Sinusitis

Refers to inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting two to eight weeks, or chronic. The classic symptoms of acute sinusitis usually follow a cold that does not improve, or one that worsens after five to seven days of symptoms. Symptoms include bad breath or loss of smell; cough, often worse at night; fatigue and generally not feeling well; fever; headache, pain behind the eyes, toothache or facial tenderness; nasal congestion and discharge; and sore throat and postnasal drip. Diagnostic tests and exams for sinusitis include a doctor’s examination of the throat and nose; laboratory cultures; CT scan or MRI; and other lab tests for allergies, immune function, ciliary function, nasal cytology and cystic fibrosis. Treatment options depend on the cause of sinusitis and include over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays, antibiotics and surgery.