Acute Sinusitis: From cold to sinus infection

Causes of acute sinusitis: Colds, allergies, and anatomical irregularities

Acute sinusitis is an outbreak of sinusitis symptoms lasting 7-10 days. Acute sinusitis can be triggered by a number of things:

• Bacterial acute sinusitis is usually triggered by a virus or cold. The sinuses and nasal drainage pathways become blocked due to congestion from the cold, leading to build-up of bacteria, a sinus infection and sinusitis.
• Allergies can also lead to an outbreak of acute sinusitis. The inflammation for the allergic reaction can lead to swelling and block sinus and nasal drainage, leading to infection and a sinusitis outbreak.
• Other triggers include environmental factors and anatomical irregularities.

Acute sinusitis symptoms

Acute sinusitis can lead to a broad range of symptoms - including sinus pain and pressure, discolored nasal drainage, bad breath, and more.

Remedies and treatments for acute sinusitis

The first line of treatment for acute sinusitis is medical management with antibiotics or decongestants. Some sufferers adopt a course of self-medication, utilizing a broad range of home remedies, such as a neti pot.

More direct treatment options may be appropriate for those who do not respond to medical management and whose symptoms persist for twelve or more weeks, or for those who suffer through repeat cycles of sinusitis annually.