Acute Sinusitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Cost, and Doctor

Sinus issues are more prevalent than you would imagine, and of these, acute sinusitis infects millions of individuals annually. From headaches in the face to congestion in the nose to headaches and exhaustion, the symptoms can be anywhere from bothersome to distracting. While most people brush it off as a chronic cold, if left untreated, acute sinusitis can evolve into chronic situations or even become complications that need to be addressed by medical professionals.

This blog takes you through all you'd like to know about acute sinusitis—its symptoms, causes, treatment, cost, and when to see a specialist in the best hospital.

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What Is Acute Sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis, or acute rhinosinusitis, is infection or inflammation of the sinuses—the air spaces within the skull. The sinuses are the frontal (forehead), maxillary (cheekbones), ethmoid (between the eyes), and sphenoid (behind the eyes) sinuses.

This illness usually persists for less than four weeks, and with proper treatment, heals with no permanent damage. But if neglected or mistaken for a cold, it can cause delay in healing and chronic sinusitis.

How Sinuses Normally Work

Your sinuses contain mucous membranes that secrete mucus to filter out dust, bacteria, and allergens. Small hair-like projections (cilia) assist in pushing the mucus from the sinuses into the nose. When the openings of the sinuses become blocked—by infection, allergy, or bony deformity—the mucus is trapped, causing pressure, pain, and infection.

Major Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis

Early diagnosis of the acute sinusitis signs is required for effective treatment. Among the most frequently occurring symptoms, the following are some of them:
 

• Facial pressure or pain: Primarily in the cheeks, forehead, and eyes
• Stuffy nose or nasal blockage: Inability to breathe through the nose
• Thick nasal discharge: Yellow or green mucus from the nose or down the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Pressure or headache: Frequently aggravated when bending forward or on lying down
• Cough: particularly at night from post-nasal drip
• Loss of taste or smell
• Jaw pain or toothache (in a few cases)
• Fever or chills (more likely in bacterial infection)
• Weakness and crankiness

Causes of Acute Sinusitis

It is helpful in prevention and management if the cause of sinus infection is known. The most frequent causes are:
 

1. Viral Infections

Most common reason of acute sinusitis is an infection in the upper respiratory tract (such as a cold), which congests and irritates the mucous lining and causes the sinuses to clog up.
 

2. Infections Caused by Bacteria

If sinus infection fails to clear in 10 days, it would probably be due to bacterial infection. It is a more serious situation and requires being treated with antibiotics.
 

3. Allergies

Dust or seasonal allergy individuals frequently have inflamed sinuses and are prone to getting infected.
 

4. Structural Abnormalities

A deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or constricted sinus drainage channels may clog mucus flow and lead to infection.
 

5. Environmental Causes

Smoke, pollution, dry air, or chemical vapors may be irritating to the sinuses and nasal passages.

How Is Acute Sinusitis Diagnosed?

Correct diagnosis will give precise treatment. If symptoms do not disappear over 7–10 days or worsen after temporary improvement, you should consult a specialist in the best nearby hospital for assessment.
 

Diagnostic tests may include:
 

• Physical Exam: To examine for facial tenderness, nasal discharge, and swelling
• Nasal Endoscopy: Thin flexible tube is placed in the nose to look inside the sinuses
• CT Scan: Offers clear images of sinus cavities and illustrates blockage or inflammation
• Allergy Test: If chronic allergy is suspected
• Culture Tests: Rarely needed but useful with recurrent or complicated infection

Treatment Alternatives for Acute Sinusitis

Treatment varies depending on the etiology (viral, bacterial, or allergic) and severity of symptoms.
 

1. Medications

• Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for alleviating facial pain and fever
• Decongestants: Decongest nasal passages and dilate airway (short term only)
• Saline Nasal Spray: Moisturizes nasal passages and facilitates drainage of mucus
• Antibiotics: Only when bacterial infection—generally if symptom duration is greater than 10 days
• Steroid Nasal Sprays: Decrease swelling, particularly in allergic sinusitis
• Antihistamines: Beneficial for those with seasonal allergies

2. Home Care Remedies

• Steam inhalation to ease congestion
• Warm compresses on the face for sinus pressure relief
• Hydration to thin the mucus
• Rest and proper sleep to support recovery
   

3. Surgical Intervention

If acute sinusitis occurs frequently or becomes chronic, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) might be necessary. The ENT department at the best hospital in Noida can perform minimally invasive procedures to open blocked sinuses and promote natural drainage.

Cost of Acute Sinusitis Treatment in India

The treatment cost in Noida can vary based on consultation, diagnostics, medication, and whether surgical intervention is needed.
Service.

Note: Prices will be different based on the city, facility requirements, and your medical needs. For clear pricing, go to the best-rated hospital in your location.

Which Doctor Do You Visit for Acute Sinusitis?

A right specialist to see in case of acute sinusitis is an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor. They are trained to diagnose and treat nasal passage and sinus conditions, either medically or via surgery.
 

If your symptoms don't go away or aren't improving with medication, have an appointment at the best hospital for ENT treatment in Noida for more extensive testing.
 

Need Sinus Pain Relief? Make an appointment with our top-rated top ENT specialist at the top-rated hospital closest to you today!

Conclusion

Acute sinusitis, though often mistaken as a cold or an allergy attack, can significantly affect your comfort, breathing, and everyday performance. When the facial pain, nasal congestion, or thick discharge do not subside or even intensify, take it seriously. Prompt medical attention ensures faster recovery, avoids complications, and enables identification of the root cause such as infections, nasal obstructions, or allergic reactions.

If the symptoms do not get better within a week or continue to recur again and again, consult an ENT specialist at the top hospital for immediate checkup and treatment. From medication and nasal sprays to radiologic examinations and minor surgery, there are solutions that work. Taking action early not only provides relief but also avoids chronic sinus disorders, allowing you to breathe freely and live in good health.

FAQs on Acute Sinusitis

1. Will acute sinusitis left untreated bring permanent damage?
Ans- Yes, acute sinusitis left untreated would result in complications like chronic sinusitis, orbital cellulitis (infection of the eye socket) or even a rare instance like meningitis if the infection spreads beyond the sinuses. Early diagnosis and treatment at the premier hospital avoid such a risk.
 

2. How can I be sure that I have acute sinusitis or a cold?
Ans- While they can both have a runny nose or stuffiness, acute sinusitis classically involves facial pressure, yellow or green thick nasal discharge, and more than 10 days of ill-defined worsening. Diagnosis will be confirmed on medical evaluation.
 

3. Must antibiotics always be used for treatment of acute sinusitis?
Ans- No. The majority of acute sinusitis is viral and resolves spontaneously in 7–10 days. Antibiotics are only indicated with suspected bacterial infection—usually when the symptoms don't resolve or worsen beyond the first week.
 

4. Can weather changes or air pollution cause acute sinusitis?
Ans- Yes, sudden weather changes, cold air, and high pollution levels can irritate your nasal passages, triggering inflammation and increasing the likelihood of sinus infections, especially in people with allergies or asthma.
 

5. Is it safe to travel by air during an acute sinus infection?
Ans- Air travel raises sinus pressure due to the shift in cabin pressure and causes severe pain or discomfort in the ears. If you must fly, pretravel with a nasal decongestant and seek the opinion of your ENT specialist.
 

6. What lifestyle changes prevent recurrent sinus infections?
Ans- Avoiding allergens, humidifying during dry weather, drinking a lot of fluids, nasal irrigation with saline sprays, and staying away from smoke or filthy surroundings can minimize your chances of getting repeated infections very much.
 

7. How do I know when I will need surgery for acute sinusitis?
Ans- Surgery would be indicated if you are getting recurrent attacks (4+ annually), persistent symptoms that won't go away despite medication, or structural problems such as polyps or a deviated septum. An expert ENT surgeon at the top hospital can assess and suggest conservative options such as FESS.