Acute sinusitis causes the cavities found around the nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen which interferes with the drainage and cause the build-up of mucus.
There is difficulty in breathing through the nose, the areas found around the eyes and face is swelling along with throbbing facial pain and a headache. Acute sinusitis can also be caused by common cold, allergies, fungal and bacterial infections.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis

- Nasal obstruction or congestion that will cause difficulty in breathing through the nose.
- Thick, yellow or greenish discharge coming from the nose or down at the back of the throat.
- There is a reduced sense of taste and smell
- A cough that attacks during night time
- There is tenderness, pain, pressure and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and the forehead.
- Fatigue and fever
- An aching sensation in the upper jaw and teeth as well as bad breath
- Headache and ear pain
Causes
- An acute sinusitis can be caused by a viral infection like common cold.
- When the upper respiratory tract infection last longer than 7-10 days, it can be caused by a bacterial infection.
- If the individual has sinus abnormalities or an immune system that is weakened, it can be caused by fungal infections.
Some health conditions that can cause acute sinusitis infections include the following:
- Some allergies such as hay fever which is an inflammation that happens with allergies that causes the blockage of the sinuses.
- Tumors or nasal polyps are tissue growths that causes blockage of the nasal passages or sinuses.
- A deviated nasal septum which is a crooked septum causes restriction or blockage of the sinus passages.
- Acute sinusitis can also be caused by tooth infections.
- GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that can cause blockage of the sinuses or make the individual susceptible to infection.
Treatment and home remedies
- Drink plenty of fluids such as juice or water to help dilute secretions of mucus and promote drainage. The individual should avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine since they can cause dehydration and alcohol can worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
- The individual should get plenty of rest to help fight infection and as well as promote faster recovery.
- Drape a towel over the forehead as the person breathes in the vapor of the hot water from a bowl, just make sure to keep the vapor toward the face. The individual can also breathe in warm and moist air when taking a hot shower bath to help minimize pain and promote mucus drainage.
- Apply warm compresses on the face, nose, cheek, and eyes to minimize facial pains. If you want to learn more about these treatment options, click here.
- Clean the nasal passages by using a specially designed squeeze bottle or sinus rinse to clean the nasal passages.
- When sleeping, the head should be elevated to help with the drainage of the sinuses and minimize the congestion.
Prevention of acute sinusitis
- Avoid upper respiratory infection such as colds. Wash the hands with soap and water before eating a meal.
- Treat allergy infections
- Avoiding inhaling cigarette smoke and polluted air
- Install a humidifier at home to add moisture in the air in order to prevent sinusitis.