Sinus symptoms

what is sinusitis and and its symptoms. do I need antibiotics?
(20 Dec 2007)

(Only for registered users! Login OR Sign Up in just 30 seconds)

Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities. Sinuses are hollow air chambers present behind your eyebrows, cheeks and jaw. Normally these hollow chambers are open and sterile and don’t contain any bacteria or other organism.

It allows normal drainage of mucus and circulation of air. However in a bacterial, viral or fungal infection these sinuses become inflamed and blocked with mucus and thereby become infected. Some causes for sinusitis include change in air pressure or temperature, smoking, diving, swimming or excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays besides cold and bacterial or viral infection.

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include mucus discharge and nasal congestion, a cold that seems to get better but eventually gets worst, post nasal drip, sore throat, pressure or pain in the cavities of face (forehead, between the eyes and cheeks), facial tenderness, toothache, fever, cough, bad breath and fatigue. Take the medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor (complete the course even if you start feeling better). Besides apply moist heat on your face by holding a warm towel against your face. Take plenty of rest and increase your consumption of fluids especially sip hot liquid.

answered by Dr S on 8 Jan 2008, 12:08:52

Sinus symptoms

what is sinusitis and and its symptoms. do I need antibiotics? (20 Dec 2007)

what is sinusitis and and its symptoms. do I need antibiotics?
(20 Dec 2007)