What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition where inflammation occurs on the tissue lining of the sinuses. Healthy sinuses’ are considered air-filled cavities without any obstruction in them. In addition, sinuses play a vital role in producing mucus in order to keep the nose moist. There are four types of sinusitis that are classified according to their severity and duration:

Acute sinusitis– This is generally mistaken as a common cold and usually lasts 2-3 weeks. The symptoms of acute sinusitis could be similar to the common cold. 

Subacute sinusitis- This type of sinusitis is slightly advanced than acute sinusitis. Subacute sinusitis mostly lasts 4 – 12 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis- The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are advanced as compared to the other two types of sinusitis mentioned above. Chronic sinusitis usually lasts more than 12 weeks and could affect a patient’s life productivity.

Recurrent sinusitis- When the sinus infection occurs frequently or if it happens to be more than 4-6 times in a year, you could be affected by recurrent sinusitis.

 

Top ENT Specialist

Dr. Rishi Raj

MBBS, MS - ENT

20 Years of Experience

Book Appointment

Dr. Tamanna Mahajan

MS - ENT, MBBS

7 Years of Experience

Book Appointment

Dr. Abhinav Kuthiala

MBBS

8 Years of Experience

Book Appointment
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Allergies
  • Nasal polyps
  • Medical conditions like cystic fibrosis
  • Striking headache
  • Nasal inflammation
  • Pain around the sinuses’ region
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Overproduction of mucus
  • Nasal discharge
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling around the sinuses’ region
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Having cold
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Smoking tobacco or exposure to passive smoke
  • Structural problems within the sinuses
  • A weak immune system

Frequently Asked Question

Chronic sinusitis is advanced and severe where symptoms get painful and may hinder your life’s productivity. Chronic sinusitis may last 12 weeks or more than that. It is always a better option to consult an ENT specialist for a thorough diagnosis along with a best-suited treatment to cure sinusitis.

If sinusitis is in the acute stage, the expert may prescribe a few medications to cure the condition. However, if the medication would not show any result, there is a possibility that the doctor will advise surgical intervention to get rid of sinusitis or sinus infection.
If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned below, consult an experienced ENT specialist to get a thorough diagnosis to seek better treatment on time. Some of the common signs are:
  • If the symptoms persist for more than a week
  • If you have double vision
  • Redness around the eyes
  • Striking headache
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Puffiness on the face
  • Swelling around the nose region
  • Tenderness in the cheek area
  • Nasal discharge
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
Sinuses are air-filled cavities. There are four types of sinuses, and all of them are located in the skull:
  • Ethmoid Sinus- Between the eyes
  • Frontal Sinus- Behind the forehead
  • Maxillary Sinus- Behind the cheekbones
  • Sphenoid Sinus- Under the base of the skull
Eating right will help you get relief from painful sinusitis symptoms. The right choice of foods will clear the obstruction in the nasal and enhance the healing process. Some of the foods you can eat during sinusitis are:
  • Honey
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Peppers
  • Fish
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Soups
  • Warm water
You should avoid some of the food items during sinusitis to avoid the excessive production of mucus that may encourage nasal congestion leading to breathing difficulties. Some of the food items you should avoid during sinusitis are:
  • Dairy products
  • Bananas
  • Gluten
  • Cheese
  • Chocolate
  • Red meat
  • Tomatoes
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol
At times, factors like pollutants and allergens that are present in the air or strong perfumes can make sinusitis symptoms worse, like irritating your nose, may cause inflammation, etc.
Sinusitis or sinus infection, if left untreated, can make the condition worse. In rare cases, sinusitis, if not taken care of on time, may lead to potential complications like meningitis, a brain abscess, or infection of the bone. It is always advisable to contact an ENT specialist to get a thorough diagnosis for sinusitis to get proper treatment.

Are there any Home remedies to treat Sinusitis?

It is always a better option to consult the ENT specialist if you notice anything odd or irregular function of the nose. However, there could be a few home remedies that can help in order to get relief from sinusitis symptoms:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Take rest and sleep to reduce the discomfort 
  • Use a hot towel for warm compresses on the swollen area of the face
  • Take hot water steam to improve the breathing
  • Try neti pot to rinse the nasal congestion
  • Over-the-counter nasal spray to remove the obstruction in the nasal passage

How can I prevent myself from getting sinusitis?

Some of the tips that may help you prevent developing sinusitis or worsening its symptoms:

  • Wear a mask before stepping out of the house to avoid bacteria present in the air
  • Wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle
  • Put on a seatbelt while driving the car
  • Use a humidifier to ensure purified and good air quality in the surrounding
  • Take better care of yourself if you have any sort of allergy
  • Avoid coming in direct contact with a person who has cold or respiratory infections
  • Wash your hands before and after eating each meal
  • Take steam once a week to avoid nasal congestion and to increase the quality of breathing
  • Refrain from smoking to avoid the chances of sinusitis

What are the common questions you can ask an ENT specialist during the appointment?

Some of the most common questions you can ask your ENT specialist during an appointment of sinusitis:

  • Are there any other alternative methods to cure sinusitis?
  • Can sinusitis be left untreated?
  • Do I need surgery to get rid of sinusitis? 
  • Is it acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis I am suffering from?
  • Are there any food restrictions during sinusitis treatment?
  • Can medication cure sinusitis?

Our Latest Blog

ENT Specialists available in these cities