Northeast Florida Medicine
Vol. 66, No. 1 2015
11
Patient Page
Sinusitis
WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities
caused by bacteria. It usually is preceded by a cold, allergy
attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants.
Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the
nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your
sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can
lead to congestion and infection. Your doctor will diagnose
acute sinusitis if you have up to 4 weeks of discolored
nasal drainage accompanied by nasal congestion, facial
pain-pressure-fullness, or both. The sinus infection is likely
bacterial if it persists for 10 days or longer.
TIPS TO PREVENT SINUSITIS
To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or
allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:
• Using an oral decongestant or a short course of
nasal spray decongestant
• Gently blowing your nose, blocking one nostril while
blowing through the other
• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin
• Avoiding air travel. If you must fly, use a nasal spray
decongestant before take-off to prevent blockage of the
sinuses allowing mucus to drain
• If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with things that
trigger attacks. If you cannot, use over-the-counter or
prescription antihistamines and/or a prescription nasal
spray to control allergy attacks
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SIGN / SYMPTOM
SINUSITIS
ALLERGY
COLD
Facial Pressure /Pain
Yes
Sometimes
Sometimes
Duration of Illness
Over 10-14 days
Varies
Under 10 days
Nasal Discharge
Whitish or colored
Clear, thin, watery
Thick, whitish or thin
Fever
Sometimes
No
Sometimes
Headache
Often
Sometimes
Sometimes
Pain in Upper Teeth
Sometimes
No
No
Bad Breath
Sometimes
No
No
Coughing
Sometimes
Sometimes
Yes
Nasal Congestion
Yes
Sometimes
Yes
Sneezing
No
Sometimes
Yes
What are the symptoms of sinusitis vs. a cold or allergy?
Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn’t go away?
If so, there’s a good chance you actually had sinusitis.
