Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Acute and chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the air-filled cavities around the nose; it is called acute when it lasts a short time and chronic when it drags on or recurs frequently.

Common symptoms: It usually includes nasal congestion, discharge, pressure or pain in the face, a reduced sense of smell and, at times, headache.

Common causes: It frequently follows a cold, allergies, or infectious processes that hinder drainage of the sinuses.

Which specialist treats it? The family physician or general practitioner usually guides the first visit, and the infectious disease specialist may step in for selected cases. If the symptoms drag on or come back time and again, having it evaluated by a professional helps understand the origin.