Condition Basics
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinus cavities in your head. It often happens after a cold. It causes pain and pressure in your head and face. Sinusitis can be either acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Sinusitis is chronic when it lasts 12 weeks or more.
What causes it?
Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. When the lining of the sinus cavities gets inflamed from a virus like a cold, it swells. The swelling can block the normal drainage of the sinuses, leading to a buildup of fluid. Bacteria or fungi may start to grow, causing more swelling and pain.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of sinusitis are a runny or stuffy nose and pain and pressure in your head and face. You may also have a yellow or green drainage or drip from your nose or down the back of your throat. Symptoms in children include coughing, nasal discharge, headache, and face pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor can tell if you have sinusitis by asking questions about your past health and doing a physical exam. You probably won't need any other tests. But you may need more tests if treatment doesn't help or if you have complications.
How is sinusitis treated?
You may not need treatment for sinusitis. But over-the-counter medicine can help with pain and pressure. If you don't get better, your doctor may suggest a steroid nose spray or antibiotics. Surgery is sometimes needed when sinusitis is severe and doesn't get better with medicines.