Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Sinusitis — inflammation and infection of one or more of the paranasal sinuses — is a common condition. Most episodes are acute, following a cold or upper respiratory infection, and resolve with or without antibiotics. Some patients develop recurrent acute episodes or chronic sinusitis requiring specialist assessment.

Symptoms

Sinusitis may cause facial pain or pressure, nasal blockage, post-nasal drip, runny nose, loss of smell, headache, toothache, fatigue, and in some patients a chronic cough from mucus dripping into the throat. Rarely, severe sinusitis can spread beyond the nose causing double vision or meningitis — these are urgent presentations requiring immediate medical assessment.

What to Do

The first step is to see your GP, who will take a history and may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics, a nasal steroid spray, and saline irrigations. These should ideally all be used together for at least two to three weeks. If symptoms persist after an adequate trial of medical treatment, referral to an ENT specialist is appropriate.

ENT Assessment

An ENT specialist will take a detailed history, perform nasendoscopy to directly examine the nose and sinus drainage pathways, and arrange appropriate investigations. These may include allergy testing, blood tests, and a CT scan of the sinuses. Treatment is directed at the specific cause identified and may include further medical management or surgical assessment where structural problems are contributing.

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