Sinusitis

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the sinuses. The sinuses are small, air-filled spaces in your cheekbones and forehead. Inflammation blocks the sinuses so mucus cannot drain into your nose as usual.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection. It’s common and usually gets better within 2 to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis usually occurs after an infection, such as a cold.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• a green or yellow discharge from your nose
• a blocked nose
• pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or more
• toothache
• a reduced sense of smell
• bad breath (halitosis)

Children with sinusitis may:

• be irritable
• breathe through their mouth
• have difficulty feeding
• sound nasal when they speak, as though they have a stuffy cold

The symptoms of sinusitis often clear up within a few weeks (acute sinusitis). Occasionally they can last 3 months or more (chronic sinusitis).

When to get medical advice

If your symptoms are mild and getting better, you can often treat sinusitis without seeing a GP.

Speak to your GP practice if:

• your symptoms are severe or getting worse
• your symptoms haven’t started to improve after around 7 to 10 days
• you keep getting sinusitis

Diagnosing sinusitis

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose sinusitis from your symptoms and by examining the inside of your nose.

If you keep getting sinusitis, or its severe, they may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Treatment for sinusitis

Sinusitis usually gets better on its own within 2 or 3 weeks.

Things you can do to help your symptoms

Do

• get plenty of rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• use nasal decongestants – these shouldn’t be used for more than a week, as this might make things worse
• hold warm packs to your face
• clean your nose with a salt water solution – you can make yourself or buy sachets from a pharmacy

Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. If you’re not sure which treatments are suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist for advice.

How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution

Treatments from your doctor

If your symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse, your GP may prescribe antibiotics tablets or corticosteroid spray or drops.

If your symptoms still don’t get better, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for surgery to improve the drainage of your sinuses.

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually caused by a cold or flu virus spreading to the sinuses from the upper airways. Only a few cases are caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses.

An infected tooth or fungal infection can also occasionally cause the sinuses to become inflamed.

Chronic sinusitis

It’s not clear exactly what causes sinusitis to become chronic (long-lasting), but it may be related to:

• allergies and related conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma and hay fever
• nasal polyps (benign growths inside the nose)
• smoking
• a weakened immune system

Controlling underlying conditions like allergies may improve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.