USF-COM Department of Family Medicine

Patient Education Information on...

Sinusistis

Class of 1999

  • What is sinusitis?
  • What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
  • What is chronic sinusisits ?
  • Who get's sinusitis ?
  • What is the treatment ?
  • Preventing sinusitis
    • Index of Patient Education Topics

    What is sinusitis ?

    * Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus
       cavities  in the head that is caused by bacteria.  It is
       usually preceded by a cold or allergy attack.
    * Mucus is normally produced by these sinuses and
       normally drains into the nasal passages.  However,
      When you have a cold or allergic attack, your
       sinuses become inflammed and can’t drain properly.
       This back-up of fluid can set the stage for congestion
       and infection.

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    What are the symptoms of sinusitis ?

  • Discharge of pus from the ear.
  • Ear pain that worsens when the earlobe is pulled or pressed.
  • Itching in the ear.
  • Slight fever (sometimes).

    • Short-term hearing loss on the affected side.
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    What is chronic sinusitis?

    When an infection lasts 3 months or more it could be
    chronic sinusitis.  Symptoms may be less severe, however, this infection needs to be treated with antibiotics too.

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    Who gets sinusitis ?

    People with colds:
    Most adults get about 3 colds per year.  Children get them more frequently.  The common cold often sets the stage for a subsequent bacterial infection such as sinusitis.  When nasal discharge begins clear and turns yellow-green, it usually means a bacterial infection has set in.  Since drainage is one of the body’s way of clearing out infected fluids, the thick secretions and inflammation
    that slow down drainage can potentiate an infection.

    People with allergies:  because the allergic reaction causes  inflammation inside the nose, and this inflammation slows down normal drainage.

    People exposed to irritants: such as; air pollution, smoke, chemicals, because all of these can cause swelling which inflammation can block proper drainage.

    People with anatomical problems:  Some people have what is  called a “deviated septum” inside their nose, which if deviated  enough can block normal drainage.

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    What is the treatment ?

    Proper therapy requires that you see your doctor
    and receive appropriate antibiotic treatment for bacterial
    sinusitis.  A nasal decongestant or nasal spray steroids to
    decrease inflammation may also be  added at the doctor’s discression.

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    Preventing sinusitis