What is acute sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis—also known as a sinus infection—is a condition that causes the nasal cavities to inflame and swell. This creates draining issues in the sinuses, which leads to buildup and possibly complete nasal obstruction. This condition is most often caused by the common cold, and generally is resolved within around 10 days or less. When the condition worsens or lasts longer, it may indicate chronic sinusitis.
What is acute sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold, but sometimes is triggered by other conditions, such as:
- Allergies / hay fever
- Immune system disorder
- Nasal passage deformity, such as deviated septum or nasal polyps
- Injury, such as a broken nose
What are acute sinusitis symptoms?
Symptoms of acute sinusitis often include:
- Nasal obstruction or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drainage
- Discharge that is thick, yellow or green
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or tenderness around eyes, cheeks, nose, or head
- Pressure when bending over
- Ear pain or pressure
- Coughing, especially at night
- Difficulty smelling
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Aching jaw
- Headache
What are the risk factors for acute sinusitis?
You may have a higher risk of getting acute sinusitis if you have any of the following conditions:
- Allergies / hay fever
- Common cold
- Immune system disorder
- Nasal abnormality
How is acute sinusitis diagnosed?
Acute sinusitis can be diagnosed my medical professionals with New York ENT by discussing your symptoms and medical history. Your ENT doctor will likely look inside your nose using an otoscope, or a small tool with a light and microscope, to determine sinusitis as the cause of your symptoms. Further methods that may be used to diagnose acute sinusitis include:
- Endoscopy (tool used to for better visual analysis of nasal passage)
- Allergy testing
- Lab testing of sinus cultures
How is acute sinusitis treated?
Common treatment options that may be recommended by New York ENT specialists include:
- Decongestants helps to dry out the nasal cavity.
- Saline spray rinses out the nasal cavity.
- Corticosteroid spray helps prevent and treat nasal inflammation.
- Pain relievers relieves tension and pressure pain associated with acute sinusitis.
Why Choose New York ENT
When you choose New York ENT, you place your care in the hands of a team dedicated to restoring your comfort, breathing, and quality of life. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Volpi, you receive a patient-centered approach that blends medical expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate understanding. You are not treated as just another case of sinusitis—you are provided with individualized attention designed to meet your unique needs and health goals.
At New York ENT, your care begins with a detailed consultation where your symptoms, health history, and sinus structure are evaluated carefully. Dr. Volpi uses advanced diagnostic tools such as nasal endoscopy and imaging when necessary, ensuring that your treatment plan is based on accurate findings rather than assumptions. You benefit from an approach that prioritizes comfort and efficiency, helping you find lasting relief without unnecessary procedures or delays.
FAQs
Acute sinusitis generally lasts less than four weeks. Most cases improve within seven to ten days, especially when caused by a viral infection. However, if symptoms persist beyond ten days or worsen after initially improving, you may be dealing with a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.
You should see a doctor if your sinus symptoms last longer than ten days, cause severe facial pain, include swelling around your eyes, or are accompanied by a high fever. These symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection or other underlying issue that requires professional care.
Acute sinusitis itself is not contagious, but the underlying viruses that often cause it—such as those responsible for the common cold—can easily spread from person to person. When these viruses are transmitted through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces, another person may develop a cold that can later lead to sinus inflammation. However, the sinus infection itself does not transfer between individuals. To minimize the risk of spreading viral infections, practice good hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact with others while you’re sick.
You can find relief from sinus pressure by using warm compresses on your face, inhaling steam, and rinsing your nasal passages with saline solutions. Staying hydrated and resting also support recovery. Over-the-counter decongestants or pain relievers can be used short-term for added comfort.
Acute sinusitis is short-term and often linked to colds or seasonal allergies, resolving in less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis, however, persists for twelve weeks or longer and may result from ongoing inflammation, nasal polyps, or structural issues requiring more extensive treatment.
Your upper teeth and jaw are located close to the maxillary sinuses. When those sinuses become inflamed or filled with pressure during a sinus infection, the discomfort often radiates into nearby areas, creating pain that feels similar to a dental problem.
Schedule your Acute Sinusitis Treatment in NYC
If you are suffering from acute sinusitis, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nasal conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule an appointment today.
