Sinusitis is one of the most common reasons people visit an ENT doctor, especially with seasonal changes and the spread of allergies in Jordan. It is often confused with a common cold, delaying proper treatment. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team offers this complete guide to understanding and treating it.
What Is Sinusitis?
The sinuses are air cavities within the facial bones around the nose and eyes, lined with mucous membrane. When inflamed or blocked, mucus accumulates and does not drain normally, providing a setting for infection and causing bothersome symptoms. It is acute (resolving in weeks) or chronic (lasting 12 weeks or more).
Causes
- Viral infection like colds (the most common).
- Bacterial infection that may follow a viral one.
- Nasal allergies and triggers like dust and pollen.
- Deviated septum or nasal polyps.
- Weak immunity, smoking, and polluted air.
Symptoms
- Nasal congestion and blockage.
- Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green) or post-nasal drip.
- Facial pain and pressure (around eyes, cheeks, forehead) worse when bending.
- Headache and upper-tooth pain.
- Reduced or lost sense of smell.
- Cough especially at night, and bad breath.
- General fatigue and sometimes fever in acute cases.
Sinusitis vs. a Cold
A cold is viral and improves in 7–10 days, while sinusitis can last longer and may worsen after initial improvement, with clear facial pain and pressure. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days or worsening suggest sinusitis.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Clinical exam and nasal endoscopy.
- Sinus CT scan in chronic or recurrent cases.
- Allergy testing when an allergic cause is suspected.
Treatment
- Saline nasal rinses: very effective at clearing mucus and easing congestion.
- Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, especially in allergic and chronic cases.
- Decongestants for short periods, and pain relievers.
- Antibiotics only when bacterial infection is confirmed — not for every case.
- Endoscopic surgery for resistant chronic cases, polyps, or a deviated septum.
Medical tip: do not reach for antibiotics with every nasal congestion; most sinusitis is viral and does not respond to them. Saline rinses, steam, and rest are often enough, with antibiotics prescribed carefully only when needed.
Prevention
- Treat nasal allergies and avoid triggers.
- Keep the nose moist with saline, especially in dry air.
- Quit smoking and avoid smoke.
- Wash hands to prevent colds.
When to See a Doctor
See an ENT doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days or recur, or with severe facial pain. Seek urgent care for swelling and redness around the eye, or severe headache with blurred vision or high fever — possible rare serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sinusitis contagious?
The causative viral infection can spread, but sinusitis itself (especially allergic and chronic) is not contagious.
Does surgery cure it permanently?
Surgery improves drainage and ventilation and greatly eases symptoms, but prevention and allergy control remain important to prevent recurrence.
To diagnose your condition and plan treatment, book with an ENT doctor on ClinicsJo.