Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, swollen, and/or infected. The sinuses are hollow cavities located in the bones around the nose, and they are connected to the nasal passages. When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, they can become blocked, and mucus can build up. This can cause pain and pressure in the face, nasal congestion, headache, and a runny nose.
There are several types of sinusitis, including acute sinusitis (which usually lasts less than four weeks), subacute sinusitis (which lasts four to 12 weeks), chronic sinusitis (which lasts more than 12 weeks), and recurrent sinusitis (which occurs several times a year).
Sinusitis is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but it can also be triggered by allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. Treatment for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, decongestants, nasal steroids, saline nasal irrigation, or in some cases, surgery.
Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses that is frequently accompanied with a sinus infection. Colds or bacterial infections are the most common causes of acute sinusitis. It normally lasts approximately 10 days, but it can last up to a month. Most people require little or no treatment to recover.
When you experience four or more bouts of acute sinusitis per year with no symptoms in between, you have recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. This differs from chronic sinusitis in that the symptoms of chronic sinusitis do not go away for long periods of time. You’ll experience symptom-free periods between sinus infections if you have recurrent sinusitis.
Sinusitis is classified into two types: chronic and acute. Chronic sinusitis develops when your nasal passages and sinus canals are inflamed for an extended period of time (usually three months or more).
Recurrent acute sinusitis is defined by four or more bouts of sinusitis per year, each lasting 3-4 weeks. Among the symptoms are:
Chronic sinusitis is a long-term infection and inflammation of the sinuses. It can remain for a long time, usually more than 12 weeks. Sinuses are four pairs of cavities (spaces) in the skull. These areas are linked together by tiny canals. The four gaps are named for the bones that surround them: ethmoidal, sphenoidal, frontal, and maxillary. The sinuses produce thin mucus that drains via the nasal canals. This drainage functions as a filtration system, keeping the nose clean and bacteria-free.
As the sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid, they can become infected. This is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis is classified into four types: acute, subacute, chronic, and recurring. Acute sinusitis, unlike chronic sinusitis, normally lasts only a few days but can last up to four weeks before clearing up with minimum or no therapy. Persistent sinusitis may necessitate a variety of treatments. Surgery may be required in severe cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to conventional treatments.
Chronic sinusitis differs from recurrent sinusitis in that the symptoms of chronic sinusitis do not go away for long periods of time. You experience four or more bouts of sinusitis in a year with recurrent sinusitis, but you also have symptom-free periods in between.
The mix of symptoms, as well as the fact that they linger for such a long time, can make you unhappy. Chronic sinusitis symptoms may include:
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Urgent Care is helpful for fast relief, but it’s usually a short-term solution. For lasting results, ENT Specialists offer comprehensive sinus care — and with excelENT’s partners, you can often be seen within 48 hours, have a CT scan and allergy testing done on-site, and get access to advanced treatments if needed. Find out if you qualify to see a specialist today!
Allergists are great for sinus issues caused by allergies. But if you’re facing frequent infections, pressure, or more complex sinus problems, an ENT Specialist is the right choice. excelENT’s partner clinics often offer appointments within 48 hours, have in-office CT scanners and allergy services, and provide minimally invasive treatment options. Check if you qualify to get started!
A Primary Care Provider can help with initial sinus symptoms. However, for more specialized care, an ENT Specialist is your best option. With excelENT’s partners, you can often get an appointment within 48 hours, have an in-office CT scan, access allergy clinics, and explore advanced treatments if needed. See if you qualify today!
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating sinus issues. Plus, with excelENT’s partner practices, you can often get seen within 48 hours, have a CT scan right in the office, access allergy testing, and explore minimally invasive treatments if medications aren’t enough. Ready to see if you qualify to meet with a specialist?
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
