Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Causes of sinus inflammation include viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, and an autoimmune reaction. Although uncomfortable and painful, sinusitis often goes away without medical intervention. However, if symptoms are severe and persistent, a person should consult their doctor. Sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up, and the sinuses become irritated and inflamed.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on how long a condition lasts and how severe the symptoms are.

The symptoms include:

• Nasal discharge, which may be green or yellow
• A postnasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of the throat
• Pain or pressure
• Blocked or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Headaches
• A reduced sense of smell and taste
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead
• Toothache
• A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
• A nasal obstruction
• Pus in the nasal cavity

Causes

• Sinuses, allowing germs to grow.
• The most common cause is a virus, but a bacterial infection can also lead to sinusitis. Triggers can include allergies and asthma, as well as pollutants in the air, such as chemicals or other irritants.
• Fungal infections and molds can cause fungal sinusitis.
• Having a previous respiratory tract infection, such as a cold
• Nasal polyps, which are small benign growths in the nasal passage that can lead to obstruction and inflammation
• Seasonal allergies.

Prevention

• Clean your hands.
• Receive recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.