About Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus cavities which lasts up to four weeks. It is usually contracted following a cold or bacterial infection, fungus infection, or allergies. The sinuses become swollen and blocked, are unable to drain properly, and thus fill up with mucus.

Some people are at higher risk for acute sinusitis due to other underlying medical problems. These include those with nasal polyps, autoimmune disorders, chronic allergies, and people who are exposed to a high degree of pollutants, including cigarette smoke.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of acute sinusitis are congestion, headache, difficulty breathing, and pain and pressure anywhere in the face. Sometimes pain is even felt in the ear, jaw, and neck. Often the throat is sore. Bad breath can occur because of constantly breathing through the mouth. The person will often get a stiff neck and facial swelling is visible. In severe cases, double vision may occur.

If mucus is draining, it will be thick and discolored. There may be a cough, especially at night as there may be drainage down the back of the throat. The ability to taste and smell may be affected. Usually a fever will be present, and the individual will feel fatigued.

Sometimes a mild case of sinusitis can be cured with rest, liquids, vitamins and the like. However, the symptoms of acute sinusitis indicate severe infection and necessitate a trip to the doctor for further treatment. Untreated severe sinusitis can lead to hearing and vision impairment, meningitis, asthma flareups. It can also cause chronic sinusitis attacks which can last for months at a time.

Diagnosis

The doctor can definitively diagnose acute sinusitis through reporting of symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor will visually inspect nasal passages using special instruments. Sometimes imaging will be needed to view blockages. Usually lab cultures aren't necessary unless an unknown underlying problem must be investigated when treatment isn't working as it should. If the patient has not been tested for allergies previously, allergy testing may be done at this time.

Treatment

Acute sinusitis will only be treated with antibiotics or sulfa drugs if the known cause is bacterial infection. In cases of fungal infection, antifungals will be prescribed, but these cases are quite rare.

Usually the condition is treated with pain relievers, decongestants, and corticosteroids. Sometimes over the counter remedies are fine, but many times more powerful prescription medication is required.

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, may be given if it's determined the sinusitis was triggered by an allergy. These can relieve current symptoms as well as decrease the likelihood of future attacks.

When you feel symptoms of mild sinusitis, it's fine to try treating yourself with home remedies. However, do not ignore the symptoms of acute sinusitis, which when left alone can lead to serious damage.

Sources:

mayoclinic.com/health/acute-sinusitis
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sinusitis.html