DoubleCheckMD - Sinus Infection Information Center


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Sinus Infection information center

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	Frequently Asked Questions
	Where are the sinuses located? Where are the sinuses located? There are four sinuses on each side of the face: The frontal sinuses are located over the eyes in the brow area. The maxillary sinuses are inside each cheek bone. The ethnoid sinuses are just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes. The sphenoid sinuses are just behind the ethmoids in the upper area of the nose and behind the eyes; these are the sinuses closest to the brain.

	Who is likely to get sinusitis? Who is likely to get sinusitis? Sinusitis is more common in children but can occur in anyone. It usually occurs after the common cold or a respiratory virus and is also more common in people who hay fever or other allergies. People who have abnormal immune systems, such as patients with certain blood cancers, use certain drugs that affect the immune system (e.g. steroid pills, cancer chemotherapy), and patients with cystic fibrosis or HIV/AIDS, are more prone to sinus infections.

	What is chronic sinusitis? What is chronic sinusitis? The symptoms of a chronic sinus infection are not very different from an acute sinus infection. The main difference is the length of time that the patient has symptoms. Symptoms must last for more than 12 weeks to be considered a chronic sinus infection. Common symptoms of a chronic sinus infection include: Facial pain/pressure Nasal blockage/stuffiness Facial congestion/fullness Postnasal drip (a sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat) Foul-smelling breath Patients with asthma, allergies to dust, mold, pollen, etc. and patients who have had many sinus infections in the past are all at an increased risk of developing a chronic sinus infection.

	How can I tell if I have a sinus infection? How can I tell if I have a sinus infection? Sinus infections can cause symptoms that are very similar to those of a common cold including: nasal congestion, nasal dripping or discharge, headache, cough, a runny or stuffy nose, and a fever. Symptoms caused by a common cold/respiratory virus usually start to improve within five to 10 days. A sinus infection may look like a cold initially, but symptoms often worsen after five to 10 days and typically last for more than 10 days. It is hard to tell during the first week whether an infection is a cold or a sinus infection; experts recommend waiting for at least seven to 10 days to decide that a sinus infection is present. Severe sinus infections, however, may begin with a high fever and nasal discharge right from the start. If severe symptoms are present, a diagnosis of sinusitis and treatment may be considered right away.

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NOTE: Just because a drug or combination of drugs can cause a symptom does not mean it is actually causing your symptom. Symptoms can be caused by medical conditions as well. Make sure that your physician is aware of any symptoms you are experiencing so he/she can work with you to determine the cause. Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information DoubleCheckMD.com provides is intended to help individuals to work with their medical professionals and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or healthcare advice and serves to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of a healthcare professional. In all cases individuals should consult with a physician before taking any action based on DoubleCheckMD feedback including, but not limited to ceasing taking any drug, changing diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The information provided by DoubleCheckMD.com is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective.