17701 Sinusitis

Overview

Sinusitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of your sinuses — the small, air-filled spaces behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead. It is often called a sinus infection. When these spaces get blocked and fill with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

Yes. Sinusitis is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. Millions of people experience it each year.

Anyone can get sinusitis, but it is more common in people with allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, a weakened immune system, or a problem with the structure of their nose. It also occurs more often in adults than in children, although children can get it too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Stuffy or blocked nose
• Thick yellow or green mucus from the nose or down the back of the throat
• Pain, pressure, or fullness in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes
• Reduced sense of smell
• Cough, especially at night
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Headache

Symptoms in children

• A cold that seems worse or lasts more than 10 days
• Thick nasal discharge
• Cough during the day or at night
• Irritability or fussiness
• Ear pain or mild fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Less obvious symptoms, such as tiredness or confusion
• A dry cough or a sense of fullness in the face
• Fever may be lower or absent

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections — usually the same viruses that cause the common cold
• Bacterial infections — only when a blocked sinus stays infected for a long time
• Fungal infections — rare, usually affecting people with weakened immune systems
• Allergies — such as hay fever, which can inflame the sinuses
• Structural problems — like a deviated septum (a crooked nasal passage) or nasal polyps (soft, non-cancerous growths)

Risk factors

• Having a cold or other viral respiratory infection
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or other allergies
• Asthma
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• A weakened immune system due to illness or certain medicines
• Air travel or changes in air pressure
• Swimming or diving

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have signs of a serious infection, such as high fever, severe headache, or confusion
• You have swelling or pain in the eye area, or vision changes
• You have trouble breathing
• You have a condition that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes or cancer treatment

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement
• You have had several sinus infections in a year
• You have thick green or yellow mucus with pain for several days
• Your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or sleep

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually diagnose sinusitis by asking about your symptoms and looking in your nose with a small light. They may press gently on your face to check for tenderness. Usually no tests are needed.

Tests that may be done

• Most people do not need any tests.
• If a doctor suspects complications or a long-term problem, they may refer you for a CT scan (a special X-ray that shows detailed images) or a sample of your mucus to check for bacteria.
• In some cases, they might look inside your nose with a thin, flexible scope called an endoscope.

What to expect at your appointment

During your appointment, the doctor will talk through your symptoms, examine your nose and face, and advise whether home care is enough or whether you need further help. You can ask questions about what to do if things don't improve.

Treatment

Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause. Most cases are viral and get better with rest, fluids, and home comfort measures. If bacteria are the culprit, a doctor may recommend a course of antibiotics, but this is decided on an individual basis. Steroid nasal sprays or allergy treatments may be suggested for persistent symptoms. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about treatments, and never take medicines that are not meant for you.

Self-care at home

• Take over-the-counter pain relief if you need it, following the advice of your pharmacist
• Apply a warm, moist compress over your face for a few minutes several times a day
• Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower to loosen mucus
• Use saline (saltwater) nasal drops or rinses to keep the nose moist
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus

Medical treatments

If home care is not enough, a doctor may prescribe a nasal spray containing a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, or a short course of decongestant tablets. Antibiotics are only used when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. In older adults or people with a weakened immune system, antibiotics may be considered sooner. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider, as they can recommend what is safe and appropriate for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if sinusitis keeps coming back, nasal polyps block the sinuses, or a complication threatens nearby areas like the eyes. A doctor can explain whether this is relevant for you.

Living with this condition

Most people with sinusitis can continue their normal routines, but you may feel more tired than usual. It helps to take breaks, rest, and keep your home environment comfortable with clean air. Humidifiers or a bowl of water near a radiator can help keep the air moist.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which can irritate your sinuses
• Keep allergies under control, e.g., by managing hay fever triggers
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day
• Consider a saline nasal rinse if you are prone to sinus problems

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active when you feel up to it can help your body recover. There is no special diet for sinusitis, but drinking enough water and eating warm soups or broths can feel soothing. If you have food allergies, avoid those foods.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a stuffy nose, facial pain, and poor sleep can be frustrating and make you feel low. It is normal to feel irritable or a bit down when you are unwell. If the symptoms last a long time, or you feel anxious or depressed, talk to your doctor. They can support you in managing both your physical and emotional health. In urgent situations, like feeling hopeless or wanting to harm yourself, reach out for mental health support immediately.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent sinusitis, but you can reduce the chance of it by staying healthy, washing your hands regularly, avoiding contact with people who have colds, and not smoking. If you have allergies, managing them well can lower your risk.

Vaccines

Annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the number of colds and respiratory infections you get, which may make sinusitis less likely. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for sinusitis in the general population. If you get frequent or severe sinus infections, your doctor may suggest seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic sinusitis – sinusitis that lasts 12 weeks or more and can be hard to treat
• Bacterial infection spreading to nearby areas, such as the eyes or the tissue around the brain
• Rarely, infection of the bones or a blood clot in the area near the sinuses

Long-term outlook

Most people with sinusitis recover fully without any special treatment. With home care and, when needed, proper medical advice, the outlook is very good. Even if you have chronic sinusitis, treatment and support can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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