Sinusitis

Sinusitis | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Sinusitis Sinusitis Sinusitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the sinuses. The sinuses are small, air-filled spaces in your cheekbones and forehead. Inflammation blocks the sinuses so mucus cannot drain into your nose as usual. Sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection. Its common and usually gets better within 2 to 3 weeks. Symptoms of sinusitis Sinusitis usually occurs after an infection, such as a cold . Symptoms of sinusitis include: a green or yellow discharge from your nose a blocked nose pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or more toothache a reduced sense of smell bad breath (halitosis) Children with sinusitis may: be irritable breathe through their mouth have difficulty feeding sound nasal when they speak, as though they have a stuffy cold The symptoms of sinusitis often clear up within a few weeks (acute sinusitis). Occasionally they can last 3 months or more (chronic sinusitis). When to get medical advice If your symptoms are mild and getting better, you can often treat sinusitis without seeing a GP. Speak to your GP practice if: your symptoms are severe or getting worse your symptoms havent started to improve after around 7 to 10 days you keep getting sinusitis Diagnosing sinusitis Your GP will usually be able to diagnose sinusitis from your symptoms and by examining the inside of your nose. If you keep getting sinusitis, or its severe, they may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Treatment for sinusitis Sinusitis usually gets better on its own within 2 or 3 weeks. Things you can do to help your symptoms Do get plenty of rest drink plenty of fluids take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16) use nasal decongestants  these shouldnt be used for more than a week, as this might make things worse hold warm packs to your face clean your nose with a salt water solution  you can make yourself or buy sachets from a pharmacy Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. If youre not sure which treatments are suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist for advice. How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water. Wash your hands. Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it. Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat. Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day until your nose feels more comfortable. You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose. Treatments from your doctor If your symptoms arent improving or are getting worse, your GP may prescribe antibiotics tablets or corticosteroid spray or drops. If your symptoms still dont get better, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for surgery to improve the drainage of your sinuses. What causes sinusitis? Sinusitis is usually caused by a cold or flu virus spreading to the sinuses from the upper airways. Only a few cases are caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses. An infected tooth or fungal infection can also occasionally cause the sinuses to become inflamed. Chronic sinusitis Its not clear exactly what causes sinusitis to become chronic (long-lasting), but it may be related to: allergies and related conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma and hay fever nasal polyps (benign growths inside the nose) smoking a weakened immune system Controlling underlying conditions like allergies may improve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 05 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Flu Common cold Other health sites NICE: Balloon catheter dilation for chronic sinusitis NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852