Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses and is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Acute sinusitis often resolves on its own in less than 4 weeks, and chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 8 weeks and affects up to 12% of the population.

The main signs and symptoms of sinusitis include nasal blockage, congestion, discolored nasal discharge, facial tenderness or pain, reduced sense of smell, cough, fever, toothache, and bad breath. Viral sinusitis usually resolves in 7 to 10 days, whereas bacterial sinusitis may be indicated by severe symptoms that last more than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.

Sinusitis is diagnosed primarily through clinical presentation, and the major indicators include facial pain, nasal congestion, and discolored mucus, among others. Additional testing and imaging may be performed if a bacterial or fungal infection or a chronic condition is suspected.

Common medical treatments for sinusitis focus on symptom relief and include nasal irrigation, nasal sprays, oral decongestants, and topical steroid sprays for chronic and allergic cases. Antibiotics are used sparingly for bacterial sinusitis that does not improve with watchful waiting.

Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics may be beneficial for acute sinusitis, whereas others like umckaloabo, bromelain, and cod liver oil have limited evidence for symptom improvement. Additionally, combination herbal products studied in China and Taiwan show promise, but their effectiveness in other regions is uncertain.

Although specific dietary modifications for sinusitis have not been extensively studied, increasing the intake of polyphenol-rich foods like ginger and green tea may help reduce inflammation and mucus production. Additionally, following an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding refined sugars, processed foods, and milk may alleviate symptoms for some people.

Lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, stress management, hydration, good sleep, and avoiding environmental toxins may help prevent sinusitis. Additionally, acupressure and acupuncture can alleviate symptoms. Although nasal washes with saline, manuka honey, or Cyclamen europaeum have been studied, the latter 2 were not promising.

Acute sinusitis is primarily caused by the common cold virus, whereas bacterial sinusitis is often due to Haemophilus influenzae and other bacteria. Chronic sinusitis is typically aassociated with Staphylococcus aureus or multiple bacteria, and fungal sinusitis occurs mainly in immunocompromised individuals and is often caused by Aspergillus.