A disorder of the sinuses surrounding the nose, where one or more of these sinuses are inflamed. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 3 to 8 weeks, whereas chronic sinusitis lasts longer.
Nasal sinuses are small mucous-lined pockets within the facial bones surrounding the nose.
Normally, these sinuses make mucus that drains from the sinuses into the nose while air passes freely in and out. Any combination of these may cause sinusitis. Sinusitis affects approximately 3 out of 1,000 people, and develops in approximately 31 million Americans alone each year. It usually follows respiratory infections such as colds Sinusitis typically follows a upper respiratory infection or allergic reaction, which can cause inflammation and swelling that close off the sinus ostia. This encourages mucous accumulation in the sinuses, and makes the sinus a great place for bacteria and fungus to live and grow rapidly.