Acute Sinusitis is a short-term condition that usually follows common URI. The term “sinusitis” generally implies a bacterial infection, but this is not always the case.
When a bacterial cause is suspected, the patient is treated with antibiotics, decongestants and saline irrigations. These treatments often produce a rapid recovery.
Recurrent Acute Sinusitis is characterized by episodic sinus infections with complete resolution between infections. It can usually be managed medically but sometimes surgery is necessary to correct an anatomic abnormality.
Chronic Sinusitis is characterized by symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks and requires more intensive treatment which can include surgery. Potentially serious and even life-threatening conditions can result from chronic sinusitis. Patients suffering from chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 12 weeks or more:
- Facial pain/pressure
- Facial congestion/fullness
- Nasal obstruction/ blockage
- Thick nasal discharge/ discolored post-nasal drainage
- Nasal cavity infection
- Fever
- Patients may also have headache, bad breath, and fatigue
