When does Sinusitis become Acute?
Sinusitis is a pain…but it’s also expensive. Each year in the U.S., it costs us about $5.7 billion. Knowing what types of sinus infections there are can be the first step in finding accurate treatment. Here are the two main types:
- Acute sinusitis. Think of acute sinusitis as the situational kind. It lasts up to four weeks, but not longer. Typically, it stems from a common cold that lingers, allergies that flare up and won’t go away, or certain physical health factors that make people more prone to sinus trouble.
- Chronic sinusitis. This kind is more stubborn. Chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks. Asthma and ongoing allergies can be to blame, along with certain pre-existing conditions that make nasal passages regularly inflamed.
Both types of sinus infections have similar symptoms, such as:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Facial pressure or pain
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness when moving around or bending down
- Headache
- Bad breath
With either type of infection, you’ll want to talk with a sinus doctor to help customize your treatment and pinpoint any possible underlying conditions, such as undiagnosed allergies.
For acute sinusitis, doctors will often recommend some combination of the following:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Expectorants, to reduce mucus buildup
- Nasal steroids
- Antibiotics
Day-to-day treatment for chronic sinusitis is the same, but the longer-term treatment plan is different. Why? With chronic sinusitis, there may be ongoing health factors (such as a structural abnormality in the nose) that contribute to the continued sinus infections. Allergy treatments, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, sinus surgery may be considered.
If sinusitis is bringing you down, give us a call. Our NYC sinus doctors will help you get to the root of your sinus infections and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acute sinusitis is a short-term sinus infection lasting up to four weeks, often caused by a lingering cold, allergies, or physical health factors. Chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks and is often linked to ongoing allergies, asthma, or structural abnormalities in the nasal passages that cause persistent inflammation.
Both acute and chronic sinusitis share similar symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, facial pressure or pain, nasal discharge, stuffy nose, dizziness when moving or bending down, headaches, and bad breath. These symptoms can help in identifying the presence of a sinus infection.
Doctors often recommend a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers, expectorants to reduce mucus buildup, nasal steroids, and sometimes antibiotics to treat acute sinusitis. Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the infection over a few weeks.
Chronic sinusitis treatment may involve allergy treatments, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, sinus surgery. Because chronic sinusitis is often due to ongoing factors like nasal structural issues or long-term inflammation, a more comprehensive and sustained treatment plan is needed.
You should consult a sinus doctor if you experience persistent or severe sinusitis symptoms, especially if they last beyond four weeks or recur frequently. A specialist can help diagnose underlying causes such as allergies or structural problems and customize an effective treatment plan for you.
Yes, allergies are a common factor that can trigger both acute and chronic sinusitis by causing nasal inflammation and congestion that leads to sinus infections. Identifying and managing allergies is often a key part of sinusitis treatment.
Sinusitis causes inflammation and pressure buildup in the sinus cavities, which can affect your balance and inner ear function. This pressure can lead to feelings of dizziness, particularly when you move your head quickly or bend down.