What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses near the nose. Sinusitis usually occurs after a cold or after an allergic inflammation.

There are three types of sinusitis:

Acute Sinusitis - this type of infection occurs quickly and gets better with the appropriate treatment.

Subacute Sinusitis - this type of infection does not get better with treatment initially, and lasts less than three months.

Chronic Sinusitis - this type of infection happens with repeated acute infections or with previous infections that were inadequately treated. These symptoms last longer than three months.

What are sinuses?

The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, that are near the nasal passage.

There are four different types of sinuses:

Ethmoid sinus - located inside the face, around the area of the bridge of the nose. This sinus is present at birth, and continues to grow.

Maxillary sinus - located inside the face, around the area of the cheeks. This sinus is also present at birth, and continues to grow.

Frontal sinus - located inside the face, in the area of the forehead. This sinus does not develop until around seven years of age.

Sphenoid sinus - located deep in the face, behind the nose. This sinus does not develop until adolescence.

The inside of the sinuses is similar to the inside of the nose.