Is it More Than Just a Cold or Allergy?

Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn't go away? If so, there's a good chance you actually had sinusitis. Experts estimate that 35 million people develop sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in America. That number may be significantly higher, since the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis often mimic those of colds or allergies, and many sufferers never see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic.

What is sinusitis?

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It is usually preceded by a cold or allergy attack.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. When you have a cold or an allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection.

Diagnosis of acute sinusitis usually is based on a physical examination and a discussion with you about your symptoms. Your doctor also may use x-rays of your sinuses or obtain a sample of your nasal discharge to test for bacteria.

When Acute Becomes Chronic Sinusitis

When you have frequent sinusitis, or the infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be less severe than those of acute; however, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes requires surgery to repair.

Is it Sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis are often difficult to distinguish from colds or allergies, so many people don't think it's necessary to see their doctor. Instead, they try to treat themselves with over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and antihistamines. However, unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician's diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to prevent future complications.

If you suspect you have sinusitis, take a few minutes to review the signs and symptoms of sinusitis and take our interactive sinusitis quiz.

Because the symptoms of sinusitis sometimes mimic those of colds and allergies, you may not realize you need to see a doctor. The chart (below) will help you tell the difference and allow you to identify sinusitis symptoms more easily.

Treating Sinusitis

Proper therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include an appropriate antibiotic. If you have three or more symptoms of sinusitis, be sure to see your doctor for diagnosis and a prescription. Remember to follow the doctor's instructions and finish the entire prescription.

In addition to an antibiotic, an oral and/or nasal spray or drop decongestant may be recommend to relieve congestion, although you should avoid prolonged use of nasal sprays or drops. Inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays or drops can help relieve sinus discomfort.

If your doctor thinks you have chronic sinusitis, intensive antibiotic therapy may be prescribed. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove physical obstructions that may contribute to sinusitis.

Preventing Sinusitis

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:

• Using an oral or nasal spray decongestant (avoid prolonged use of nasal sprays).
• Gently blowing your nose, blocking one nostril while blowing through the other.
• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin.
• Avoiding air travel. If you must fly, use a nasal spray decongestant before take-off to prevent blockage of the sinuses so mucus can drain.
• Using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines to control allergy attacks. Also, if you have allergies, you should try to avoid contact with those things that trigger attacks. Shots are also available that increase your tolerance of allergy-causing substances.

A Word About Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance means that some infection-causing bacteria are immune to the effects of certain antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Over time, bacteria can evolve and become stronger, creating what many researches call "superbugs." These new strains of bacteria may cause difficult-to-treat infections. Antibiotic resistance is making even common infections, such as sinusitis, challenging to treat.

Older antibiotics that fight only one kind of bacteria may not kill these superbugs and could be less effective in treating sinusitis. In fact, streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium that causes sinusitis most often, has shown increasing resistance to both older and newer antibiotics. Ask your doctor if the antibiotic he or she prescribes is likely to have resistance problems.

You can help prevent antibiotic resistance. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it is important that you take all of the medication, even if your symptoms are gone before the medicine runs out. You should also make certain to follow your doctor's instructions regarding how many pills you should take each day, and at what time of day. Your medicine bottle should have full instructions.

Distribution of this information was made possible by an educational grant from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical.