Sinusitis

Sinusitis (also called a sinus infection) occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, which can be due to infections, allergies, or other irritants. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi can grow, leading to infection. Sinusitis can be classified as acute (lasting up to 4 weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks), or chronic (lasting 12 weeks or longer).

While symptoms of sinusitis can vary from person to person here are some common ones:

• Facial pain & pressure: Particularly around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks.

• Nasal congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swollen nasal passages.

• Thick nasal discharge: Yellow or green mucus from the nose or down the throat.

• Headache: Dull or throbbing pain, often felt across the forehead or temples.

• Postnasal drip: Mucus drainage down the throat, leading to coughing or a sore throat.

• Loss of smell or taste: A common symptom in both acute and chronic cases.

• Fever: More common in acute sinusitis, especially if caused by a bacterial infection.

• Fatigue: Ongoing tiredness due to infection and poor sleep caused by symptoms.

• Ear pressure or fullness: A blocked feeling in the ears or difficulty hearing.