The sinuses are cavities in the skull that are lined with mucous membranes. Thought to help with warming and moistening inhaled air, they are often overlooked—until they become infected. Yearly, some 37 million Americans endure this painful condition, called sinusitis.

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Conditions that block the sinuses, such as allergies, colds, nasal polyps (small growths in the nose’s lining), and a deviated septum (crooked cartilage or bone in the nose), can all lead to sinusitis. This interferes with the drainage of mucus, which can result in facial pain, headache, greenish mucus, and congestion that lasts for more than a week.

In acute sinusitis, these symptoms are a brief problem that comes on after a cold and responds well to antibiotics and decongestants. With chronic sinusitis, however, the sinus infection comes back and can last for 3 months or longer. An underlying problem, such as nasal polyps or allergies, is frequently the culprit and must be treated in order to relieve symptoms. A doctor can prescribe allergy medication or, if polyps or a deviated septum is to blame, a surgical procedure. Nasal steroids that shrink swollen membranes may also be prescribed.

To help relieve symptoms, experts recommend elevating the head during sleep to allow the sinuses to drain. Rinsing out the sinuses with a bulb syringe, inhaling steam, and drinking plenty of fluids to dilute mucus can also help.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Americans spend nearly $6 million in health care costs due to sinusitis every year.
  2. Sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection tends to be more painful than that caused by a viral infection.
  3. Sinusitis is one of the most common causes of headaches.