Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining inside your sinus cavities. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute sinusitis usually improves with medications like antibiotics and decongestants, while chronic sinusitis may require additional treatment, including surgery in some cases.

Over 37 million Americans experience sinusitis each year. Cases have increased in recent years, possibly due to pollution, urban living, and growing resistance to antibiotics.

Symptoms may include facial pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and reduced sense of smell or taste. Some people also experience fever, fatigue, bad breath, dental pain, or asthma flare-ups.

Most cases are treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Decongestants and nasal sprays may help relieve symptoms. Rinsing your nose with a saline solution can also reduce inflammation and improve healing.

Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or more and may include facial pressure, nasal blockage, thick or discolored mucus, fatigue, bad breath, and occasional fever or headache.

Breathing in warm, moist air—like from a humidifier or steam—can help. Saline rinses are also very effective. If you use a humidifier, be sure to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria or mold from spreading.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can offer short-term relief but should not be used for more than three days, or symptoms may worsen. Saline sprays are safe for regular use and can keep your nasal passages clear.

Your doctor will review your medical history, examine your nose and sinuses, and may use tools like nasal endoscopy, cultures, or a CT scan to understand the cause and recommend the best treatment.

The doctor will examine your ears, nose, and throat and may gently press or tap over your sinuses to check for pain or pressure. This helps identify inflamed or blocked sinuses.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy, run allergy tests, collect a bacterial culture, or order a CT scan for a closer look at your sinuses.

Nasal endoscopy uses a thin, lighted instrument to look inside your nasal passages and sinuses. It helps doctors see signs of blockage, inflammation, or polyps that can’t be seen with a standard exam.

This procedure gives a clear view of the sinus drainage pathways and helps identify the cause of your symptoms. It can also be used to take samples for lab testing to determine the best treatment.

Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend nasal sprays, saline rinses, oral decongestants, or antibiotics for bacterial infections. Allergy medications may also be used if allergies are contributing to your symptoms.

Yes. Avoiding smoking, drinking plenty of fluids, and limiting acid-reflux-triggering foods can all help reduce symptoms and support healing.

Surgery may be needed when inflammation or blockages in the sinuses don’t improve with medication. If mucus gets trapped and infections keep returning, surgery can help open the sinus pathways and restore proper drainage.

Sinus surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with local or general anesthesia. Most people can return to normal activities within a few days.

Minimally invasive surgery removes blockages and improves drainage, helping the sinuses work properly again. It preserves healthy tissue so your sinuses can heal and function naturally.

Leaving sinus infections untreated can lead to chronic pain and complications. In rare cases, the infection may spread and cause serious conditions like meningitis or a brain abscess.