Sinuses are air pockets or cavities in your forehead, cheeks and nose that are lined with a thin mucous membrane. Sinusitis is the infection and inflammation of the mucus membranes within the sinuses.
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Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is the infection and inflammation of the mucus membranes within the sinuses (spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose that are usually filled with air).
When your sinuses are affected by a bacterial infection, viral infection or allergies, they can become irritated, causing them to fill with fluid and become blocked. This results in uncomfortable swelling and pain across the face, as well as difficulty breathing through your nose.
At Welbeck, our experienced ENT specialists treat sinusitis within our dedicated Ear, Nose & Throat centre. With access to state-of-the-art technology, they provide accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment.
There are 2 types of sinusitis – acute and chronic.
Acute sinusitis causes severe but temporary symptoms which last no more than 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis causes the same symptoms, but they last for more than 12 weeks.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
nasal congestion
thick green-yellow nasal discharge
postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat (catarrh))
pressure and pain around your cheeks, eyes, forehead, and in your ears
decreased sense of smell
a cough
a high temperature
toothache
tiredness
The pain experienced with sinusitis is usually caused by a blockage of the sinus opening, which could be caused by infections, irritants, allergies, or a structural abnormality.
Adults can suffer from a cold or upper respiratory tract infection up to 3 times a year, with children getting them more regularly. Following a cold, when mucus turns yellow or green as opposed to clear, it's a sign of a bacterial infection, which, in addition to a viral infection, can cause swelling of the lining of the nose and thickening of the normal mucus. Sinus infection may occur as a result of this, as it inhibits proper sinus drainage.
Swelling of the lining of the nose can also be caused by irritants like air pollution, smoke and chemicals (some sprays containing pesticides, for example), disinfectants, and household detergents. Again, this can impair sinus drainage by narrowing or blocking the opening to the sinuses and, in turn, causes infection.
Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose, as common symptoms of an allergic reaction include nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes. Chronic sinusitis is sometimes associated with asthma, and allergies are responsible for asthma in some patients. The nasal stuffiness experienced with allergies makes asthma more difficult to control.
Narrowing of the nasal cavity can sometimes be caused by structural problems as a result of trauma, or it can develop when growing. If the narrowing is severe, then it causes a blockage with mucus building up behind it, leading to infection.
At Welbeck, our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can make a diagnosis of sinusitis by performing a physical examination, taking a medical history, and examining your nasal lining and sinus openings with a nasal endoscopy.
This simple diagnostic procedure involves inserting a small tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) into your nose. Images will appear on a screen where your consultant will be able to see your sinuses and identify any inflammation and infection. In addition, a cone beam CT scan can reveal inflammation or blockages within the sinus cavities and could be another way that sinusitis is discovered.
If you're affected by postnasal drip, your throat may be checked. Similarly, your ears can be checked in case there is congestion or fluid accumulation.
To confirm whether or not your sinusitis is caused by allergens, allergy testing will also often be performed. This can either be via a skin prick test — where small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin and any sensitivities or reactions are analysed — or an allergen-specific blood test, where a sample is analysed for allergen-specific antibodies.
While it isn’t always possible to prevent sinusitis completely, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent flare-ups:
wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses
manage allergies effectively with antihistamines or nasal sprays (as recommended by your doctor)
avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants
use a humidifier at home if your air is dry
stay hydrated to help thin mucus
avoid overusing nasal decongestant sprays (use for no more than 5 to 7 days)
consider saline nasal rinses to keep your nasal passages clear
If you’re prone to sinusitis, seeing a specialist early can help identify underlying issues such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum that may make infections more likely.
Most people recover from sinusitis without problems. However, if left untreated or if it becomes chronic, sinusitis can occasionally cause complications. These include:
chronic sinus infections that last for months or keep returning
spread of infection to nearby areas such as the eyes or bones (rare)
reduced sense of smell or taste
sleep problems due to constant congestion
asthma flare-ups in people who have both conditions
Serious complications are rare, but if you develop swelling around your eyes, a severe headache, a high fever, or vision problems, seek medical help immediately.
Acute sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and medication to reduce swelling in the lining of the nose, such as decongestants.
Chronic sinusitis may need longer-term treatment such as antibiotics, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays. Antihistamines may be useful for patients with an allergy.
Most cases of sinusitis will be managed effectively with medications, but in those that are not, surgery may be considered. Several surgical options are available, including endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Most surgical options are minimally invasive so do not require making cuts to the skin surrounding the nose.
At Welbeck, we also offer an innovative treatment called ClariFix. ClariFix permanently reduces symptoms of chronic rhinitis with cryotherapy and is advised if other lines of treatment haven’t worked.
We perform ClariFix as an outpatient procedure. It involves placing a small amount of liquid nitrogen into the back of your nose. The treatment takes around half an hour, and you can return to regular activities right away.
Your consultant will discuss which treatment option is most appropriate based on the severity of your symptoms.
At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
If you'd like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Acute sinusitis often improves within 2 to 3 weeks, even without antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer and may need specialist treatment to prevent flare-ups.
If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, worsen after improving, or you experience severe pain, swelling around your eyes, or a high temperature, you should book an appointment with an ENT specialist.
A cold usually clears up within a week and is caused by a virus. Sinusitis lasts longer and often causes facial pain, pressure, and thicker nasal discharge.
Yes. Chronic sinusitis or untreated allergies can cause recurring symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause, such as nasal polyps or structural issues, greatly reduces the risk of recurrence.
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