Sinusitis is a condition where the paranasal sinuses are inflamed. Sinusitis mostly occurs together with the inflammation of the nasal cavity. Inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are known as rhinosinusitis. Rhinosinusitis is classified according to symptom duration. Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) persist only up to four weeks, subacute rhinosinusitis persist between four to 12 weeks, chronic rhinosinusitis persists beyond 12 weeks, and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis is when there are more than four episodes of acute rhinosinusitis in a year. The main cause of acute rhinosinusitis is a viral infection. Acute rhinosinusitis presents with common cold too. Sinus infection treatment by doctoroncall is available online to make it easier for you to recover.

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common health issue. Annually, around 12% of the United States and European countries’ populations develop an episode of acute rhinosinusitis. Women are more likely to develop acute rhinosinusitis compared to men. Those who are between 45 to 64 years old are at the highest risk to develop acute rhinosinusitis. Acute rhinosinusitis can be classified according to the underlying causes. Types of acute rhinosinusitis are:

• Acute viral rhinosinusitis (viral infection)
• Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis

You are most likely to suffer from acute bacterial sinusitis if you have the following symptoms for more than 10 days:

• Nasal obstruction
• Nasal congestion
• Purulent (yellow or green) nasal discharge
• Facial pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of smell sensation
• Headache
• Ear pain
• Badmouth odour

  The symptoms of acute sinusitis due to viral or bacterial infections are similar. The distinguishing points are: 

• Acute bacterial sinusitis usually presents with fever, but acute viral sinusitis rarely accompanied by fever
• Symptoms of acute bacterial sinusitis persist for more than 10 days, while symptoms for acute viral sinusitis rarely persist beyond 10 days

  The risk factors for acute rhinosinusitis are:

• Smoking
• Old age
• Air travel
• Sea diving
• Asthma 
• Swimming
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Dental disease
• Immunodeficiency

  Only two per cent of patients with acute rhinosinusitis are caused by bacterial infections. The remaining are due to viral infections. The organisms that cause acute bacterial rhinosinusitis are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis

  The organisms that cause acute viral rhinosinusitis are:

• Influenza virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Rhinovirus

Untreated acute rhinosinusitis may result in complications. The complications are:

• Periorbital cellulitis (inflammation of the skin around the eye due to infection)
• A subperiosteal abscess (pus within the soft tissues around the eye)
• Osteomyelitis of the sinus bones (Sinus bones infection and inflammation)
• Meningitis (Infection and inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord)
• An intracranial abscess (Pus collection within the skull)

Acute rhinosinusitis is a self-limiting disease. Symptomatic treatment and observation are usually adequate to heal patients. Only in certain serious cases, antibiotics are given. Types of antibiotics given will depend on the organism that causes the infection. Examples of antibiotics that can be given are amoxicillin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and clindamycin. Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and saline nasal irrigation are the treatment of choice. Painkillers, saline nasal irrigation, and medical observation have proven to cure most acute rhinosinusitis effectively. If you develop any symptoms or illness, please get a legit medical evaluation and treatment. Never attempt to self treat your illnesses. Self-treating will only cause more harm!