Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Sinusitis happens when the air-filled cavities or channels are blocked with mucus, and the mucosal lining becomes swollen or inflamed. Sinusitis makes your nose runny and stuffy, making breathing difficult and the area around the nose and eyes tender.

The sinuses are small air pockets located between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose and cheekbones. Inflammation and swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages are known as sinusitis. Inflammation can occur due to conditions such as structural issues in the nose or a sinus infection. Sometimes, the terms sinusitis and sinus infection are used interchangeably.

Common symptoms of sinusitis are:

• Nasal inflammation
• Runny nose ( watery discharge from the nose)
• Blocked or congested nose 
• Inflammed sinus lining
• Facial pain
• Watery eyes
• Severe headache
• Feeling cold (shivering)
• Tooth pain (upper jaw and teeth)
• Feeling feverish
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Cough
• Decreased sense of smell

There are two types of sinusitis – chronic and acute, with similar symptoms. Acute is an infection of shorter duration associated with cold and chronic sinusitis lasts longer.

Sinusitis can be caused due to following reasons:-

• Viral infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Allergic reactions
• Medications
• Nasal polyps
• Dehydration
• Fungal infections
• Asthma
• Common cold
• Some strong odours like perfume, incense sticks etc.

Most sinuses are caused by viral infections and may not require treatment. Though, home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help ease the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend nasal congestion, pain medications, antibiotics, or surgery to treat sinusitis.

• Usage of saline nasal drops (no more than 3 days)
• Avoid smoking 
• Antibiotics as per doctors suggestion
• Maintain hygiene to avoid fungal and bacterial infection

For children under the age of 2 years, doctors should give antibiotics or nasal sprays only.

Sinusitis usually occurs when something, such as mucus blocks the opening of the sinuses. Anyone can develop sinusitis. However, certain health conditions and risk factors increase the chances, such as structural issues affecting the nose, deviated nasal septum, a nasal bone spur or growth, and nasal polyps, which are usually noncancerous. Other risk factors include:

• Weakened immune system
• A history of allergies
• Cold and other upper respiratory tract infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi
• Cystic fibrosis
• Mold exposure
• Tobacco smoking
• Dental infection
• Aeroplane travel

There are different types of sinusitis and they have similar symptoms. However, the severity and duration of the symptoms may vary. The types of sinusitis include:

• Acute sinusitis
• Subacute sinusitis
• Recurrent acute sinusitis
• Chronic sinusitis