Sinusitis, commonly referred to as a sinus infection, is a condition marked by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. This can lead to painful pressure, with the main symptom varying depending on which sinus is affected. For instance, frontal sinusitis can cause pain in the forehead, maxillary sinusitis over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth, ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis behind the eyes, and sphenoid sinusitis at the top of the head.
Initial symptoms of sinusitis are often similar to those of a cold, including fatigue, cough, impaired sense of smell, fullness or pressure in the ears, or headache. While your body fights the infection, remedies such as nasal rinses, decongestants, and pain relievers can help ease these symptoms.
The blockage of sinuses can be caused by various factors, including environmental triggers, anatomical issues, or genetic predispositions. Swelling of the nasal passages, often due to the common cold or allergies, is a primary culprit. More severe cases of sinusitis might arise from structural issues like a deviated septum.
Other symptoms of a sinus infection may include bad breath, fever, lethargy, loss of smell or taste, and ear pressure. Distinguishing between a sinus infection and other conditions like a common cold or COVID-19 is crucial, as their symptoms can sometimes overlap. Sinus infections typically follow a different trajectory compared to colds, with cold symptoms usually resolving in 7 to 10 days.
Sinus headaches often accompany congestion, resulting from blocked drainage passageways and fluid accumulation in the sinuses. Several factors can cause sinus pressure and pain, including infections, nasal allergies, polyps, septal deviations, and enlarged vascular structures.
Acute sinusitis usually refers to a viral infection lasting about 7 to 10 days, while a bacterial infection can persist for up to 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis, characterized by symptoms that continue for 12 weeks or more, can be triggered by common colds, viral infections, or a compromised immune system. This long-term inflammation can last months or even years, often caused by obstructions in the sinus drainage pathways.
For more in-depth information on sinusitis, its symptoms, and treatment options, refer to the following resources:
Harvard Health’s guide on sinusitis
Harvard Health on inflamed sinuses
Harvard Health’s advice on sinusitis management
USC Medicine’s 10 Things to Know About Sinusitis
Ohio State Health & Discovery on sinus infection vs COVID-19
Baylor College of Medicine on sinus pain
USF Health News on sinusitis
Harvard Health on chronic sinusitis
