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Typical Symptoms
of Sinusitis

Acute Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis (also called "rhinosinusitis") is an inflammation of the sinus membranes that can be infectious (caused by a virus or bacteria) or non-infectious (often caused by allergies).

Sinusitis may either be acute or chronic.

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses caused by bacteria. It is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. Learn more.

Chronic sinusitis is defined as sinusitis that persists for at least 12 weeks. Learn more.

Sinusitis occurs most often in the maxillary sinus area. Symptoms include facial pain, which is sometimes aggravated when stooping. There may also be purulent nasal discharge or altered facial sensations. Headache can be associated with sinusitis. Complications are rare.

Sinusitis involving the frontal sinus regions will present symptoms which may include pain and tenderness over the frontal sinus, fever, and purulent discharge. Sometimes the maxillary sinuses become involved as well. Complications may include life-threatening infections such as cranial osteomyelitis or brain abscess; however, these complications are very rare.

Sinusitis in the ethmoid sinus area may lead to complications of the eye such as edema or cellulites of the eyelid and orbital cellulitis. Sinusitis in the ethmoid sinuses may lead to meningitis.

Sphenoid sinusitis is somewhat rare; however, the relationship of the sphenoid sinus to other organs may lead to severe complications such as pituitary insufficiency; or meningitis.

Maxillary Bacterial Infection
Animation of the early stages of sinus infection in the maxillary sinus. 
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Version 2.0 This web page was first published on August 05, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006.
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