Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Overview
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.
Symptoms
Sinusitis is common after acoldorflu. The main symptoms of sinusitis include: pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or foreheada blocked or runny nosea reduced sense of smellgreen or yellow mucus from your nosea high temperature Other symptoms include: a headachetoothachebad breatha cougha feeling of pressure in the ears You may also snore at night and sound nasal when you speak. Young children may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and breathe through their mouth.
Treatment
If your sinusitis needs treatment, a pharmacist or GP may prescribe medicines such as: steroid nasal sprays or dropsto reduce the swelling in your sinuses – you might need to take these for a few monthsantihistaminesif an allergy is causing your symptoms Rarely, you may need antibiotics. This is not common as sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, not bacteria. A GP may refer you to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you: still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatmentkeep getting sinusitisonly have symptoms on 1 side of your face An ENT specialist may recommend surgery for some people.