First things first. Sinuses you must know are normal structures. They are air pockets in the bones of you face and skull. They reduce the weight of your head and somewhat acts like shock absorbers in case of trauma, protecting the brain and other important structures in the head. There are 4 pairs of sinuses and they produce mucus.

Sinusitis on the other hand is the inflammation of the mucosa lining the sinuses. Commonly caused by viruses (far more common than bacteria) or bacteria, fungi and other causes of inflammation. Sinusitis can be acute (of short duration), subacute, or chronic(longstanding).

Sinusitis may result in a blocked stuffy nose, nasal discharge, facial pain and pressure sensation along with disturbance in smell and taste sensation. It may lead to general fatigue and malaise. Acute sinusitis, commonly viral will pass in a few days and symptoms subside. Incase it increases after initial 2 – 3 days, possibly bacterial sinusitis has set in, and it maybe time to visit an ENT doctor. Nose and sinus problems persisting for a long time can also lead to ill health and needs treatment.

Some home remedies can be tried in acute sinusitis or common old. These include anti-cold medicines, nasal decongestant, steam inhalation, nasal saline wash etc. Often with or without treatment, you may feel better in 5 to 7 days. Do not rush to consume antibiotics, as it is mostly viral and remember antibiotics do not destroy viruses.

More serious illness or chronic ones need to be seen by us. Often nasal endoscopy and C.T Scan is required to get a complete picture of the disease. Treatment may involve medicines, nasal sprays and sometimes endoscopic surgeries which are done through the nasal passages.