How Sinusitis Can Lead to Headaches, Facial Pain, and Other Complications

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed. Usually, sinuses are filled with air. However, when they get blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinusitis can be short-term (acute) or last for a long time (chronic sinusitis). According to the CDC, sinusitis is one of the most frequent reasons people visit a doctor.

Common Causes of Sinusitis

Many things can lead to sinusitis. Sometimes, it starts after a cold. Other times, allergies or other health issues play a role. Here are some common causes:

Viral infections, such as the common cold

Bacterial infections

Fungal infections (rare)

Allergies, like hay fever

Nasal polyps (small growths in the nose)

Deviated nasal septum (crooked nasal wall)

Exposure to smoke or pollutants

In addition, people with weak immune systems may be more likely to get sinusitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Sinus infection symptoms can vary. However, most people notice a few common signs. Watch for these symptoms:

Stuffy or blocked nose

Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

Pain or pressure in the face, especially around the eyes or forehead

Headache

Loss of smell or taste

Cough, which may get worse at night

Fever (sometimes)

Bad breath

Fatigue

Sometimes, these symptoms last for a few days. But if they continue for more than 12 weeks, it may be chronic sinusitis.

How Sinusitis is Diagnosed

Doctors use several methods to diagnose sinusitis. First, they will ask about your symptoms. Next, they may check your nose and face. Sometimes, they use a light to look inside your nose. In some cases, doctors may order tests, such as:

Nasal endoscopy (a thin tube with a camera to see inside the nose)

Imaging tests, like a CT scan, to view the sinuses

Swab tests to check for bacteria or fungi

These steps help your doctor find the cause and choose the best treatment.

Treatment Options

There are many ways to treat sinusitis. The right treatment depends on the cause and how long symptoms last. Here are some common options:

Saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear the nose

Decongestant medicines (short-term use only)

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is present

Allergy medicines, if allergies are a trigger

Steroid nasal sprays to reduce swelling

For chronic sinusitis treatment, surgery may be needed to remove blockages

Always follow your doctor’s advice. Do not use over-the-counter medicines for more than a few days without checking with a healthcare provider.

Prevention Tips

While you cannot always prevent sinusitis, you can lower your risk. Try these tips to keep your sinuses healthy:

Wash your hands often to avoid infections

Avoid close contact with people who have colds

Stay away from cigarette smoke and air pollution

Use a humidifier to keep air moist, especially in dry weather

Treat allergies quickly to prevent sinus problems

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

Practice good nasal hygiene, such as using saline sprays

In addition, learning how to prevent sinusitis can help you avoid future problems.

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, sinusitis goes away on its own. However, you should see a doctor if:

Your symptoms last more than 10 days

You have a high fever

Pain is severe or getting worse

You notice vision changes or swelling around the eyes

Symptoms keep coming back

Early treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better sooner.

For personalized advice about sinusitis, consult an ENT specialist. They can help you find the best treatment and answer your questions.