The sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the facial bones. There are four pairs: the maxillary sinuses (cheeks), the ethmoid sinuses (around the eyes), the frontal sinuses (forehead), and the sphenoid sinuses (at the base of the brain). The function of the sinuses is to enhance the quality of sound, making speech more resonant. They also help maintain pressure balance, regulate temperature, and humidify the air we breathe, serving as another defense against respiratory infections.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can result from several causes, with over 90% of cases caused by viral infections, and 5-10% due to bacterial infections. For individuals who experience frequent or chronic sinusitis, it may be related to conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, weakened immune systems, or smoking. Exposure to environments with dust, vehicle exhaust, chemicals, or pollutants can also contribute sinusitis. Additionally, having a deviated septum or nasal tumors can increase the risk of sinusitis.
Symptoms of Different Types of Sinusitis
• Acute Sinusitis : Patients with acute sinusitis experience symptoms similar to a common cold, including nasal congestion, runny nose, or post-nasal drip. There may also be a reduced sense of smell or pain/tightness around the areas affected by infection, particularly in the forehead, cheekbones, and around the eyes. If the symptoms persist for more than 10 days or worsen (e.g., severe headache, high fever, double vision, swelling around the eyes, nose, forehead, or cheeks), medical attention should be sought immediately. These symptoms may indicate serious complications, such as the risk of vision loss or brain-related issues like meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
• Chronic Sinusitis : Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks, and symptoms may occasionally flare up with acute episodes.

Treatment for Sinusitis
1.Symptomatic Treatment : For acute sinusitis, patients can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications such as fever reducers, pain relievers, steroid nasal sprays, and saline nasal irrigation. Symptoms typically improve within 2-4 weeks. However, if symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week without improvement, it is important to see a doctor.
2.Antibiotics : Since most sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not typically necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial sinusitis with severe symptoms, such as high fever, one-sided facial pain, or discolored nasal discharge—especially if there is significant one-sided mucus drainage or pus is found in the sinuses.
3.Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Full House FESS) : This surgery is performed to correct blockages in the sinus drainage pathways. The surgeon opens the four sinus cavities to restore proper drainage, allowing mucus and pus to be cleared. This helps reduce inflammation directly, improves air circulation within the sinuses, and allows nasal sprays to be more effective. It reduces reliance on oral medications and lowers the chances of recurrence. This option is most suitable for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.

How to Prevent Sinusitis
To prevent sinusitis, it's important to maintain good health by drinking enough water and getting plenty of rest. If you catch a cold, make sure to recover quickly. Keeping the nasal passages moist by inhaling steam or using saline nasal irrigation can help clear the sinuses. In daily life, avoid inhaling polluted air, exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, swimming in contaminated water, being caught in the rain, staying in unclean air-conditioned rooms, or remaining in cold, dry environments for prolonged periods. Also, keeping your oral health clean can reduce the risk of infections.
For individuals who have been treated for sinusitis in the past but experience frequent recurrences, surgery such as Full House FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) may be considered. Phyathai 2 Hospital has a team of specialized doctors with extensive experience who are ready to provide consultations and recommend the most suitable treatment options for each patient, helping them achieve a better quality of life without recurring symptoms.