Acute Sinusitis

What Is Acute Sinusitis? 

Acute sinusitis or Viral Rhinosinusitis—also known as a sinus infection—is a condition that causes the nasal and sinus cavities to inflame and swell. This creates draining issues in the sinuses, which leads to build-up and possibly complete nasal obstruction. This condition is most often caused by the common cold, and generally is resolved within around 10 days or less. When the condition worsens or lasts longer, it may indicate an acute bacterial sinusitis due to secondary bacterial infection.

What Causes Acute Sinusitis? 

Acute sinusitis most often follows a common cold, but sometimes is triggered by other conditions, such as: 

Allergies / hay fever

Immune system disorder

Injury, such as a broken nose

Nasal passage deformity, such as deviated septum or nasal polyps

Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis often include: 

Nasal obstruction or stuffy nose

Postnasal drainage

Discharge that is thick, yellow or green

Difficulty breathing

Pain or tenderness around eyes, cheeks, nose, or head

Pressure when bending over

Ear pain or pressure

Coughing, especially at night

Difficulty smelling

Fatigue

Fever

Aching jaw

Headache

What Are The Risk Factors For Acute Sinusitis?

You may have a higher risk of getting acute sinusitis if you have any of the following conditions:

Allergies / hay fever

Common cold

Immune system disorder

Nasal abnormality

How Is Acute Sinusitis Diagnosed? 

Acute sinusitis can be diagnosed my medical professionals by discussing your symptoms and medical history. Your ENT doctor will likely look inside your nose using an otoscope, or a small tool with a light and microscope, to determine sinusitis as the cause of your symptoms. Further methods that may be used to diagnose acute sinusitis include: 

Endoscopy (tool used to for better visual analysis of nasal passage)

Allergy testing

Lab testing of sinus cultures

How Is Acute Sinusitis Treated? 

Common treatment options that may be recommended include: 

Decongestants helps to dry out the nasal cavity

Saline spray rinses out the nasal cavity

Corticosteroid spray helps prevent and treat nasal inflammation

Antibiotic is prescribed, if there is a secondary bacterial infection

Pain relievers relieves tension and pressure pain associated with acute sinusitis

If you are suffering from acute sinusitis, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Dr Theo Grundlingh has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nasal conditions

Chronic Sinusitis 

If Sinusitis lasts longer that 3 months, it is chronic. The treatment of chronic sinusitis involves: Longer antibiotic course plus systemic cortisone, Nasal Rinses, and later topical cortisone sprays. If the sinusitis does not resolve a CT scan of the sinuses is done to determine the extent of the Sinus disease and any anatomical factors contributing. Patient may require surgical drainage or Sinus Wash Out, or specific surgery called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery which your doctor will discuss with you in detail. The operation is done under general anaesthetic.