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Advice for Sinusitis
Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, refers to the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can grow and cause an infection.
Types of Sinusitis
There are several different types of sinusitis. In many cases, your doctor will determine the type you have by how long you have had symptoms. Your type also depends on what caused your sinusitis. Let’s take a look.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is typically caused by the common cold, a viral infection. You should feel better within 10 days, though symptoms could stick around as long as 4 weeks. You’ll experience the following symptoms:
- Stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, that makes it tough to breathe through your nose.
- Thick green or yellow mucus draining from your nose -- a runny nose -- or down the back of your throat, called postnasal drip.
- Pain, pressure, swelling, and tenderness around your nasal passages that feels worse when you bend over.
- You also may get a headache, have pressure in your ear, a cough, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis brings on the same unpleasant symptoms as acute sinusitis. But it lasts a whole lot longer. You won’t be diagnosed with chronic sinusitis until you’ve had symptoms for at least 3 months.
What causes it? That’s not always clear. There are many things that increase your risk, including:
- Nasal polyps, or small growths inside your nose
- Deviated nasal septum, in which the bone and cartilage that divides your nose gets pushed to one side, often due to an injury
- Allergies
- Recurring respiratory infections
- Diseases that affect the immune system, such as cystic fibrosis and HIV
Subacute Sinusitis
This type of sinusitis falls between acute and chronic. If your sinusitis lasts more than 4 weeks but less than 12 weeks, you will be diagnosed with subacute sinusitis. Your symptoms may not be as severe as those you would experience if you had acute sinusitis.
Recurrent Sinusitis
It’s not uncommon to get the occasional bout of acute sinusitis. After all, it goes hand in hand with the common cold. But for some people, it keeps going away and coming back again. If you get acute sinusitis four or more times each year, you have what’s called recurrent sinusitis.
Some of the same risk factors for chronic sinusitis also up your chances of recurrent sinusitis, such as nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, and other abnormalities that can occur in or around the sinuses. If you regularly inhale tobacco smoke or other irritants in the air, you may have a higher risk of recurrent sinusitis. Sinusitis also raises your odds of developing a bacterial infection, which in turn makes recurrent sinusitis more likely.
Fungal Sinusitis
Fungi (the plural of fungus) are living organisms that include mold, mildew, and mushrooms. They come in all sizes. Tiny fungi can be breathed in. Sometimes, that causes a fungal infection in your sinuses. There are two main categories:
- Invasive fungal sinusitis. These rare infections can spread to your eyes, brain, and elsewhere. They can be deadly.
- Non-invasive fungal sinusitis. These infections are more common. They affect only your nose and sinus area.
The most common type of fungal sinusitis is called allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. It’s caused by an allergic reaction to fungi that have taken up residence in your nose. The symptoms are similar to other forms of sinusitis. But if you have a weakened immune system, the symptoms can be different and severe:
- Changes in behavior and brain function (you may have trouble thinking clearly)
- Skin color changes, turning very pale or black
- Numbness in your face
- Your eyeballs stick out, a condition called proptosis
- Severe swelling in your eyes and cheeks
- Changes in vision, including vision loss and blindness
Diagnosis of Sinusitis
- Medical History and Physical Exam: A healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination, including checking for signs of swelling, tenderness, and redness in the face.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRI can provide detailed images of the sinuses and help identify blockages, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
- Nasal Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) into the nasal passages to visually inspect the sinuses for blockages or structural issues.
- Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected to be contributing to sinusitis, allergy tests may be conducted to identify specific allergens.
- Nasal and Sinus Cultures: In some cases, samples of mucus or tissue from the sinuses may be taken to identify the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens.
Acute Sinusitis:
- Facial pain or pressure, particularly around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks.
- Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Thick nasal discharge that is yellow or green.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste.
- Cough, which may worsen at night.
- Fever, headache, and fatigue.
- Dental pain or sensitivity in the upper teeth.
Chronic Sinusitis:
- Persistent nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Thick nasal discharge that can be yellow, green, or clear.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste.
- Facial pain or pressure that is constant and dull.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Ear pain or a sense of fullness in the ears.
- Sore throat and postnasal drip.
Viral Infections: Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by viral infections like the common cold. These infections cause the nasal passages to swell and block the sinuses.
Bacterial Infections: If symptoms persist longer than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement, a bacterial infection may be responsible.
Fungal Infections: Fungal sinus infections are less common but can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the sinuses and lead to sinusitis. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger inflammation.
Nasal Polyps: These are growths in the nasal passage that can block sinus drainage and cause chronic sinusitis.
Deviated Septum: A crooked septum can obstruct sinus drainage, leading to sinusitis.
Environmental Factors: Pollutants and irritants, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution, can contribute to sinus inflammation.
While medicines can help, many cases of sinusitis go away on their own without any medical treatment. If you often get the condition, many of these same approaches will help you prevent it, too.
Your treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as what caused your sinusitis and how long it has lasted. For example, sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection may require antibiotics, though it’s not likely. If it’s a result of the common cold, over-the-counter medications and time may be all you need. But if it has gone on for longer than 3 months, meaning it’s chronic, treatment may be more complex.
At Pharmacinta, we provide the following medications to treat sinusitis:
Antibiotics - Penicillin V & Clarithromycin Tablets
If your clinician thinks a bacterial infection is to blame, they may prescribe antibiotics. For acute sinusitis, you typically take them for 10-14 days. For chronic sinusitis, it might be longer. Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections. They won’t help if your sinusitis is caused by viruses or other problems.
Steroid Nasal Spray - Fluticasone & Mometasone Nasal Spray
Steroid nasal sprays, also called corticosteroid nasal sprays, are anti-inflammatory medicines that you spray into your nose. They can be used to treat a range of conditions, including hay fever, sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
Home Remedies:
Rest: Ensuring plenty of rest to help the body fight the infection.
Hydration: Drinking lots of fluids to thin the mucus.
Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the face can relieve sinus pressure.
Humidifiers: Using a humidifier to keep the nasal passages moist.
Saline Nasal Sprays or Rinses: These can help clear out the nasal passages.
Medications:
Decongestants: Over-the-counter or prescription decongestants can reduce nasal congestion. They should be used with caution and not for extended periods.
Nasal Corticosteroids: Prescription nasal sprays like fluticasone or mometasone can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Antibiotics: If bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Antihistamines: For sinusitis caused by allergies, antihistamines can help manage the allergic reaction.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce fever.
Procedures:
Nasal Irrigation: Using devices like neti pots to rinse the nasal passages with saline solution can help clear out mucus and allergens.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove blockages, nasal polyps, or correct structural issues in the sinuses or nasal passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, which can lead to infection and blocked sinuses filled with fluid.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces located within the bones around the nose, including the frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, and sphenoid sinuses.
Sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Acute sinusitis is particularly common, often following a cold.
Yes, allergies can cause sinusitis. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and swelling of the sinus tissues, resulting in blocked sinuses.
Risk factors include having allergies, asthma, structural issues in the nasal passages, exposure to pollutants, a weakened immune system, and frequent upper respiratory infections.
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like CT scans or MRI. Nasal endoscopy and allergy testing may also be used.
Nasal endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nasal passages to visually inspect the sinuses for blockages or structural issues.
CT scans and MRIs are commonly used to provide detailed images of the sinuses and help identify blockages, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Antibiotics are typically prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected, especially if symptoms persist longer than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.
Home remedies include staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays, applying warm compresses, using a humidifier, and resting to help the body fight the infection.
Yes, over-the-counter medications like decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms of sinusitis.
Nasal corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can relieve symptoms and promote drainage.
Surgery may be necessary for chronic or recurrent sinusitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Procedures can remove blockages, polyps, or correct structural issues in the sinuses or nasal passages.
Prevention strategies include avoiding upper respiratory infections, managing allergies, avoiding smoking and pollutants, using a humidifier, and staying hydrated.
Yes, effectively managing allergies can help prevent sinusitis by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Avoiding pollutants and irritants, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution, can help reduce the risk of developing sinusitis.
Avamys will treat your symptoms throughout the day and night. Some people will not feel the full effects until several days after first using Avamys. However, it is usually effective within 8 to 24 hours of use.
Complications can include chronic sinusitis, the spread of infection to nearby structures (like the eyes or brain), and a decreased sense of smell. Rarely, severe infections can lead to abscess formation or meningitis.
The prognosis is generally good, especially for acute sinusitis, which often resolves with appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis may require ongoing management, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled, and quality of life can be improved.
Yes, sinusitis can be related to other conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, and immune system disorders.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious, but the underlying viral infections that often lead to sinusitis, such as the common cold, can be contagious.
Acute sinusitis typically lasts up to 4 weeks, subacute sinusitis lasts 4-12 weeks, and chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer.
Chronic sinusitis can lead to ongoing symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and reduced sense of smell. It can also lead to the development of nasal polyps or chronic respiratory problems.
You should see a doctor if you have symptoms that last more than 10 days, severe symptoms, symptoms that worsen after initial improvement, or if you experience high fever, vision changes, or severe headache.
Yes, lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, avoiding allergens and irritants, using a humidifier, and practicing good nasal hygiene can help manage sinusitis symptoms.
Clarithromycin works by binding to the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis. This action prevents the bacteria from growing and reproducing, leading to the elimination of the infection.
Yes, clarithromycin is effective in treating bacterial sinusitis, particularly when caused by bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic.
No, clarithromycin is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Clarithromycin is generally effective for respiratory infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including those causing bronchitis and pneumonia.
Yes, clarithromycin is part of combination therapy to treat Helicobacter pylori infections, which can cause stomach ulcers.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Clarithromycin should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
No, clarithromycin is an antibiotic and is not effective against viral infections such as the flu or the common cold.
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Yes, clarithromycin can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking clarithromycin as it can increase the risk of liver damage and exacerbate side effects like dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after a few days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of your treatment plan.
Yes, penicillin, particularly amoxicillin, is often prescribed for bacterial sinusitis.
No, penicillin is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Penicillin is highly effective against many types of bacteria, particularly those causing respiratory tract infections, strep throat, and skin infections. Its effectiveness can vary based on bacterial resistance.
No, penicillin is ineffective against viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold. It only works against bacterial infections.
Penicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, you should inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting treatment.
Yes, penicillin can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
While moderate alcohol consumption is not known to interfere with the effectiveness of penicillin, it is best to avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of side effects like stomach upset and dizziness.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after a few days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of your treatment plan.
Intranasal steroid sprays are safe for long-term use, and there is little evidence to indicate they cause significant systemic side effects. However, patients with chronic rhinitis who might use them for long periods should be advised to use them only intermittently and at the lowest dose that controls their symptoms.
No, Avamys is a prescription-only medicine. You may request a prescription online from a registered online doctor service if required.
Mometasone works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. It inhibits the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation and allergic reactions, thereby relieving symptoms associated with nasal congestion and allergies.
No, mometasone nasal spray is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Some people may start to feel relief within 12 hours of the first dose, but it can take up to 1 to 2 weeks to achieve the full benefit. Consistent use as prescribed is important for the best results.
Yes, mometasone nasal spray can be used long-term, particularly for chronic conditions like allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Do not stop using mometasone nasal spray without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly may cause your symptoms to return. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to taper off if necessary.
Mometasone nasal spray does not cause dependency. It is a corticosteroid that works locally in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation, and it does not have the dependency risks associated with decongestant nasal sprays.
