Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is a medical condition characterized by an infection in the nasal cavities. This infection causes inflammation and swelling, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the sinuses. This buildup creates an ideal environment for germs to thrive, leading to a sinus infection. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly treat sinusitis to prevent further complications.

Sinusitis is typically caused by a virus that can persist even after upper respiratory symptoms have subsided. However, bacterial or fungal infections can also lead to sinus infections. In addition, other conditions such as polyps, allergies, and tooth infections can contribute to sinus symptoms and pain. Therefore, it is essential to identify and address the underlying cause of sinusitis to effectively manage and alleviate symptoms.

Chronic vs Acute Sinus Infections and Their Types

Physicians classify sinus infections into four different types based on the frequency and duration of the infection. These types include subacute sinusitis, acute sinusitis, recurrent acute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.

• Subacute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection lasts between 4 to 12 weeks.
• Acute Sinusitis: It is a short-term infection that typically lasts less than 4 weeks. According to experts at the American Academy of Otolaryngology, acute sinusitis is often a result of a respiratory illness or cold and can also be caused by bacterial infection.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if it occurs 4 or more times in a year and lasts for around 7 days.
• Chronic sinusitis: This is a specific type of sinus infection that persists for more than 12 weeks and tends to recur.

While acute and chronic sinus infections have common symptoms, multiple sinus infections may show different symptoms. Therefore, it is best to seek a physician's assistance to determine the type of infection and find the root cause while receiving the necessary treatment.

Some Symptoms of Sinus Infections

While sinusitis symptoms can be similar to those of a cold, the main criteria for diagnosing viral sinusitis include:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pain and pressure
• Infected nasal discharge

Multiple cases of acute bacterial sinus infections have exhibited these symptoms, which typically last around 10 days without improvement. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen within 10 days, underscoring the importance of seeking professional medical assistance.

To obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment, it is advisable to consult with a general practitioner or an ENT specialist. Additionally, the above-listed points can provide you with sufficient information about sinus infections.

• Tenderness in the Face:

Excessive pressure buildup can make the patient's face tender to the touch. This tenderness typically occurs at the nose bridge or under the eyes, although it can also occur on the cheeks and forehead.

• Pressure or Pain in Your Sinuses:

Facial pain is a common symptom of sinus infection, which can affect different sinuses as mentioned earlier. If the air-filled cavities in your face hurt during a sinus infection, it indicates inflammation and swelling.

Sinusitis can cause pain in the sinuses with specific pressure due to inflammation, which can alter the typical path of mucus from the nose toward the back of the throat. The following areas may experience pain as a result:

• Pain in forehead
• Pain in the side of your nose
• Pain between your eyes
• Pain in teeth and upper jaws

These symptoms can cause severe headaches, which can also occur in other areas where sinuses are present.

• Nasal Congestion:

Inflamed sinuses can restrict breathing through the nose. This infection causes swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to a feeling of being "blocked." Nasal congestion can also affect your sense of taste and smell, while your voice may sound stuffy.

• Postnasal Drip and Runny nose:

During a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose frequently due to increased nasal discharge. This discharge may be yellow, green, or cloudy, and it originates from infected sinuses as it drains from the nasal passages.

In addition, the discharge may also flow through the nose and drain into the back of your throat, causing a tickling, sore, or itchy throat. This condition is called postnasal drip, and it can cause you to cough frequently, especially at night when you lay down to rest.

• Hoarse Voice and Sore Throat:

Postnasal drip can cause a sore and raw throat, starting with an irritating tickle that can worsen over time. If a sinus infection persists for several weeks or more, the mucus can inflame and irritate the throat as it drips.

Frequent throat clearing due to postnasal drip can lead to a painful sore throat, hoarseness, and persistent coughing. Continual throat clearing can exacerbate the hoarseness, leading to additional problems.