Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities located on either side of your nose, and between and above your eyes. Inflammation occurs when there is an undrained collection of pus or mucus in one or more of the sinuses. Mucus production increases during inflammation resulting in a drippy, runny nose. This drainage thickens over time. If this mucus cannot drain out of the sinus due to a blockage, bacteria will grow and an infection occurs.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining of any sinus. Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition that responds well to antibiotics and decongestants; chronic sinusitis is characterized by at least four recurrences of acute sinusitis. Either medication or surgery is a possible treatment.

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The initial treatment for sinusitis is usually 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy accompanied by decongestants. Inhaling steam or nasal saline spray is often recommended to alleviate the sinus congestion and help moisturize the nasal passages. Warm compresses are also useful in relieving facial pain. Patients who experience a repeated pattern of infections in their sinuses may have chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis most often results from a viral infection, typically a cold, that causes the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the nose to become inflamed, blocking the drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat. Sinusitis may also develop as a result of nasal allergies or other conditions that block the nasal passages. Bacteria and fungi are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly.

A diagnosis of sinusitis is based on your medical history and physical examination. A detailed history of the problem often can be of more value to the diagnosis than a physical exam. If the symptoms and physical findings are typical of sinusitis, further testing is usually not needed.

Sinusitis is one of the most diagnosed diseases in the United States. It affects approximately 16% of the adult population and is responsible for nearly $5.8 billion in health care costs annually. Although colds are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, it is more likely that people with other allergic diseases such as allergies or asthma, will develop sinusitis. Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings.

Allergist/immunologists diagnose sinusitis based on a combination of clinical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and/or laboratory tests. An allergist/immunologist will be able to help you manage your sinusitis, and will determine if an allergic disease is contributing to your condition. He/she will also determine what triggers your symptoms, as well as other triggers that may be causing sinus obstruction, and recommendations on how to treat that infection.

Sinusitis generally requires a combination of therapies. Allergist/immunologists should withhold from prescribing antibiotics for 10-14 days, unless severe symptoms develop such as fever, facial pain or tenderness, or swelling around the eye. An allergist/immunologist may also prescribe a medication to reduce blockage or to control allergies to help keep the sinus passages open. This medicine may be a decongestant, a mucus-thinning medicine or a cortisone nasal spray.

If you have predisposing conditions that lead to excess mucus and inflammation of the nose, such as allergic disease, structural problems or are in a profession that leads to greater risk for developing these conditions, you are more likely to develop sinusitis and should contact an allergist/immunologist for prevention methods.

Even in pressurized airplane cabins, air pressure can cause problems for people with colds or sinus conditions. The resulting discomfort is typically felt during takeoff and landing and can become quite painful. It is most helpful to use decongestant nose drops before a flight. If the symptoms of sinusitis are severe, it is better to avoid flying altogether.

Probably not. A dental infection is much more likely, and you should consult your dentist as the first course of action.