Overview
Sinusitis is inflammation of the air-filled spaces in the bones of the face, usually following a cold or allergy that blocks their drainage. It causes a blocked nose, thick discharge and heaviness or pressure over the cheeks and forehead that worsens on bending forward. Most cases are viral and settle within two weeks with steam and saline washes; bacterial cases or long-standing (chronic) sinusitis need ENT care.
Symptoms
- Blocked or stuffy nose with thick yellow-green discharge
- Pressure or pain over cheeks, forehead or around the eyes, worse on bending
- Reduced sense of smell
- Post-nasal drip causing throat clearing or cough, worse at night
- Headache and fatigue; fever in acute cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms last beyond ten days, improve then worsen again, or come with high fever or severe one-sided facial pain. Recurring sinusitis deserves an ENT evaluation.
Causes
Viral colds are the usual trigger; allergies, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, pollution and smoking predispose to repeated or chronic sinusitis.