Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed or swelled. Patients who have had a recent cold, allergies, a nasal obstruction due to polyps, a deviated septum, sinus infection, swollen adenoids, or facial/nasal structure that narrows the drainage ducts have a higher risk of sinusitis.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis can last 4 weeks, and sub-acute sinusitis can last up to 12 weeks. Acute sinusitis can be caused by:
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
Acute sinusitis symptoms often include:
- Drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat
- Nasal obstruction or congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Cough
Other signs and symptoms can include:
- Ear pain
- Headache
- Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Fatigue
- Fever
Acute sinusitis may be diagnosed when a person has two or more symptoms and/or the presence of thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 4 weeks and occurs frequently –more than 4 times a year. People who experience chronic sinusitis should visit a specialist for evaluation. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by nasal polyps or tumors, sinus infection, allergies, or respiratory tract infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), among other reasons.
People with chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 8 weeks or more:
- Facial congestion/fullness
- A nasal obstruction/blockage
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- Nasal discharge/discolored postnasal drainage
Additional symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include:
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
Plains ENT offers allergy and sinus treatment in Fargo, Carrington, and surrounding areas in eastern North Dakota and North Western Minnesota.