Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections most often happen after a cold or after an allergy flare-up. There are four types:

• Acute. Symptoms last less than 4 weeks and get better with the correct care.
• Subacute. Does not get better with treatment at first. Symptoms last 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic. Happens with repeated or poorly treated acute infections. Symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent. If you have three or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year, it's called recurrent.

The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near the nose passage. The sinuses make mucus. This fluid cleans the bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe.

Sinusitis can happen after a cold. The cold inflames the nasal passages. This can block the opening of the sinuses and lead to infection. Allergies can also cause the nasal tissue to swell and make more mucus and cause sinusitis.

Other conditions that can lead to sinusitis include:

• Abnormalities in the structure of the nose.
• Enlarged adenoids.
• Diving and swimming.
• Tooth infections.
• Nose injury.
• Foreign objects that are stuck in the nose.
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

If mucus drainage is blocked, bacteria or viruses may start to grow. This leads to a sinus infection, or sinusitis. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis also cause the flu or certain kinds of pneumonia.

The symptoms of sinusitis may depend on your age. The most common symptoms include:

Younger children

• Runny nose that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days. The discharge is often thick green or yellow, but can also be clear.
• Cough at night.
• Occasional daytime cough.
• Swelling around the eyes.

Older children and adults

• Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than 7 to 10 days.
• Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose.
• Headaches.
• Facial pain, and upper jaw and teeth soreness or pain.
• Bad breath.
• Cough.
• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Swelling around the eyes that is worse in the morning.

The symptoms of sinusitis may look like other conditions or health problems. Always talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.

Your doctor can often diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Sometimes other tests are done, such as a sinus CT scan. This imaging test uses X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body. A nasal endoscopy may also be done. To do this test, your doctor uses a tool called an endoscope to examine the sinuses. You may also have a sinus culture.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment of sinusitis may include:

• Pain relievers.
• Nose drops.
• Antibiotics for severe bacterial infections, such as fever, face pain or soreness, or swelling around the eyes. Take antibiotics for the length of time prescribed, even if the symptoms stop.
• Surgery, if other treatments have failed.

You may be referred to an allergist or immunologist, especially for chronic or recurrent sinusitis. People who have had sinus surgery, but still have sinusitis, may also be referred.

Decongestants and antihistamines can help alleviate some of the congestion and drainage caused by sinusitis.

Call 911 if you have:

• Vision changes.
• Severe or intense facial pain or pressure.
• A high fever.
• Neck stiffness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling or redness around one or both eyes.
• Trouble thinking.

These symptoms may point to a serious condition.

• Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose.
• It may follow a cold or allergies.
• Inflammation caused by a virus may go away in about 10 days and won't need antibiotics.
• Inflammation caused by bacteria needs antibiotics.
• Treatment aims to ease the pain and discomfort, and reduce inflammation and mucus production.
• Take all antibiotics as prescribed and finish the prescription.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.