What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis (sinus infection) is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses (spaces in your forehead, cheeks and nose usually filled with air). It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms. It is usually cased by the common cold, but other viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergies can also cause sinusitis.
Sinusitis symptoms
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
- Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus
- Stuffy nose
- Facial pressure (particularly around your nose, eyes and forehead). This might get worse when you move your head around or bend over
- Pressure or pain in your teeth
- Ear pressure or pain
- Fever
- Bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in your mouth
- Cough
- Headache
- Tiredness/fatigue
Types of sinusitis
We diagnose and treat types of sinusitis based on how long it’s been going on (acute, subacute, chronic or recurrent) and what’s causing it (bacteria, virus or fungus).
Bacterial vs. Viral Sinusitis
Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis. Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you have a runny or stuffy nose and facial pain that persists for 10 days or more, you may have bacterial sinusitis. Your symptoms may seem to improve but then return worse than the initial symptoms. Antibiotics and decongestants usually work well in treating bacterial sinusitis.
Treatment & Prevention
Healthcare providers diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms and health history. If diagnosed with sinusitis, the treatment methods differ depending on your symptoms and when they began. Sinusitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter cold and allergy medications including decongestants, nasal saline, and plenty of fluid intake.
However, if your symptoms do not improve after 7-10 days, our providers may prescribe antibiotics such as Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Levofloxacin, or Clindamycin. Additionally, they may prescribe an intranasal steroid spray or oral/topical decongestant.
You can take measures at home to reduce your risk of sinusitis by rinsing your nose with saline, using good handwashing technique, avoiding smoking, and taking steps to prevent allergies. If you believe that you’ve developed sinusitis, Chesapeake Telemedicine is here to help! Schedule an appointment today to get the care and treatment you need.
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