Sinusitis is the medical term for inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the sinuses. It's usually caused by infection. Sinusitis can be acute (going on less than four weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks) or chronic. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain diseases can also cause sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is usually precipitated by an earlier upper respiratory tract infection, generally of viral origin. Virally damaged surface tissues are then colonized by bacteria, most commonly haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are the same as acute sinusitis, but tend to be milder and last longer than 8 weeks. It affects 32 million people in the United States.

Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) for pain. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and inflammation. A cool-mist humidifier may soothe your sinuses. Warm compresses usually help with facial pain. Nasal corticosteroid sprays may be used to decrease swelling, especially if you have swollen structures (such as nasal polyps) or allergies. Antibiotics are used to cure the particular infection causing sinus inflammation. Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may also be necessary, especially in patients with recurrent episodes of inflammation despite medical treatment.

There are many prevents of complicated sinusitis. Get plenty of rest. Sip hot liquids and drink plenty of fluids. Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel. Don’t use a nose spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days. Get plenty of rest and fluids so that your body's immune system can work along with the antibiotics to fight the infection. Spray with nasal saline several times per day. Inhale steam 2 - 4 times per day. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day. Gently blowing your nose, blocking one nostril while blowing through the other. If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with things that trigger attacks.

Complicated Sinusitis Tratment and Prevention Tips

1. Avoiding air travel.

2. Avoid smoke and pollutants.

3. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin.

4. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in your nose and sinuses.

5. Drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture within your body.

6. Using an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant.

7. Gently blowing your nose, blocking one nostril while blowing through the other.

8. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after shaking hands with others.

9. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended for certain types of sinus disease.