What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a complex and varied disease process that involves both inflammation of the sinus lining and usually infection.  When the pathways leading from the sinuses to the nasal cavity become congested and swollen, the sinuses stop functioning normally.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Nasal congestion, pressure, or pain
• Facial pressure, pain, or headache
• Discolored secretions
• Reduced or loss of sense of smell
• Fatigue
• Cough and throat clearing
• Worsening of asthma
• Fever

Most sinusitis that has not been present for long resolves promptly with rest and medications.  Sometimes antibiotics are necessary.  When sinusitis has been present for weeks, recurs after discontinuing medications, or returns more than the usual number of times in a year, chronic sinusitis may be developing.  

  An Overview of Sinusitis

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