WHAT IS SINUSITIS?

Sinusitis (sinus infection) is a condition that can cause a stuffy nose, pain in the face, and discharge (mucus) from the nose. The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face. They have a thin lining that normally makes a small amount of mucus. When this lining gets irritated or infected, it swells and makes extra mucus. This causes the symptoms to occur.

Sinusitis can occur when a person gets sick with a cold. The germs causing the cold can also infect the sinuses. Many times, a person feels like his or her cold is getting better. But then he or she gets sinusitis and begins to feel sick again.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS?

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

● Stuffy or blocked nose

● Thick white, yellow, or green discharge from the nose

● Pain in the teeth

● Pain or pressure in the face – This often feels worse when a person bends forward.

People with sinusitis can also have other symptoms that include:

● Fever

● Cough

● Trouble smelling

● Ear pressure or fullness

● Headache

● Bad breath

● Feeling tired

HOW IS SINUSITIS TREATED?

In mild cases, sinusitis does not need to be treated with antibiotic medicines. This is because most sinusitis is caused by viruses – not bacteria – and antibiotics do not kill viruses. Many people get over sinus infections without antibiotics by allowing their natural immune system to fight the infection.

Some people with sinusitis do need treatment with antibiotics. If your symptoms are not improving with over-the-counter measures or if you are having symptoms of fever or a lot of pain please make an appointment with us to see if antibiotics and other prescription medications can help you.