Infections and Sinusitis
If you have an infection, such as sinusitis, which often follows a cold or flu, the symptoms usually clear up after 2-3 weeks, but you might need medicine to help speed up the process if it’s taking a long time.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes and forehead.
- A blocked nose.
- A reduced sense of smell.
- Green or yellow mucus coming from the nose.
- A ‘sinus’ headache.
- High temperature.
- Toothache.
- Bad breath.
If the infection is bacterial, you might be prescribed antibiotics, however Sinusitis is normally a viral infection. Otherwise a steroid nasal spray (or drops) can help to reduce swelling, though long term use can cause irritation, sore throats and nosebleeds. If the problem is caused by an allergy, antihistamines can be effective.
If the sinusitis or infection hasn’t resolved after 3 months of treatment, if it’s recurring or only affects one side of your face, you may need to be referred to an ENT specialist. In extreme cases, sinusitis can be treated with surgery which removes blocked tissue and may inflate a tiny balloon in the blocked sinuses to open then up.before removing the balloon.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis happens when something you’re allergic to irritates your nose. The most common trigger is pollen and it causes sneezing and a host of other symptoms. Symptoms normally start shortly after exposure and can generally be treated easily with over the counter medication.
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing.
- Itchy nose.
- Runny or blocked nose.
- Itchy, red and watery eyes.
- A cough.
- An itchy roof of your mouth.