Sinusitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is often caused by a viral respiratory infection that leads to a bacterial infection. The point at which the common cold ends and a sinus infection begins is not always easy to determine.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms
- pressure in the area of the affected sinus;
- nasal congestion;
- postnasal drip;
- cough;
- sore throat and thick nasal drainage.
- worsening symptoms after 5 to 7 days.
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
Chronic sinusitis, which is often not associated with an infection, may cause recurrent or continuing symptoms that do not respond to treatment. These symptoms are more subtle and generally do not include fever. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis may vary greatly and last for months or years if untreated.
This information has been approved by Todd Kingdom, MD (July 2006).
