Acute sinusitis is a brief form of swelling of the membranes lining the nose and adjacent sinuses. This disrupts the ability to drain mucus from the nose and sinuses.
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The condition is typically due to common cold causing a viral infection. Nevertheless, it might have non-infectious causes.
What are the indications?
The usual signs of acute sinusitis include:
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Dense yellowish or greenish mucus drainage from the nose
- Headache
- Cough that is worse at night
Pressure, pain or tenderness behind the nose, eyes, cheeks or forehead. - Drainage of mucus in the rear part of the throat
- Pressure, pain or tenderness behind the nose, eyes, cheeks or forehead
- Ear pain
- Bad breath
- Toothache
- Fever
- Diminished sense of taste or smell
- Fatigue
Management of acute sinusitis
Generally, most cases of acute sinusitis can be managed at home such as:
- Warm, moist washcloth – this must be applied over the sinuses to lessen the pain and any symptoms
- Humidifier
- Saline nasal sprays – this can be used several times throughout the day to rinse and clear the nasal passages
- Proper hydration – increase the intake of fluids to thin out the mucus
- Over-the-counter nasal corticosteroid spray
- Over-the-counter decongestants – these drugs help dry up the mucus
- Over-the-counter pain medications – these drugs can lessen the sinus pain
- Sleeping with the head elevated – this helps promote the drainage of the sinuses.
Prescription drugs
The doctor might prescribe antibiotics if the individual is suspected with acute bacterial sinusitis.
Allergy shots
In case intranasal allergies are believed to the linked to the episodes of acute sinusitis, an allergist must be seen. The allergist can determine if allergy shots can help deal with allergic sinusitis.
Surgical intervention
In some instances, surgery might be required to manage the root cause of acute sinusitis. The doctor might carry out surgery to eliminate any nasal polyps or tumors, fix a deviated nasal septum or clean and draining the sinuses.