Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses — four paired air-filled cavities in your skull (frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid) that are lined with mucus-producing membrane. When these cavities become blocked and fill with fluid, bacteria, viruses, or fungi can grow and cause infection, leading to the characteristic pressure, congestion, and pain.
Located above the eyebrows. When infected, cause forehead pressure and headache above the eyes.
Largest sinuses, in the cheekbones. Most commonly affected; cause cheek pressure and toothache.
Between the eyes. Inflammation causes pain at the bridge of the nose and inner corners of the eyes.
Deepest sinuses, behind the nose. Cause pain at the top of the head and behind the eyes.
Most common form; typically follows a cold. Facial pressure, congestion, and colored discharge. Usually resolves with treatment.
Incomplete resolution of acute sinusitis. Persistent symptoms that linger beyond the expected recovery window.
Long-standing inflammation with ongoing symptoms. Often requires comprehensive evaluation including nasal endoscopy or CT scan.
Multiple acute episodes per year with complete resolution between attacks. May indicate anatomical issues or immune deficiency.
Seek urgent care if you have a severe headache, stiff neck, high fever, swelling around the eyes, or visual changes. These may indicate rare but serious complications such as orbital cellulitis or meningitis.
Identifying the cause determines the appropriate treatment — viral sinusitis does NOT require antibiotics, while bacterial cases do.
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