SINUSITIS "Sinus" is the usual lay person term commonly used for any sinus pressure or headache in the mid-face. Actually its proper name is Sinusitis, with the "itis" meaning inflammation. The inflammation can be from allergy, pollution (non-allergic) viral infection, and bacterial infection and in rare cases fungal infections. Most patients have a form of sinus allergy that keeps the tissues inflamed and swollen. Of all the allergies that trigger rhinosinusitis the fungus and mold allergens trigger the worst sinus congestion. Acute Sinusitis: occurs more often in allergic persons who catch a cold and the combinations of infection and allergy block the sinuses allowing a simple upper respiratory infection to become more complicated. Recurrent Sinusitis: When a person has 3 or more sinus infections per year. At this point allergy evaluation and management is very important before chronic sinus problems develop. Chronic Sinusitis: A sinus infection that has lasted more than 4 weeks. Usually permanent damage may occur to the lining of the sinuses if not resolved within 6 weeks. Treatment is prolonged and at least 40% may require surgery to just get over the chronic sinusitis. The lining of the sinus still does not recover and is likely to require long term treatment. Allergists advise treatment of your allergies before the sinusitis gets to this stage. The most effective tools for managing sinus disease are allergy control and nasal irrigation. Signs and Symptoms - People with sinusitis can experience one or several of the following: Cough (caused by postnasal drip) Nasal congestion Pain and tenderness around the affected sinuses Postnasal drip Pressure in the face and head Yellow or green nasal discharge Fever may accompany infection. Halitosis (bad breath) Maxillary sinusitis causes pain around the cheek and upper teeth and an infected ethmoid sinus produces pain over the nose or behind the eyes. Pain is caused by inflammation of the mucosal lining in the sinus. A blocked ostium causes oxygen in the sinus to be absorbed into the blood vessels of the mucous membrane, causing negative pressure (vacuum sinusitis). The vacuum then draws more mucus out of the membrane, resulting in positive pressure and pain. Treatment: The goal of treatment is to eliminate infection and encourage the sinuses to drain. Temporary use of decongestants and nasal corticosteroids may promote drainage. Antibiotics are generally prescribed for 7 to 10 days.