Sinusitis
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Sinusitis: Condition overview
Unblock your nose

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating sinusitis. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with sinusitis
  • Sinuses are small pockets of air inside your skull. You have them in your cheek bones, behind and between your eyes, and in your forehead.
  • If you have sinusitis, it means that the lining of your sinuses is inflamed.
  • Sinusitis is usually caused by an allergic reaction or an infection in your sinuses.
  • You often get sinusitis after you've had a cold or the flu.
  • Hay fever and other allergies can also cause sinusitis.
  • After you get sinusitis once, you may keep getting it again in the future.
Symptoms of sinusitis include: a high temperature, pain in your forehead, upper jaw, teeth, cheeks, or around your eyes. Your doctor will usually be able to tell if you have sinusitis by your symptoms, although it's difficult for doctors to tell if sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus. Sinusitis can be very painful but it usually clears up on its own. If your symptoms don't go away there are treatments that can help.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for sinusitis is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.
This information was last updated in

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.