Wondering what that stuffy or runny nose is? This might be a sign that you might have sinusitis.
Sinusitis is usually referred to as a swelling of the tissues in your sinuses. The sinuses are the regions in your forehead, cheeks, and nose generally filled with air. The condition of sinusitis may have you complaining of pain in your face, a stuffy or running nose, or at times, even fever and other symptoms. The cause may be a common cold, but could also include factors such as bacteria, fungi, allergies, and other allergies.
Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is a swelling in the tissue around the sinuses. Your sinuses are located in the structures inside your face that are generally filled with air. They get blocked and accumulated with fluids or mucus when bacterial or viral infections cause irritation. The draining out of mucus or fluids helps you to get rid of the bacteria, allergens, and pathogens. The symptoms of sinusitis include feeling pain in and around your facial muscles, nasal congestion, and more.
What are the Types of Sinusitis?
The types of sinusitis are categorized by the duration of the condition (acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent) and the main cause as well (bacteria, virus, or fungus).
Acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent sinusitis
- Acute sinusitis has symptoms such as congestion in the nose, drainage of mucus, pain in the facial muscles, and reduced ability to smell. Acute sinusitis lasts no longer than four weeks and is generally caused by viruses such as the common cold.
- Subacute sinusitis usually has a duration of four to twelve weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis, caused mainly by bacteria, lasts for a minimum of 12 weeks.
- Recurrent acute sinusitis lasts for less than two weeks but occurs 4 or more times in a year.
Bacterial and viral sinusitis contain viruses and bacteria that are responsible for most cases of viral sinusitis. If symptoms such as runny or congested nose and facial pain don’t stop after ten days, then you may be suffering from bacterial sinusitis. While your recovery might be quick, the symptoms keep getting worse each time they return. You may rely on antibiotics and decongestants to reduce your bacterial sinusitis.
Fungal sinusitis is caused by fungus and is generally more severe than other forms of sinusitis. They may recur if your immune system is not strong.
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
You may experience these symptoms if you have sinusitis.
- Postnasal drip (mucus flowing down your throat).
- Runny nose with dense yellow or green mucus.
- Congested nose.
- Facial pressure (especially around your nose, eyes, and forehead). This may worsen when you change the position of your head or lean forward.
- Pressure or discomfort in your teeth.
- Ear pressure or discomfort.
- Fever.
- Unpleasant breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
What Causes the Condition of Sinusitis?
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens can lead to sinusitis. The causes of sinusitis consist of:
- The common cold.
- The flu (influenza).
- Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
- Haemophilus influenzae bacteria.
- Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria.
- Nasal and seasonal allergies.
If you are experiencing these symptoms or if your sinusitis refuses to go away despite medication lasting for more than 10 days, you need to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately.