What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a common condition in which the lining of the sinuses (small air-filled cavities behind your forehead and cheekbones) becomes inflamed, blocking the channels and preventing mucus from draining away. Sinusitis usually occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection, such as cold and flu.  An infection usually causes it and often clears up on its own within 4 weeks without treatment.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

If you have a persistent cold and show the symptoms below, you may have sinusitis.

• pain, swelling, and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes, or forehead
• a blocked or runny nose
• a reduced sense of smell
• green or yellow mucus from your nose
• a high temperature
• a headache
• toothache
• bad breath
• a cough
• a feeling of pressure in the ears

Children with sinusitis may breathe through their mouth, be irritable, and have difficulty feeding. 

What causes sinusitis?

The most common causes of sinusitis are:

• Viral infection 
• Bacterial infection 
• Allergies 
• Structural abnormalities
• Environmental irritants 
• Dental infections

How to treat sinusitis?

You can help relieve your symptoms by:

• Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding things that trigger your allergies
• Avoid smoking
• Cleaning your nose with a saline solution.

Book a consultation or talk to our pharmacists if your symptoms are not improving after seven days or are getting worse. You may benefit from a course of antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray, if appropriate.