Normally, the nose and sinuses produce between a pint and a quart of mucus and secretions per day. Most people do not notice this mucus flow because it is just a normal body function. The medical term for infection or inflammation of the sinus is sinusitis. The typical case of sinusitis begins with a cold, flu or allergy attack that causes swelling of the nasal membranes and increased watery mucus production. A blocked sinus cavity filled with mucus becomes a fine place for bacteria to grow.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinus opening is blocked for an extended period.
Also, fleshy growths known as polyps can develop as an exaggerated form of inflammatory swelling of the membranes. Some cases of sinusitis are brought on by infections in the upper teeth that extend into the sinuses. Infections may require antibiotics or surgery or sometimes both. Acute sinusitis most likely will improve with medication, but chronic sinusitis more often requires surgery. If your symptoms are due to allergy, migraine, or some other disease that mimics sinusitis, your doctor will have alternative treatment plans.