As cold and flu season approaches, sinus experts say patients need to be aware of the symptoms of acute sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis is usually brought on by the common cold. It causes the sinuses to become inflamed and swollen, according to Mayo Clinic. Such inflammation can disrupt drainage and lead to mucus buildup. Patients experiencing acute sinusitis suffer from difficulty breathing through the nose, the feeling that the eyes and face are swollen, as well as headaches.
Other symptoms of acute sinusitis include ear pressure, altered sense of smell, cough, bad breath, fatigue, fever and even tooth pain.
Such symptoms of acute sinusitis can be uncomfortable, but they are generally temporary. Most cases are resolved within seven to ten days, unless a bacterial infection develops. Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks would be considered a chronic case.Â
“A study by the National Institutes of Health showed that over a one-year period, there were up to 73 million restricted-activity days related to sinusitis and total direct medical costs of almost $2.4 billion, not including surgery or radiographic imaging,” Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told Grand Canyon Times. “Unresolved sinusitis becomes a quality-of-life issue, taking people away from their jobs, family, friends and obligations.”
Chronic sinusitis can affect many different facets of a person’s life, and it could be well worth the time and effort to see a doctor about the problem and discuss treatment options.
“Treating sinusitis can have significant financial impact over time when multiple over-the-counter medications, antibiotics and steroids are having to be purchased to manage,” Ruiloba added. “Multiple medical visits to get symptoms managed can lead to significant cost. Sinusitis flareups are leading to you having to take days off from work or school, and this can be substantial over time.”
Patients are invited to take a sinus quiz to determine if they are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis.
