Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Description

Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The sinuses are cavities in the facial portion of the skull, and lined by mucosa. Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of these sinuses. It develops most frequently in the maxillary sinuses (under the eyes) and the ethmoid sinuses. In more serious infections the infection can involve the bone (osteomyelitis). Rarely the infection can extend into the brain and be life threatening.

Symptoms

Pain in the face, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, toothache, facial tenderness, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, postnasal drip.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. At times a CT scan or MRI will be done.

Treatment

Sinus infections caused by viruses do not require antibiotics but are treated with: acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), and decongestants. Bacterial sinusitis will be treated with antibiotics including: amoxicillin (Amoxil), cefaclor (Ceclor), levofloxacin (Levaquin), loracarbef (Lorabid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), azithromycin (Zithromax), or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra).

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