Sinusitis is usually caused by upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, structural problems with the nose (e.g. curvature of the nasal bone) or growths in the nose, such as polyps. During infection, the flow of mucus in the sinuses is blocked and the pressure in the sinuses increases. This pressure and congestion can trigger inflammation and lead to sinusitis.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, yellow or green discharge from the nose and coughing. Symptoms such as loss of smell, bad breath, fatigue and fever may also be associated with sinusitis. Sinusitis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term).

Treatment of sinusitis usually depends on the cause. Sinusitis caused by viral infection can heal on its own and plenty of fluids, rest, nasal sprays and painkillers are recommended in this process. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics. In chronic sinusitis, surgical intervention or allergy treatment may also be applied for the underlying causes.

Yes, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of sinusitis. It is especially important to control allergies, keep the immune system strong against colds and avoid cigarette smoke. In addition, using nasal cleansing sprays and humidifiers to reduce nasal congestion can reduce the risk of sinusitis by keeping the sinuses open.