HomeHealth TopicsOlder AdultsSinusitis
Back to Older Adults
Sinusitis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Older Adults

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose, often caused by infection or other blockages.

Overview

Sinusitis means your sinuses are inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose that produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain.

Types of Sinusitis

There are several types of sinusitis:

  • Acute: Lasts up to 4 weeks.
  • Subacute: Lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Chronic: Lasts more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or even years.
  • Recurrent: Characterized by several attacks within a year.

Causes

Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, nasal problems, and certain diseases can also cause both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough, and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip.

Your health care professional diagnoses sinusitis based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. You may also need imaging tests.

Treatment

Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants, and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays, and vaporizers can also help.

Frequently Asked Questions

cold typically lasts 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms improve but then suddenly worsen after day 5 or 7, or if you have severe facial pain, high fever, and thick yellow or green discharge lasting more than 10 days, it may have progressed to a bacterial sinusitis. In these cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics, as they are not effective against the viruses that cause common colds.
Using a saline nasal rinse or spray helps flush out mucus and allergens, reducing inflammation. Applying a warm, damp compress to the face for 10 to 15 minutes can soothe pain and improve drainage. Staying well-hydrated thins mucus, making it easier to expel, and using a humidifier in dry environments prevents the nasal passages from drying out and becoming more irritated.
llergic rhinitis often presents with itchy eyes, sneezing, and clear, watery discharge, and symptoms tend to be consistent throughout the day or triggered by specific allergens like pollen or dust. Sinusitis is more likely if you experience facial pressure or pain, thick discolored mucus, and a reduced sense of smell, often following a recent cold or respiratory infection. If symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement, a sinus infection is more probable.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, or vision changes such as double vision or swelling around the eyes. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread to the brain or eyes, which is a rare but serious complication. High fever that does not respond to medication or severe facial swelling also warrants urgent evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss