Sinusitis may be acute, chronic or recurrent. Symptoms Symptoms vary. They include pressure pains or discomfort over the involved sinuses, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, nasal blockage, and even cough. A feeling of malaise may be present. Complicated cases may exhibit more severe or other symptoms.
Cultures are sometimes necessary.
Treatment Sinusitis usually is managed using drug therapy, which includes an antibiotic to combat the infection, an anti-allergic treatment if allergies are a suspected cause, decongestants, and pain killers, if necessary. Most patients with sinusitis respond well to this medical management. When they fail to respond, if the infection keeps recurring, or when complications set in or are imminent, then surgery is considered. When medical management fails, sinus surgery is recommended. There is more than one surgical option available, depending on the surgeon, the indications, and the sinuses affected.