Prompt medical attention is essential if you experience vision changes or severe symptoms during a sinus infection.
Ways to Prevent Sinus Infections
Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important before eating. Avoid contact with people who have colds or respiratory infections.
Environmental factors play an important role in prevention. Try to avoid tobacco smoke and air pollution, as these irritants can damage nasal passages and increase infection risk.
Using a humidifier can be helpful, particularly in dry indoor environments. The added moisture helps maintain healthy nasal passages. Remember to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.
To reduce the frequency and severity of recurring sinus issues, it is important to consistently follow preventive measures.
